Senior CNC Programmer - Tooling & CAM Specialist

Henderson Group; Oskaloosa (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Henderson Group in Iowa seeks an experienced CNC Programmer to join a precision-focused manufacturing team. The role supports foundry tooling production—from patterns and molds to components for injection molding—through programming, machine operation, and continuous learning.

The candidate will collaborate with engineering, read blueprints, and use Mastercam to generate G-code, while mentoring Tooling Center machinists and driving process improvements. Strong CAM experience is essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 5 years of advanced manufacturing experience required.
• 3 years of verifiable CAM programming experience required.
• Associate’s degree or certification in CNC machining, precision machining, or manufacturing technology preferred.
• 5+ years of advanced manufacturing experience with 3+ years CAM experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers and CAD technicians to improve tooling designs and manufacturing processes.
• Use Mastercam to generate G-code programs for CNC machining operations.
• Design work-holding fixtures or select appropriate purchased work-holding solutions.
• Build and maintain an accurate departmental tool library database.
• Select tooling and determine speeds and feeds to maximize efficiency and quality output.
• Interpret blueprints, CAD models, and technical drawings to support machining operations.
• Set up and calibrate CNC machines for production runs.
• Operate CNC machining equipment to produce precision components.
• Monitor machining processes to ensure compliance with specifications and quality standards.
• Perform in-process inspections using calipers, micrometers, and other measuring instruments.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-compliant work environment.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying process enhancements and new technology opportunities.
• Stay current with CAD/CAM, tooling, machining and work-holding advancements.
• Mentor Tooling Center machinists and team members.
• Provide training to improve team capability and process understanding.

Skills

CNC programming

Blueprint reading

CAD/CAM (Mastercam)

Problem solving

Materials knowledge

Math skills (trigonometry/geometry)

Multi-axis machining

SolidWorks CSWA

Foundry tooling knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s degree or CNC certification

Tools

Mastercam

CAD software

Job description

Henderson Group in Iowa seeks an experienced CNC Programmer to join a precision-focused manufacturing team. The role supports foundry tooling production—from patterns and molds to components for injection molding—through programming, machine operation, and continuous learning.

The candidate will collaborate with engineering, read blueprints, and use Mastercam to generate G-code, while mentoring Tooling Center machinists and driving process improvements. Strong CAM experience is essential.