CNC Programmer

CNC Programmer

Location: Port Arthur, TX

Department: Machine Shop / Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Day shift; typically 45 hours per week

Estimated Pay Range: $45–$50 per hour, pending final confirmation and based on experience

Position Summary

CS Industrial is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer for a client’s machine shop operations in Port Arthur, Texas. This position owns CNC programming, machining method development, setup support, and the controlled release of accurate programs to the shop floor.

The CNC Programmer translates engineering drawings, models, reverse-engineered component data, repair requirements, and production priorities into safe, efficient, and repeatable machining processes that support quality, throughput, and on-time delivery.

This is primarily a programming position, with programs created on a laptop using CAM software. Interaction with machinists at the machine will be required to support setups, program prove-out, troubleshooting, and process adjustments.

Key Responsibilities

CNC Programming and Process Development

• Create, modify, and maintain CNC programs for production components, repair work, and assigned machining operations.

• Review drawings, models, reverse-engineering data, specifications, tolerances, materials, and work orders before developing or releasing programs.

• Develop machining strategies, toolpaths, tooling selections, fixture requirements, feeds and speeds, setup sheets, and program instructions.

• Prepare and verify tooling requirements to confirm the correct tools are available for each job.

• Apply expert GD&T knowledge to programming, machining methods, and inspection requirements.

• Review inspection reports and modify programs or machining processes as needed to achieve required dimensions and tolerances.

• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle time, scrap, rework, setup delays, and machining variation while maintaining quality and safety.

Setup and Machining Support

• Support CNC machinists during setup, first-piece prove-out, and troubleshooting.

• Assist with offsets, tooling questions, program corrections, and process adjustments.

• Provide clear expectations for machine selection, setup, tooling, critical tolerances, and first-piece inspection.

• Collaborate with Engineering, Reverse Engineering, Quality, Planning, and shop leadership to resolve drawing, material, tolerance, and manufacturability concerns.

• Escalate missing information, tooling gaps, fixture issues, and other machining risks before work is released to the floor.

Program Control and Documentation

• Maintain controlled program files, revision history, setup documentation, and programming standards to prevent outdated or incorrect program use.

• Confirm programs, setup sheets, tooling requirements, fixture notes, inspection checkpoints, and revision information are complete before release.

• Release approved programs and supporting documentation to CNC machinists or shop leadership.

• Document programming changes, recurring setup issues, and process lessons learned to support training and future repeatability.

Communication and Coordination

• Communicate programming status, program readiness, setup support needs, and machining-method questions.

• Keep shop leadership, machinists, Engineering, Reverse Engineering, Quality, and Planning informed of issues that may affect quality, scheduling, or on-time delivery.

• Provide clear visibility into program completion, prove-out requirements, and recurring programming or setup concerns.

Equipment, Software, and Components

CAM Software: GibbsCAM, Inventor CAM, and Mastercam

Machine Controls: FANUC and CELOS, with some conversational programming

Typical components include:

• Impellers and rings

• Pump cases and heads

• Shafts, as required

Materials include cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, Monel, Inconel, brass, bronze, and related alloys.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of CNC programming experience.

• Strong CAM programming skills, including creating programs from scratch and modifying existing programs.

• Expert knowledge of GD&T and the ability to interpret complex drawings, tolerances, models, and inspection requirements.

• Strong understanding of machining strategies, toolpath development, tooling selection, offsets, feeds and speeds, and setup documentation.

• Ability to interpret reverse-engineering data, material requirements, and repair scopes.

• Working knowledge of machine shop workflows, work orders, routings, quality controls, first-piece prove-out, and program revision control.

• Ability to review inspection results and make appropriate programming or process corrections.

• Strong troubleshooting, organization, documentation, and communication skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with machinists, engineering teams, quality personnel, planners, and shop leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience programming pump components and rotating equipment.

• Experience with GibbsCAM, Inventor CAM, and/or Mastercam.

• Familiarity with FANUC and CELOS controls and conversational programming.

• Experience supporting machining of the components and materials listed above.

• Practical machining and setup knowledge that supports program development, prove-out, and troubleshooting.

Schedule and Safety Requirements

• Day-shift schedule, typically 45 hours per week.

• Steel-toe boots are required.

• Company-provided safety glasses must be worn in designated work areas.

• Follow all machine shop safety procedures and work practices.

Compensation and Benefits

• Estimated compensation of $45–$50 per hour, subject to final confirmation and candidate qualifications.

• Employee benefits as outlined in the company’s 2026 Benefits Guide.

• Eligibility to participate in the company’s 401(k) after six months of full-time employment, with a company match of up to 6% and immediate vesting.

Interview Process

Candidates are encouraged to provide nonconfidential examples of their CNC programming work. The interview process may include a request to write a simple program using the company’s software to demonstrate programming proficiency.