Precision CNC Programmer for Prototyping & Short Runs

Society of Defense Financial Management; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobot is seeking a seasoned CNC programmer for prototype and low-volume production in San Diego. You will develop and optimize programs for mills and lathes driven by customer drawings and CAD models.

The role covers toolpath validation, setup documentation, and collaboration with engineers to improve cycle times and manufacturability. The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of CNC programming experience, strong CAD/CAM skills, and a solid grasp of GD&T and tooling strategies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; an associate degree, technical diploma, apprenticeship, or CNC programming certification is preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of CNC programming experience in precision manufacturing.
• Experience programming CNC mills and/or CNC lathes from drawings and 2D/3D CAD models.
• Strong CAD/CAM experience; exact software platform to be confirmed with the client.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize CNC programs for mills and/or lathes using customer drawings, CAD models, and manufacturing specifications.
• Create safe and efficient machining strategies for prototype, one-off, and low-volume components.
• Select cutting tools, feeds, speeds, workholding, and operation sequences based on geometry, material, tolerance, and machine capability.
• Generate, review, and validate toolpaths using the company’s designated CAD/CAM platform.
• Produce setup sheets, tooling lists, operation instructions, and other documentation needed by setup machinists.
• Review drawings and models for dimensions, tolerances, GD&T, material specifications, and potential manufacturability concerns.
• Perform program prove-outs and support first-article production at the machine.
• Troubleshoot dimensional, finish, tooling, collision-risk, and cycle-time issues.
• Revise programs and machining processes based on inspection results and operator feedback.
• Make or support manual G-code edits when necessary.
• Design or recommend fixtures, soft jaws, and custom workholding for complex components.
• Collaborate with machining, quality, engineering, and leadership personnel to prioritize jobs and resolve technical issues.
• Improve cycle times, tool life, setup efficiency, and overall process reliability without compromising quality.
• Maintain organized program revisions, setup documentation, tool libraries, and manufacturing records.
• Provide machining and design-for-manufacturability input during the quoting or preproduction process when requested.
• Assist and mentor setup machinists in program execution and machining best practices.

Skills

CNC programming

CNC milling

CNC lathe

CAD/CAM

GD&T

Drafting from CAD models

tooling selection

fixture design

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or CNC certification

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Job description

Jobot is seeking a seasoned CNC programmer for prototype and low-volume production in San Diego. You will develop and optimize programs for mills and lathes driven by customer drawings and CAD models.

The role covers toolpath validation, setup documentation, and collaboration with engineers to improve cycle times and manufacturability. The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of CNC programming experience, strong CAD/CAM skills, and a solid grasp of GD&T and tooling strategies.