Precision CNC Machinist/Programmer

About the Company:

At SureFire, our mission is to build the best illumination tools, suppressors, and tactical products no matter the cost to enhance the safety and performance of those who go into harm's way on our behalf. We also provide these same, no-compromise products to our civilian customers who demand the ultimate in quality, innovation, and performance. We strive to continuously expand our business, product line, workforce, and expertise to preserve our place as the premier provider of these cutting-edge products. To achieve this, we will continually expand the depth and quality of the SureFire brand by refining, expanding, and enhancing our product line, and always aspiring to improve our service and professional relationships. We nurture this culture of excellence in everything we do, and treat everyone we deal with employees, customers, and vendors in a fair and ethical manner. We're proud of the quality we produce and the people who produce it, and we're looking for talented individuals who want to make a real impact.

About the Role:

As a Precision CNC Machinist/Programmer within the Precision Manufacturing team, you will set up, operate, and optimize CNC machining equipment used to manufacture precision components for optical and optomechanical systems. This role spans machine setup, machining operations, tooling selection, process optimization, inspection, and production support, bridging hands-on manufacturing activities with engineering and quality requirements to ensure dimensional accuracy, repeatability, and efficient production. Working closely with Manufacturing and Engineering teams, you will troubleshoot machining challenges, improve process capability, and support the successful production of high-quality components. Collaborating across cross-functional teams, you will provide technical expertise to drive continuous improvement in machining performance, product quality, and manufacturing efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and optimize CNC milling and/or turning equipment to manufacture precision components in accordance with engineering drawings and specifications.
• Install and qualify cutting tools, work-holding fixtures, vises, chucks, and related tooling required for production.
• Establish, verify, and maintain machine coordinate systems, work offsets, tool offsets, and machine setups to ensure accuracy and repeatability.
• Perform machine prove-out, first-article verification, and production support activities prior to and during manufacturing operations.
• Load, verify, execute, and troubleshoot CNC programs while maintaining safe and efficient machine operation.
• Read, interpret, and edit CNC programs, including adjustments to feeds, speeds, tooling offsets, and machining parameters as required.
• Work with CAM-generated toolpaths and support machining operations using Siemens NX, Mastercam, or similar CAM software.
• Monitor machining operations and make process adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and production efficiency.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, manufacturing documentation, dimensional tolerances, GD&T requirements, and work instructions.
• Perform first-article, in-process, and final inspections using precision measurement equipment including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, indicators, and optical comparators.
• Verify product conformance to engineering, quality, and customer requirements and document inspection results.
• Identify, document, and communicate nonconforming conditions and support corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to develop, improve, and sustain machining processes.
• Recommend tooling, work-holding, machining strategies, feeds, speeds, and process improvements to enhance quality and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot dimensional, tooling, surface finish, programming, and machining-related issues and implement corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing cycle time, improving tool life, increasing process capability, and enhancing repeatability.
• Maintain machine cleanliness, equipment condition, and safe operating practices.
• Maintain good attendance and punctuality.
• Maintain a positive and respectful attitude; cooperate with co-workers, management, internal and external customers, etc.
• Execute daily process improvement using lean manufacturing methodologies.
• Maintain work area by the use of 6S principles.
• Work safely at all times and report any unsafe conditions or injuries to your supervisor or manager immediately.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Competencies - To perform the job successfully, the candidate should demonstrate the following:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Written Communication / Oral Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information; Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals. Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 2+ years of experience setting up and operating CNC machining equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with CNC programming, program verification, and CAM software such as Mastercam, Siemens NX CAM (highly preferred), or equivalent.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, dimensional tolerances, and GD&T requirements.
• Experience establishing machine setups, tool offsets, work offsets, coordinate systems, and machining parameters.
• Experience using precision inspection and measurement equipment including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, indicators, and optical comparators.
• Working knowledge of machining processes, cutting tools, feeds, speeds, work-holding, tooling, and machine setup fundamentals.
• Experience in the optomechanical, optical, or other high-precision manufacturing industry (preferred).
• Experience setting up and operating horizontal and 4-axis CNC milling machines (highly preferred).
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and 6S practices.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot machining, tooling, dimensional, and surface finish issues.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and commitment to producing high-quality components.
• Strong organizational, communication, and technical documentation skills.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Technical certification, vocational training, apprenticeship, or associate degree in Precision Machining, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Technology, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant CNC machining experience will be considered.

Computer Skills

• Must be proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Knowledge of drafting programs is a plus.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• On-site presence required for real-time equipment operation, hands-on production oversight, and safety supervision.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

**Pay Range
**The hiring range for this role is dependent upon experience. The hiring range is a reasonable estimate of the base pay range for this position at the time of posting. Pay is based on a number of factors which may include job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business requirements, and geographic location.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The work is primarily performed in a manufacturing and machine shop environment.
• Regular exposure to CNC machining equipment, moving mechanical parts, cutting tools, metal chips, coolants, and manufacturing materials is required.
• The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate and may vary depending on production activities and equipment in operation.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety footwear, may be required.
• The position requires adherence to all safety, quality, housekeeping, and manufacturing procedures.
• The employee may periodically work in engineering, inspection, and production areas while supporting manufacturing operations.