CNC Machinist / Programmer — Hands-On Prototype & Defense Machining
Company: Centracore
Location: Roseville, MI 48066 — Onsite, shop floor
Compensation: $30 to $40 per hour, depending on experience (approximately $85,800–$114,400 annually at a 50-hour week, including overtime)
Pay details: Hourly, non-exempt; paid weekly; overtime at 1.5x for hours over 40
Schedule: Full-time, onsite; approximately 50 hours per week
Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance (eligible the 1st of the month after 60 days); 401(k) with company match — 100% up to 3%, plus 50% on 4–5% (eligible after 1 year); 10 days PTO, increasing to 15 days after 3 years; 7 paid holidays
Reports to: Lead Engineer
Requirement: U.S. person status required (defense-related work)
The short version: This is a hands-on role, split between programming and machining. You will write the programs, and you will also be on your feet on the shop floor for much of the day — setting up jobs, moving vises and fixtures, changing tools, running parts, and working the Bridgeport. If you want a programming job that stays at a desk, this is not the right fit. If you like to build the part you programmed, read on.
Quick Highlights
- A true programmer-machinist role: take a part from 3D model or print, through CAM, setup, and prove-out, to a finished first article
- Prototype and short-run precision work, increasingly tight-tolerance aerospace and defense-related parts — not the same production part every day
- Strong overtime income: $30–$40/hr with a roughly 50-hour week, paid weekly
- Full benefits, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage and a 401(k) match
- Help build the shop’s turning capability alongside our Lead Engineer, who leads fixture design and tooling strategy
- A small, fast-moving team where your work has visible, immediate impact
About Centracore
Centracore is a precision machining shop in Roseville, Michigan, specializing in rapid prototype and low-volume, high-mix work. The team is strong in milling, is growing its turning capability, and is moving toward tighter-tolerance, smaller-batch aerospace and defense-related parts. Every day brings a different part and a different problem to solve.
About the Role
We are hiring a CNC Machinist / Programmer who does both halves of the job. You will build the machining approach and write the programs — and you will be the one at the machine making the part. On our floor, the person who programs a job also sets it up, swaps the tooling, runs the first pieces, and proves it out. Expect to spend a large part of every day on the shop floor.
What You’ll Do
Programming:
- Take 3D models and 2D drawings and build the machining approach from start to finish
- Create and improve CNC programs using CAM software
- Troubleshoot programs, tool paths, and dimensional issues in real time
- Help move prototype and short-run work into stable, repeatable processes
- Contribute to workholding, tooling, and cutting-strategy decisions, working with our Lead Engineer
Machining (on the floor, every day):
- Set up CNC machines, including mounting, moving, and positioning vises, fixtures, and workpieces
- Load, change, and set tools on machines
- Run parts, including test cuts, prove-outs, and first-article verification
- Operate manual equipment, including a Bridgeport mill
- Support and train operators on program intent and setups
Physical Requirements
These are essential, everyday parts of this job — not occasional tasks:
- Standing and walking on the shop floor for most of the shift
- Regularly lifting, carrying, and positioning vises, fixtures, tooling, and parts up to 50 lbs, and moving heavier items with hoists or assistance
- Frequent bending, reaching, and kneeling to set up machines and change tools
- Running manual and CNC machines, including a Bridgeport mill
- Working a roughly 50-hour week in a machine shop environment, with required PPE
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
What You Bring
Required:
- Strong CNC programming experience — you can build a program from a print or model, not just edit an existing one
- Hands-on machinist experience: setups, tool changes, running parts, prove-outs, and first articles
- CAM experience, with openness to different software systems
- Solid understanding of tooling, workholding, machining strategy, and process development
- Blueprint reading and confidence with dimensions, tolerances, and part requirements
- Ability to perform the physical requirements above
- Availability for a roughly 50-hour week
- Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident), as this position involves defense-related work subject to U.S. export control regulations
- Ability to pass pre-hire screenings
Preferred (a plus, not required):
- CNC turning and lathe programming experience
- Job shop, rapid prototyping, or high-mix / low-volume background
- Manual machining experience on a Bridgeport mill or engine lathe
- Aerospace, defense, or other tight-tolerance metal machining experience
- Experience training or supporting machine operators
Who Thrives Here
- You would rather be at the machine than behind a desk all day
- You like building the part you programmed and proving it out yourself
- You enjoy a different part and a different problem every day
- You move with urgency without cutting corners on quality
- You hold up well through long, physical, hands-on days
Ready to Apply?
If you are a programmer who still loves being on the floor — setting up, changing tools, and running parts — we would like to meet you. Apply today.
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