CNC CAM Programmer – Precision Tooling (VMC)

Location: Mendota Heights, MN (Saint Paul area) | Also shown as: Saint Paul, MN

Department: Operations

Type: Full-time | Hire Type: Full-Time

Pay Range: $24 – $30/hr

A day in your role

You arrive, open Mastercam or GibbsCAM, and load a new CAD model for a precision tool component. You translate GD&T into toolpaths for a 3–4 axis VMC, dialing in feeds and speeds and selecting the right cutters. You map pickup points, document grind stock, and produce setup and program sheets so the toolroom can hit go with confidence. Before first article release, you program the InspecVision optical inspection system, creating automated checks that verify critical features. When a cycle time looks long, you iterate—tweaking strategies, optimizing rough/finish passes, and reducing non‑cut time. By the afternoon, you’ve troubleshot a post issue, updated a program to reflect an engineering change, and replenished a critical end mill that was about to stock out. You wrap by collaborating with engineers, operators, quality, and production leadership to line up tomorrow’s priorities—safely, efficiently, and to spec.

What you'll own

• Author, edit, and optimize CNC milling programs with CAM software (Mastercam, GibbsCAM or similar).
• Create machining programs for CNC Vertical Machining Centers to manufacture tooling components and precision parts.
• Program and maintain the InspecVision optical inspection system for automated quality verification.
• Interpret blueprints, CAD models, technical drawings, and GD&T to select optimal machining strategies.
• Develop detailed setup/program sheets: machine setups, tooling requirements, pickup points, tool paths, and grind stock.
• Troubleshoot machining/programming issues to minimize downtime and keep schedules on track.
• Analyze processes to improve efficiency, reduce cycle times, and elevate quality.
• Purchase and maintain cutting tools and tooling materials per tooling BOMs and production demand.
• Track tool performance and life; ensure timely replenishment of critical inventory.
• Collaborate with design engineering, operators, quality, and production leadership to meet manufacturing goals.
• Maintain accurate program documentation; update for engineering changes, customer requirements, and process improvements.
• Stay current on CNC programming, machining technologies, and best practices.
• Follow all safety procedures, quality standards, and company policies.

What you bring

• 5+ years of CNC milling programming experience in a metal stamping manufacturing environment.
• High proficiency with CAM tools such as Mastercam or GibbsCAM.
• Strong command of G-code, machining fundamentals, tooling selection, feeds, and speeds.
• Confidence reading and interpreting blueprints, CAD models, and GD&T.
• Ability to diagnose machining/programming challenges while maintaining throughput.
• Detail orientation, quality mindset, and strong cross-functional communication.
• Organization and inventory discipline to meet production deadlines.
• Dedication to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Preferred

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or related manufacturing education preferred.
• Experience programming and supporting optical inspection systems.
• Knowledge of tooling procurement, inventory management, and cutting tool optimization.
• Background supporting toolroom and die manufacturing operations.

Physical requirements

• Able to stand, walk, and move frequently throughout the workday.
• Lift up to 25 lbs regularly and up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Stamina for repetitive tasks and sustained focus.
• Good vision, depth perception, and manual dexterity for verification, inspection, and manufacturing support.

Tools & technologies

• CNC Mill (3–4 axis VMC) — Fanuc, Bridgeport.

Core proficiencies

• GD&T
• CNC Programming

Why join

Thrive in a collaborative manufacturing environment where your programming decisions directly influence efficiency, tooling performance, and product quality. Work with advanced machining and optical inspection technologies and help drive continuous improvement in precision manufacturing.