Blueprints, CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) Systems, Check Processing, Computer Programming, Continuous Improvement, Engineering Drawing, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Geometry, Identify Issues, Lathe, Machine Tool, Machining, Manufacturing, Process Improvement, Prototyping, Realtime Programming, Research & Development (R&D), Safety Standards, Safety/Work Safety, Time Management
What your day looks like
You take an engineering print, study its geometry and GD&T, and translate it into a clean, efficient Mastercam program. You select cutters, holders, and workholding, then set up mills and lathes to prove out the process. You dial in feeds and speeds by material, run a first piece, verify dimensions to tight tolerances, and iterate until the part runs safely, quickly, and repeatably. Throughout the day, you troubleshoot issues on the floor, support tool room and production priorities, and drive continuous improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency.
Core responsibilities
- Program, set up, and prove out CNC milling and turning operations directly from engineering drawings.
- Build efficient toolpaths in Mastercam with a focus on cycle-time reduction and tool life.
- Choose tooling, fixtures, and workholding strategies suitable for precision, tight-tolerance work.
- Establish and refine feeds, speeds, and cutting strategies by material and part geometry.
- Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and program challenges in real time on the shop floor.
- Perform first-piece inspections and in-process checks to ensure parts meet spec.
- Continuously improve processes to raise safety standards, quality, and machining throughput.
- Support tool room and production needs with ownership and accountability.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What you bring
- 5+ years hands-on CNC programming and setup experience for both mills and lathes.
- Advanced Mastercam proficiency.
- Demonstrated ability to machine precision components to tight tolerances.
- Strong blueprint reading with GD&T interpretation.
- History of optimizing and troubleshooting CNC programs and setups.
- Comfort working independently in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred exposure
- Tool room or R&D prototype machining.
- Complex geometries, multi-operation parts, and tight-tolerance projects.
- Deep understanding of workholding, fixturing, and process planning.