5-Axis Cnc Milling Programmer (Supervisory) – East Rand

Jobs 4 All; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 680,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobs 4 All in East Rand is seeking a senior 5-Axis CNC Milling Programmer to lead and program complex parts. You will supervise and train a team while hands-on programming 4-axis and 5-axis machines from CAD/CAM models.

The role requires strong technical ability, analytical thinking, and exceptional communication to guide production and quality outcomes. Training on 5-axis programming is available for qualified leaders.

Qualifications

• Must have proven CNC programming experience on 4-axis mills; 5-axis exp is a plus.
• Experience with CAD/CAM for programming from drawings/3D models.
• Strong GD&T interpretation and engineering drawing literacy.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot machining and programming issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop, create, and optimise CNC programs for 4-axis and 5-axis milling machines.
• Generate machining programs directly from engineering drawings and 3D CAD models.
• Utilise CAD/CAM software such as Mastercam, Autodesk Inventor CAM, Siemens NX, or similar platforms.
• Determine machining strategies to maximise efficiency, quality, and tool life.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, tooling strategies, feeds, and speeds.
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Troubleshoot machining and programming issues while implementing effective solutions.
• Verify and simulate CNC programs before production.
• Supervise CNC programming and machining staff, and train and mentor team members to develop their skills.
• Communicate clearly with engineering, production and management teams to improve processes.
• Continuously identify opportunities to reduce cycle times and improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Ensure all programs comply with quality and safety standards.

Skills

CNC programming

4-axis machining

supervisory experience

GD&T interpretation

problem solving

attention to detail

Education

National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

BTech or Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tool, Jig and Die Making qualification

Tools

Mastercam

Autodesk Inventor CAM

Siemens NX

Edgecam

SolidCAM

Fusion 360

Job description

5-Axis CNC Milling Programmer (Supervisory)

East Rand

Job Overview

A well-established precision engineering and manufacturing company is urgently seeking a 5-Axis CNC Milling Programmer to join its team. This is a senior role that combines hands-on CNC programming for complex machining applications with supervising and training other team members. It requires a candidate with exceptional technical ability, analytical thinking, attention to detail and strong people skills.
The successful candidate must have proven experience programming at least 4-axis CNC milling machines using CAD/CAM software. Training on 5-axis programming can be provided to the right candidate, provided they have excellent soft skills. The role suits someone who is reliable, open-minded, eager to keep growing, and motivated to push the limits of what can be achieved in precision manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, create, and optimise CNC programs for 4-axis and 5-axis milling machines.
• Generate machining programs directly from engineering drawings and 3D CAD models.
• Utilise CAD/CAM software such as Mastercam, Autodesk Inventor CAM, Siemens NX, or similar programming platforms.
• Determine machining strategies to maximise efficiency, quality, and tool life.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, tooling strategies, feeds, and speeds.
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Troubleshoot machining and programming issues while implementing effective solutions.
• Verify and simulate CNC programs before production.
• Supervise CNC programming and machining staff, and train and mentor team members to develop their skills.
• Communicate clearly with engineering, production and management teams to improve machining processes.
• Continuously identify opportunities to reduce cycle times and improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Ensure all programs comply with quality and safety standards.

Minimum Requirements

• Proven experience programming at least 4-axis CNC milling machines (5-axis experience highly advantageous).
• Strong CAD/CAM programming experience using software such as:
  • Mastercam
  • Autodesk Inventor CAM
  • Siemens NX
  • Edgecam
  • SolidCAM
  • Fusion 360 (advantageous)
• Excellent understanding of CNC machining principles.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and geometric tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong mathematical and analytical problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to precision.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Supervisory experience and the ability to train and develop others.
• Reliable, open-minded and willing to learn and grow further.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with only 3-axis CNC programming experience will be considered only if they possess top-level soft skills (reliability, communication, leadership and a willingness to learn) together with a strong technical qualification demonstrating advanced engineering and problem-solving ability, such as:

• National Diploma or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
• BTech or Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Tool, Jig and Die Making qualification
• Trade Test with significant programming and engineering exposure
• Other recognised engineering qualifications demonstrating advanced technical competence

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Strong engineering judgement.
• The ability to analyse complex machining requirements and develop efficient programming solutions.
• A methodical and detail-oriented approach.
• Strong leadership, with the patience and ability to train and supervise others.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Reliability, an open mind, and the drive to keep growing and push the limits.
• A passion for precision manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• The confidence to make technical decisions independently.