CNC Lathe Programmer (aerospace)

TekPro is partnered with a high-tech precision machining company in the San Jose area in search for an experienced Lathe programmer! Apply now to be considered for this excellent career opportunity with a high-growth aerospace manufacturer!

Job Description: CNC Lathe Programmer

Job Title: CNC Lathe Programmer

Location: San Jose, CA

Shift: 1st Shift

Position Summary:

The CNC Lathe Programmer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and

troubleshooting CNC programs to support high-precision turning and machining

operations. This role focuses on creating and improving CNC lathe programs for complex

and tight-tolerance components, optimizing machining processes, and ensuring consistent

quality and efficiency. The programmer will work closely with machinists, setup

technicians, engineers, and quality teams to support successful program execution, first

article validation, and continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Programming & Process Development:

• Create, proof, and optimize CNC lathe programs for complex and high-precision

components.

• Develop machining strategies based on engineering drawings, CAD models, and

GD&T requirements.

• Program turning operations including facing, roughing, finishing, grooving,

threading, drilling, boring, and other applicable operations.

• Select appropriate cutting tools, inserts, workholding, speeds, and feeds to achieve

optimal cycle times, tool life, and part quality.

• Simulate and verify programs to ensure accuracy, efficient toolpaths, and proper

machine operation.

• Develop and optimize programs for production and repeatability.

• Continuously improve machining processes to reduce setup time, cycle time,

tooling costs, and scrap.

Collaboration & Shop Floor Support:

• Partner with setup technicians and machinists to implement, debug, and validate

CNC lathe programs.

• Provide hands-on support during machine setup, first article runs, and production

troubleshooting.

• Work closely with engineering and quality teams to resolve dimensional issues and

ensure customer requirements are met.

• Troubleshoot programming, tooling, workholding, and machining issues on the

shop floor.

• Provide guidance and support to machinists and junior programmers on

programming practices and machining techniques.

Quality & Compliance:

• Ensure CNC programs and related documentation meet ISO, AS9100, and

customer-specific requirements.

• Support first article inspection (FAI) activities and implement program adjustments

as required.

• Maintain accurate and organized documentation of CNC programs, tooling lists,

setup sheets, and revision history.

• Ensure programs support consistent and repeatable production results.

• Review engineering drawings, tolerances, and GD&T requirements to ensure

machining processes meet specifications.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement improvements in machining strategies, tooling,

workholding, and programming methods.

• Participate in lean manufacturing and cycle time reduction initiatives.

• Troubleshoot machining and programming issues to minimize downtime and scrap.

• Evaluate new CAM tools, cutting tools, technologies, and machining techniques to

improve capability and efficiency.

• Identify opportunities to improve machine utilization, tool life, setup efficiency,

and overall production performance.

**Qualifications

**

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or apprenticeship preferred.

• 5+ years of CNC machining experience, including CNC lathe programming in a

production environment.

• Strong proficiency with G-code and CAM software such as Mastercam or similar

• Hands-on experience with CNC turning/lathe machines.

• Strong understanding of GD&T and ability to interpret engineering drawings and

CAD models.

• Strong knowledge of turning tools, inserts, workholding, speeds and feeds, and

machining practices.

• Experience programming and machining tight-tolerance components.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities in a production environment.

Preferred:

• Experience in aerospace, defense, medical device, semiconductor, or other highprecision manufacturing industries.

• Experience with multi-axis CNC lathes or mill-turn machining.

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement systems.

• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems for production tracking and

documentation.

Work Environment:

• Combination of office-based programming station and shop floor environment.

• Exposure to machining conditions including noise, coolant, metal chips, and

moving equipment.

• Requires occasional hands-on support during machine setup and production

troubleshooting.

• Standard business hours with occasional overtime based on production needs.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Paid Time Off

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• 401(k) Employer Matc

You should be proficient in:

• CNC Programming

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CNC Lathe (2-4 axis)
• CAM Software (Mastercam)
• CNC Lathe (5+ axis)
• CAD/CAM