Numerical Control Programmer 3

PDS Defense, Inc.; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct deposit

401(k)

Paid holidays

Short-term disability

DailyPay

Skills training

Employee referral bonus

Affordable medical coverage

Job summary

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a Numerical Control Programmer 3 for its Everett, WA facility. Lead NC programming, setup documentation, and machining strategies for complex multi-axis parts used in aerospace applications.

You will collaborate with planning, aerospace engineering, tooling, and shop-floor operators to turn engineered concepts into producible parts. Requires 5+ years of 5-axis NC programming, CATIA V5, Vericut, 2nd shift availability, and contractor eligibility.

Qualifications

• 5+ years NC programming experience for production machining.
• 5-axis NC programming experience 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.

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.

Skills

NC programming

5-axis programming

GD&T interpretation

CATIA V5 NC

Vericut

Setup documentation

2nd shift

Contractor eligibility

Education

AA degree

Tools

Vericut

Job description

Engineering

Numerical Control Programmer 3 Everett, WA Posted: 5/19/2026

Job Description

Job ID#: 218079

Job Category: Engineering

Position Type: Associate - W2

Duration: 26

Shift: 1

Positions Available: 10

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a Numerical Control Programmer 3, in Everett, WA. Job ID#218079

Pay Rate: $55 - $60/hr

Job Description

Join a high-performing fabrication team supporting aerospace structural production in Everett, 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 Boeing 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.

Education / Experience:

AA degree in related discipline and typically 3 or more years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

Job Requirements

Minimum Security Clearance: No Clearance

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled