Experienced CNC Milling Programmer (Mastercam / 5-Axis)

Location: NW Chicago Suburbs -- Buffalo Grove, IL Area

Target Starting Pay: $44-46/hr with 10+ hours of OT available weekly

Company Overview

TekPro is partered with a premier aerospace and defense manufacture in Chicagoland in their search for a skilled MasterCAm programmer! Operating in a modern, climate-controlled facility, the company specializes in producing complex, high-precision machined components using advanced CNC technology. They continue to invest heavily in new equipment, automation, and engineering talent while maintaining a collaborative, quality-focused culture.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced CNC Milling Programmer with strong Mastercam programming skills and proven experience programming complex 5-axis machining centers. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys challenging, high-mix precision machining work and wants to play a key role in developing efficient machining strategies for complex components.

The ideal candidate will have experience programming similar aerospace or precision machined parts, optimizing cycle times, supporting machinists on the shop floor, and taking ownership of programs from print review through production.

Responsibilities

Create, modify, and optimize CNC milling programs using Mastercam.
Program complex 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining centers.
Develop machining strategies for tight-tolerance precision components.
Select tooling, cutting parameters, workholding, and machining methods to maximize quality and efficiency.
Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to support new and existing jobs.
Troubleshoot machining issues and make program improvements to reduce cycle time and improve consistency.
Support setup personnel during first-run prove-outs and production launches.
Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD models, and customer specifications.
Recommend process improvements, tooling enhancements, and programming best practices.
Maintain accurate program documentation and revision control.

Qualifications

5+ years of CNC milling programming experience in a precision machining environment.
Advanced proficiency with Mastercam.
Demonstrated experience programming 5-axis CNC machining centers.
Strong understanding of high-speed machining techniques and complex toolpaths.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
Experience machining tight-tolerance aerospace, medical, defense, or similar precision components preferred.
Knowledge of tooling, workholding, cutting tools, feeds, speeds, and machining best practices.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Excellent communication and ability to work closely with machinists and engineering teams.

Preferred Experience

Programming multi-axis horizontal or vertical machining centers.
Working with complex aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, and other aerospace alloys.
Experience supporting prototype, short-run, and production machining.
Familiarity with continuous improvement and lean manufacturing practices.

Compensation & Benefits

Up to $46.00/hour, depending on experience
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid vacation and holidays
Ongoing investment in advanced equipment and technology
Stable, growing organization with long-term career opportunities
Clean, modern, climate-controlled manufacturing environment

If you're an experienced Mastercam programmer looking to work on challenging 5-axis machining projects in a high-end precision manufacturing environment, we'd like to hear from you.

You should be proficient in:

GD&T
CNC Tooling
CNC Programming
Aerospace Manufacturing
MasterCAm

Machines & technologies you'll use:

CNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC)
CAM Software (Mastercam)
CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC)