CNC Programmer / Manufacturing Engineer

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced CNC Programmer / Manufacturing Engineer responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting CNC machining processes from engineering concept through production. This position requires strong CAD/CAM programming expertise, hands-on knowledge of CNC machining, and the ability to design effective workholding and fixtures.

The ideal candidate will have advanced proficiency with Mastercam or Siemens NX, a strong understanding of G&M Code, and demonstrated experience designing and implementing CNC fixtures and manufacturing processes. The role will work closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Operations to improve machining efficiency, quality, and repeatability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, program, and optimize CNC machining processes for multi-axis milling and/or turning applications.

• Create and maintain CNC programs using Mastercam or Siemens NX CAM.

• Translate engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, and GD&T requirements into efficient manufacturing processes.

• Develop cutting strategies, tool selections, feeds and speeds, toolpaths, and machining sequences.

• Create, modify, and troubleshoot G&M Code and machine-specific CNC programs.

• Design and develop fixtures, workholding, soft jaws, and tooling to support new and existing machining processes.

• Collaborate with machinists and operators to troubleshoot machining issues and improve process reliability.

• Perform CNC program prove-outs, optimize cycle times, and implement continuous process improvements.

• Develop standardized and repeatable manufacturing processes while maintaining product quality and dimensional requirements.

• Review manufacturability of new components and provide input on DFM/DFA considerations.

• Support first-piece, prototype, and production machining activities.

• Analyze tooling, cycle time, scrap, and process performance to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, setup sheets, tooling lists, and process instructions.

• Work with Quality Engineering to resolve dimensional, inspection, and process-related issues.

• Support implementation of new equipment, tooling, fixtures, and machining technologies.

• Maintain awareness of current CNC machining methods, tooling technologies, and CAM programming techniques.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field; equivalent hands-on experience may be considered.

• 3+ years of CNC programming and manufacturing engineering experience in a machining environment.

• Strong proficiency with Mastercam or Siemens NX CAM.

• Demonstrated ability to create, edit, and troubleshoot G&M Code.

• Proven experience with CNC milling and/or turning, including multi-axis machining.

• Hands-on experience with fixture and workholding design.

• Strong understanding of machining processes, cutting tools, feeds and speeds, and material behavior.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerances, and 3D CAD models.

• Experience troubleshooting CNC programs and machining processes on the shop floor.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC machining.

• Experience with high-speed machining and complex contouring.

• Knowledge of CNC controls such as Fanuc, Haas, Siemens, Mazak, or Okuma.

• Experience with CNC turning, mill-turn, or Swiss-style machining.

• Experience designing fixtures using SolidWorks, Siemens NX, or other 3D CAD platforms.

• Knowledge of GD&T and advanced inspection techniques.

• Experience with process capability, continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma.

• Experience with tooling selection, tool-life optimization, and cycle-time reduction.

• Familiarity with ERP/MRP and manufacturing documentation systems.

Core Competencies

• CAD/CAM Programming

• Mastercam / Siemens NX

• G&M Code

• CNC Process Development

• Fixture & Workholding Design

• 5-Axis Machining

• Toolpath Optimization

• GD&T / Blueprint Reading

• Process Troubleshooting

• Manufacturing Engineering

• Continuous Improvement

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

Working Environment

This position combines engineering/design work with hands-on manufacturing support. The successful candidate should be comfortable spending time on the production floor working directly with machinists, operators, tooling suppliers, and engineering personnel to develop and improve machining processes.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means developing safe, reliable, efficient, and repeatable CNC processes; producing high-quality programs and fixtures; reducing machining and setup time; resolving production issues quickly; and continuously improving the overall manufacturing process.

You should be proficient in:

• GD&T
• Equipment Troubleshooting
• CNC Programming
• G-Code
• M-Code
• Machine Geometry & Alignment

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC)
• CNC Lathe (2-4 axis)
• CAM Software (Mastercam, Esprit, GibbsCAM, Siemens NX, Bobcad)
• CNC Lathe (5+ axis)