Lead 5-Axis CNC Router Programmer

About G3 Aerospace

G3 Aerospace is an aerospace engineering and manufacturing company specializing in aircraft interiors, tooling, vacuum-formed plastic parts, and light composite assemblies. We support prototype and production programs for the aerospace industry, with a focus on practical engineering, high-quality manufacturing, and continuous improvement.

We are seeking a Lead 5-Axis CNC Router Programmer with strong Fusion 360 experience to lead and improve our CNC routing programming processes as we continue to grow our manufacturing capabilities.

Position Summary

The Lead 5-Axis CNC Router Programmer will be responsible for programming, proving out, and improving 5-axis CNC routing operations used for aerospace production parts, tooling, trim fixtures, and prototype work.

This role is specifically focused on 5-axis CNC routing, not traditional CNC milling. The ideal candidate must have direct experience programming in Fusion 360 and must understand router-based manufacturing, including vacuum hold-down, fixtures, trim operations, tool selection, feeds and speeds, part movement, edge quality, repeatability, and shop-floor execution.

In addition to programming, this person will be responsible for developing and implementing best practices for CNC programming, programming data control, revision control, setup documentation, and operator handoff. This role will help standardize how programs are created, stored, released, revised, and used by programmers and operators.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead programming and technical support for 5-axis CNC router operations
• Create, modify, and optimize CNC router programs using Fusion 360
• Develop efficient and repeatable toolpaths for trimming, drilling, routing, profiling, contour cutting, and surfacing
• Program from 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, engineering specifications, and work instructions
• Determine and implement best practices for 5-axis CNC routing programming
• Establish programming standards for toolpath strategy, file naming, program structure, setup sheets, tooling documentation, and operator instructions
• Develop and maintain programming data control processes, including program storage, revision control, release control, and obsolete program management
• Ensure programmers and operators are working from the correct released programs, setup sheets, tooling lists, and revision-controlled manufacturing data
• Implement programming standards across programmers, operators, and production personnel
• Train, mentor, and support CNC programmers and operators on proper programming methods, setup requirements, and data control practices
• Set up and prove out new programs on 5-axis CNC routers
• Lead first-article runs and support production release of routed parts
• Select appropriate router bits, cutting tools, feeds, speeds, stepovers, stepdowns, and machining strategies
• Support fixture design, trim fixture development, spoil board setup, and vacuum hold-down strategies
• Troubleshoot issues related to toolpaths, machine movement, chatter, surface finish, edge quality, part movement, and dimensional accuracy
• Work directly with operators to improve setup efficiency, reduce errors, and improve repeatability
• Maintain organized and revision-controlled CNC programs, setup sheets, tooling lists, and manufacturing files
• Work with engineering, quality, and operations to improve manufacturability, inspection methods, and process consistency
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to cycle time, quality, safety, and workflow
• Ensure all work follows company safety procedures, quality requirements, and aerospace manufacturing standards

Required Qualifications

• Direct experience programming 5-axis CNC routers
• Strong experience using Fusion 360 for CNC programming
• Experience with router-based machining, trimming, drilling, profiling, and contour cutting
• Ability to create safe, efficient, and repeatable CNC programs from CAD models and drawings
• Strong understanding of router tooling, feeds, speeds, workholding, vacuum hold-down, fixtures, and setup practices
• Experience creating or improving programming standards, setup documentation, or CNC process controls
• Understanding of program revision control, data control, and released manufacturing documentation
• Ability to troubleshoot CNC router programs and shop-floor production issues independently
• Ability to lead first-article prove-outs and support production runs
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, tolerances, CAD models, and work instructions
• Ability to communicate clearly with engineering, quality, operations, programmers, and operators
• Ability to lead by example in a hands-on manufacturing environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace manufacturing experience
• Experience routing or trimming thermoformed plastic parts, composite parts, aircraft interior components, tooling, or fixtures
• Experience with large-format 5-axis CNC routers
• Experience with ShopBot, Thermwood, CMS, DMS, Multicam, Haas router platforms, or similar 5-axis router equipment
• Experience machining plastics, composites, tooling board, foam, wood tooling, aluminum fixture components, or similar materials
• Experience developing standardized setup sheets, router work instructions, tooling libraries, or programming templates
• Experience working in an AS9100 or ISO 9001 manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with document control, revision control, and manufacturing data release processes
• Familiarity with SolidWorks or other CAD software
• Familiarity with inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and basic metrology equipment
• Prior lead, supervisory, or training experience in a CNC, routing, or manufacturing environment

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader who is highly skilled in Fusion 360 and understands 5-axis CNC routing at both the programming and machine level.

This person is not just a programmer — they are someone who can help build the system around programming. They know how to develop clean, repeatable programs, but also understand the importance of program control, revision control, setup documentation, tooling standards, and operator handoff.

They should be comfortable taking ownership of the CNC routing process, setting expectations for other programmers and operators, solving problems on the shop floor, and creating standards that improve consistency, quality, and efficiency.

Work Environment

This position includes both computer-based programming work and hands-on shop-floor support. The role may require standing, walking, lifting materials, working around CNC routers and shop equipment, and using standard inspection and hand tools.

Why Join G3 Aerospace?

• Lead and help develop a growing 5-axis CNC routing operation
• Establish programming standards, data control practices, and operator handoff processes
• Work on real aerospace manufacturing programs
• Support aircraft interior parts, tooling, trim fixtures, and production components
• Work directly with engineering, quality, and operations
• Join a growing aerospace manufacturing company where this role can make a direct operational impact

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume outlining their Fusion 360 experience, 5-axis CNC routing background, programming leadership experience, data control experience, machine experience, and relevant aerospace or manufacturing experience.