Job Description

About Star Precision

Star Precision is a Houston based precision metal fabrication company specializing in custom sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, welding, and electromechanical assembly. We serve customers across a variety of industries, producing high quality components and assemblies ranging from prototypes to production quantities.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Sheet Metal Programmer with a strong background in sheet metal design, CAD/CAM programming, and manufacturing processes.

The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of sheet metal fabrication and the ability to translate engineering drawings and 3D models into efficient, production ready CNC programs.

Our manufacturing operations utilize Amada sheet metal fabrication equipment, and candidates with experience programming Amada machines and working with Amada CAD/CAM software will be given preference.

This position requires someone who can work independently, identify manufacturing challenges, optimize designs for fabrication, and collaborate closely with engineering and production teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and optimize CNC programs for sheet metal fabrication equipment, including fiber laser cutting machines and turret punch presses.
• Review customer drawings, CAD files, and technical specifications to determine manufacturing requirements and feasibility.
• Create, modify, and interpret 2D drawings, 3D models, and sheet metal flat patterns using CAD software.
• Develop accurate flat patterns, accounting for material thickness, bend allowances, bend deductions, tooling, and forming requirements.
• Program and support CNC press brake operations, including bend sequencing, tooling selection, and setup optimization.
• Optimize material utilization through efficient nesting and programming strategies to minimize scrap and production costs.
• Evaluate designs for manufacturability and recommend improvements to simplify fabrication, reduce costs, and improve quality.
• Prepare and maintain manufacturing documentation, including CNC programs, setup instructions, and fabrication drawings.
• Troubleshoot programming, cutting, punching, and forming issues in collaboration with machine operators and production personnel.
• Support new product introductions, prototype development, and production process improvements.
• Collaborate with engineering, estimating, quality, and manufacturing teams to ensure projects meet technical requirements and production schedules.
• Maintain organized program files, revisions, and manufacturing documentation.
• Provide technical guidance to machine operators and assist in resolving production challenges.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in sheet metal programming, sheet metal design, or a closely related manufacturing engineering role.
• Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD software, with demonstrated experience creating and modifying sheet metal components and assemblies.
• Strong understanding of sheet metal fabrication processes, including laser cutting, punching, bending, and forming.
• Hands-on experience developing CNC programs for sheet metal manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from complex engineering drawings, including GD&T, dimensional tolerances, and fabrication specifications.
• Thorough knowledge of sheet metal flat pattern development, bend allowances, material properties, and fabrication constraints.
• Ability to identify potential manufacturing issues and develop practical, cost effective solutions.
• Strong computer skills, attention to detail, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and communicate effectively with production and engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Amada sheet metal fabrication equipment, including fiber laser cutting machines, turret punch presses, and CNC press brakes.
• Familiarity with Amada programming software, such as AP100, VPSS 3i, or other Amada CAD/CAM solutions.
• Experience with SolidWorks, particularly sheet metal modeling, assemblies, and flat pattern development.
• Experience programming CNC fiber laser cutting machines, turret punch presses, and press brakes.
• Knowledge of automated nesting, material utilization optimization, and CNC programming best practices.
• Understanding of press brake tooling, bend sequencing, and forming simulation.
• Experience with precision sheet metal fabrication, including complex formed components and tight tolerance assemblies.
• Background in a custom fabrication or high mix, low volume manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, production workflows, and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience mentoring junior programmers and providing technical support to manufacturing personnel.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for more than someone who can simply generate CNC programs. The ideal candidate understands the complete sheet metal fabrication process, from interpreting a customer's design to producing a finished component.

A successful candidate will be able to anticipate fabrication challenges, make sound technical decisions, and develop efficient manufacturing solutions with minimal supervision.

We value individuals who take ownership of their work, maintain high standards of accuracy, and continuously look for opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency and quality.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience and technical capabilities.
• Stable, full time employment with an established Houston manufacturing company.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and technically challenging fabrication projects.
• Modern CNC fabrication equipment and manufacturing technology.
• Collaborative environment with direct involvement in engineering and manufacturing decisions.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

You should be proficient in:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Sheet Metal Fabrication
• CAD/CAM Programming

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Turret Punch Press