Senior 5-Axis Machinist & On-Floor NPI Programmer

Swift Placement and Consulting; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaried compensation

Brand-new climate-controlled facility

Direct access to leadership

Job summary

Swift Placement and Consulting seeks a Senior Manufacturing Engineer in Birmingham, Alabama specializing in 5-axis machining for aerospace and defense. The role requires programming complex parts using Siemens NX, optimizing machining processes, and collaborating with teams on intricate projects. Candidates should have proven experience in high-complexity machining environments and be eligible for ITAR-regulated programs. Competitive salary and a new facility are offered as part of the employment package.

Qualifications

• Proven experience programming 5-axis CNC machining centers.
• Strong proficiency in Siemens NX with multi-axis capabilities.
• Experience supporting Siemens and/or Heidenhain controls.

Responsibilities

• Program complex 5-axis CNC parts using Siemens NX.
• Optimize toolpaths for Heller, Hermle, and Zayer platforms.
• Collaborate closely with machinists and engineering during prove-outs.

Skills

Programming 5-axis CNC machining centers

Strong proficiency in Siemens NX

Experience with Siemens and/or Heidenhain controls

Understanding of GD&T and material behavior

Project/program management

Job description

Senior Manufacturing Engineer - 5-Axis Machining

Siemens NX | Siemens One & Heidenhain TNC 7

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing Location: Birmingham, Alabama

Status: Full-time | Salaried | On-site

Smith & Company is an engineering-driven precision machining company supporting aerospace and defense programs. We program real 5-axis work—complex geometry, tight tolerances, challenging materials, and NPI heavy programs—on world-class equipment.

This is not a desk-only CAM role. You’ll be on the floor, at the machine, and in the details—owning the process from model to metal.

What You’ll Do

• Program complex 5-axis CNC parts using Siemens NX
• Develop and optimize toolpaths for Heller, Hermle, and Zayer platforms
• Support machines running Siemens One and Heidenhain TNC 7 controls
• Lead programming for NPI, first-run builds, and complex production work
• Collaborate closely with machinists, quality, and engineering during prove-outs
• Optimize cycle time, tool life, workholding, and process stability
• Create clean, production-ready programs, setup documentation, and standards
• Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement on the shop floor
  
  

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience programming 5-axis CNC machining centers
• Strong proficiency in Siemens NX (multi-axis, surfacing, complex toolpaths)
• Experience supporting Siemens and/or Heidenhain controls
• Background in aerospace, defense, or other high-complexity machining
• Strong understanding of GD&T, fixturing strategy, and material behavior
• Comfortable working directly with machines and operators
• Project / program management, including direct customer engagement U.S. Person eligible to work on ITAR-regulated programs
  
  

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Frequent standing and walking on the shop floor
• Frequent sitting while programming and reviewing models
• Reaching, including overhead, during machine support and setup reviews
• Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs (tooling, fixtures, components)
• Ability to work around large machines, moving equipment, and cranes
• Required to follow all shop safety procedures, PPE requirements, and safe-work practices
  
  

Safety Expectations

• Maintain a strong safety-first mindset when supporting machining operations
• Follow all company and regulatory safety procedures
• Identify and communicate potential safety or process risks
• Lead by example—safe setups, safe prove-outs, safe troubleshooting
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive salaried compensation aligned with experience
• Brand-new, climate-controlled facility with all new equipment
• Direct access to leadership—engineering has a real voice here
• Work on high-visibility aerospace & defense programs
• Long-term growth with a company scaling the right way Ready to program at the highest level?
  
  

If you want elite machines, complex parts, and a shop scaling fast without cutting corners— Smith & Company — Ready on Day One. Built to Win.

#ZR