CNC Programmer - Large Parts (Castings and Forgings)

Position Purpose

This is a high-potential CNC programming role designed for a motivated machinist-programmer who wants to develop into a technical expert in complex machining. This is not a repetitive production programming position — it is a structured development opportunity for someone capable of solving difficult machining challenges under the mentorship of senior manufacturing leadership. You will work on advanced components requiring multi-axis machining, tight tolerances, and thoughtful machining strategy while building mastery in 5-axis and turn/mill applications. The role combines hands-on exposure to machines with meaningful ownership of real production parts. Success in this role means growing into a go-to technical resource through curiosity, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesCAM Programming and Machining Strategy

• Develop and refine CNC programs using TopSolid and MasterCam for 3-axis, 4-axis, and introductory simultaneous 5-axis machining
• Support programming of mill-turn / turn-mill platforms, including live tooling and secondary spindle operations
• Apply proper tooling selection, speeds/feeds, and cutting strategies — with guidance as needed in early tenure
• Verify programs through simulation and support machine prove-outs
• Participate in DFM (Design for Manufacturability) reviews on new parts to identify upstream programming considerations

Process Development and Troubleshooting

• Support new part introduction from print review through first article approval
• Participate in machine prove-outs and document process learnings in standardized setup sheets
• Troubleshoot common machining challenges such as chatter, tool wear, surface finish variation, and dimensional inconsistency
• Establish stable setup sheets, tool lists, and repeatable process documentation for all programmed components
• Interpret engineering drawings including GD&T callouts per ASME Y14.5

Production Support

• Work directly with machinists during setup and early production runs to ensure process stability and operator confidence
• Improve program clarity and operator usability — minimize manual operator adjustments in running programs
• Convert tribal knowledge into standardized process documentation and repeatable programs
• Respond to production calls when machining anomalies or dimensional variation require programming evaluation

Continuous Improvement and Technical Growth

• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle time, improve surface finish, and minimize manual operator intervention
• Build standardized programming methods and reusable toolpath templates for families of similar parts
• Progress toward independent process ownership with increasing scope and complexity over the first 12–24 months
• Contribute to ACME's AS9100 quality system through accurate documentation, revision control, and first article support

Growth Expectations — 12 to 24 Month Trajectory

This role is explicitly structured as a development position. The expectation is that the selected candidate will grow into independent technical ownership. The following milestones represent the expected development arc:

Timeframe Expected Milestone

0–6 months Productive contributor on assigned 3-axis and 4-axis programs using TopSolid and MasterCam; completing prove-outs under supervision

6–12 months Programming multi-axis parts with limited supervision; documenting setup sheets and tool lists independently

12–24 months Independently programming moderate-complexity multi-axis components; leading prove-outs; developing stable repeatable processes; recognized as a technical resource by machinists