CNC Programmer
Location: Port Arthur, TX Department: Machine Shop / Operations Reports To: Operations Manager Classification: Non-Exempt Schedule: Day shift; typically 45 hours per week
Position Summary
Complete Staffing is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer for a client’s machine shop operations in Port Arthur, Texas. This position requires a minimum of five years of CNC programming experience and expert knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). Experience with pumps and rotating equipment is preferred.
The CNC Programmer will create and modify programs using laptop-based CAM software, develop machining strategies, confirm tooling availability, and review inspection reports to make necessary program adjustments. The role focuses primarily on programming, with shop-floor interaction as needed to support machinists and resolve machining issues.
Components include impellers, rings, pump cases, heads, and occasional shafts. Materials include cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, Monel, Inconel, brass, bronze, and related alloys.
Key Responsibilities
- Create, revise, and maintain CNC programs for production components, repair work, and assigned machining operations.
- Develop programs using the shop’s CAM software, which includes GibbsCAM, Inventor CAM, and Mastercam.
- Support machining equipment using FANUC and CELOS controls, along with some conversational programming systems.
- Review engineering drawings, models, reverse-engineered component data, specifications, tolerances, and work orders before programming.
- Develop machining strategies, toolpaths, feeds, speeds, tooling selections, setup instructions, and inspection checkpoints.
- Prepare tooling requirements and verify that the correct tools are available before machining begins.
- Collaborate with machinists at the machine as needed to address program questions, tooling concerns, offsets, and process adjustments.
- Review inspection reports, identify dimensional discrepancies, and modify programs as needed to meet specifications.
- Work with Engineering, Reverse Engineering, Quality, Planning, and shop leadership to resolve technical and manufacturability concerns.
- Maintain accurate program files, setup documentation, and revision histories so the shop uses current, approved information.
- Identify opportunities to improve machining efficiency, reduce cycle times, and minimize scrap, rework, and setup delays.
- Communicate programming status and escalate missing information, tolerance conflicts, tooling gaps, or fixture concerns that could affect production.
- Document programming changes and process improvements to support repeatability and future work.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of five years of CNC programming experience.
- Expert knowledge of GD&T, with the ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and translate requirements into accurate machining programs.
- Strong proficiency with CAM software and the ability to create programs from scratch and modify existing programs.
- Knowledge of CNC controls, machining processes, tooling, offsets, feeds, and speeds.
- Ability to select tooling and develop machining strategies for a variety of ferrous, nonferrous, and specialty alloys.
- Ability to interpret inspection reports and make programming corrections based on dimensional results.
- Understanding of machine shop workflows, setup requirements, quality controls, and program prove-out.
- Experience maintaining program revisions and accurate setup documentation.
- Strong troubleshooting, organization, and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively with machinists, engineers, quality personnel, and production leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
- CNC programming experience involving pumps or rotating equipment.
- Experience programming impellers, rings, pump cases, heads, and shafts.
- Experience with one or more of the following: GibbsCAM, Inventor CAM, or Mastercam.
- Familiarity with FANUC, CELOS, and conversational programming systems.
- Experience supporting repair machining and reverse-engineered components.
- Experience machining cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, Monel, Inconel, brass, bronze, and related alloys.
Candidate Evaluation
Candidates are encouraged to provide examples of programming work they are authorized to share. The interview process may include a brief programming exercise using the client’s software to demonstrate proficiency.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
This role combines computer-based programming with time in an active machine shop. Shop-floor activities may involve exposure to noise, temperature changes, humidity, and vibration.
Duties may require sitting, standing, walking, handling tools or components, and repetitive hand movements, with occasional bending, reaching, kneeling, crouching, lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling. Essential functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.