Numerical Control Programmer 3

Spectraforce Technologies; Auburn (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectraforce Technologies seeks an experienced Numerical Control Programmer 3 to support aerospace manufacturing in Auburn, WA. This contractor role focuses on NC programming, setup documentation, and machining strategy for complex multi‑axis parts used on client airplanes.

You will collaborate with planning, aerospace engineering, tooling design, and shop-floor operators to ensure producible, high‑quality parts, leveraging Vericut to validate programs and reduce cycle times.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of NC programming experience for production machining.
• 5-axis CNC programming experience for aerospace parts (aluminum and hard metals).
• Proficient in reading engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing docs.
• Proficient in CATIA V5 NC programming.
• Proficient in NC simulation tools like Vericut.
• Ability to create clear setup documentation and operator instructions.
• Eligible for contract work (contractor).
• 2nd shift schedule eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Create, verify, and revise MCD, tooling geometry, and setup documentation for multi-axis CNC machines (primarily 5-axis).
• Develop NC programs from drawings and planning docs for aluminum and hard-metal parts.
• Develop multiple setups and operations to support producibility and tolerances.
• Produce clear setup sheets and operator instructions for safe machine operation.
• Use Vericut or similar tools to validate programs and prevent collisions.
• Troubleshoot and iterate programs from first-article inspections and shop-floor feedback.
• Coordinate with planning, manufacturing engineering, tooling design, and operators to optimize cycle times and reduce scrap.
• Lead design of custom fixtures and tooling and define machining strategies across operations (Level 4).
• Maintain program documentation and configuration control per requirements.

Skills

NC programming

5‑axis programming

GD&T interpretation

setup documentation

team collaboration

shift eligibility

contractor eligibility

Tools

CATIA V5 NC programming

Vericut

Job description

Numerical Control Programmer 3

Duration: 6 months. Location: Auburn, WA.

Join a high‑performing fabrication team supporting aerospace structural production in Auburn, WA. As a contractor Numerical Control Programmer (NCP) on our Machining/Tooling team, you'll drive the NC programming, setup documentation, and machining strategy for complex multi‑axis parts used on client commercial airplanes. You will collaborate closely with planning, aerospace engineering, tooling, and shop‑floor operators to turn engineered concepts into producible, high‑quality parts. This role is ideal for hands‑on programmers who enjoy solving machining challenges, optimizing workflows, and seeing their programs executed on the shop floor.

Primary Responsibilities

• Create, verify, and revise Machine Control Data (MCD), tooling geometry, and setup documentation for multi‑axis CNC machines (primarily 5‑axis).
• Interpret engineering drawings, planning documentation, and manufacturing requirements to develop robust NC programs for aluminum and hard‑metal parts.
• Develop multiple setups and operations for complex part geometries, ensuring fixturing, tooling, and machine selection support producibility and tolerances.
• Produce clear setup sheets and operator instructions that enable consistent and safe machine operation.
• Use simulation/verification tools (e.g., Vericut) to validate programs and eliminate collisions or gouges prior to shop‑floor execution.
• Troubleshoot and iterate programs based on first‑article inspections, in‑process feedback, and shop‑floor testing.
• Coordinate with planning, manufacturing engineering, tooling design, and machine operators to optimize cycle times, reduce scrap, and address manufacturability concerns.
• For Level 4: Lead the design of custom fixtures and complex tooling arrangements and define machining strategies across multiple operations and machines.
• Maintain program documentation, revisions, and configuration control per company/contract requirements.
• Work under general direction.

Required Skills

• 5+ years of NC programming experience for production machining or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience programming 5‑axis CNC machines for aerospace parts (aluminum and hard metals).
• Proficiency reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing documentation.
• Proficient in CATIA V5 NC programming.
• Proficient in NC simulation/verification tools such as Vericut.
• Ability to create clear setup documentation and operator instructions.
• Able to work 2nd shift schedule as specified.
• Contractor eligibility to work under the terms of the engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience creating custom fixtures and tooling for multi‑setup machining operations.
• Experience defining machining strategy and selecting appropriate machines and processes for part families.
• Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing processes, inspection practices, and first‑article requirements.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a track record of reducing cycle times or improving producibility.
• Effective communicator with experience collaborating across planning, engineering, and shop‑floor teams.
• Experience with additional CAM systems or post‑processors commonly used in aerospace environments.