Aerospace and Defense, Automation, Business Support, CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) Systems, Communication Skills, Computer Programming, Consulting, Desktop PC, Documentation, Engineering Drawing, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Home Automation, Identify Issues, Machine Tool, Machining, Manufacturing, Network Connectivity, Pallet Jack, Production Systems, Request for Proposals (RFP), Rural Contracts, Simulation, SolidWorks, SolidWorks Simulation (fka Cosmos FEA), VPN (Virtual Private Network), Work From Home
San Francisco / Bay Area, CA
Braintrust is a global talent network that connects top independent professionals with leading companies for high-quality, flexible work. We help organizations hire skilled talent faster while giving professionals access to vetted opportunities with innovative teams.Job description
About the Role
Lightsout CNC is a precision CNC machine shop building an automated, software-enabled, lights-out 5-axis production model. We are seeking a senior CNC programmer to support RFQ capability screening, DFM feedback, and production-ready 5-axis programming for tight-tolerance aluminum components.
This is a remote, hourly contract role with recurring project-based work. The ideal candidate is a highly experienced 5-axis programmer who can work independently, communicate clearly, and deliver reliable programs and documentation suitable for operator handoff and eventual lights-out production.
While aerospace experience is helpful, the core requirement is deep experience with tight-tolerance aluminum parts, 5-axis simultaneous machining, Mastercam, SOLIDWORKS/GD&T, and verification/simulation workflows.
Engagement Details
- US-based, remote
- Work will be performed inside Lightsout CNC’s controlled environment via secure remote desktop / VPN.
- Lightsout CNC will provide required software access, including Mastercam Multiaxis, VERICUT with machine simulation, SOLIDWORKS, validated post-processors, machine / fixture models, and tool libraries.
- Initial workload is expected to be approximately 10 hours/week, with potential to ramp toward 20–25 hours/week as quoting and awarded work volume increases.
- Long-term contract potential if the engagement is successful.
Responsibilities
- Review incoming RFQs, models, and drawings to assess machinability, capability, and production feasibility.
- Provide clear DFM feedback to support accurate, competitive quoting.
- Estimate machining strategy, cycle-time assumptions, tooling needs, and fixture/workholding considerations.
- Develop efficient, robust 5-axis simultaneous toolpaths in Mastercam for tight-tolerance aluminum components.
- Verify programs using VERICUT or comparable machine simulation / collision-detection workflows before release.
- Post-process and deliver production-ready NC code, tool lists, setup sheets, and operator handoff documentation.
- Collaborate with the shop on tooling selection, workholding / fixturing strategy, and process refinement.
- Provide responsive RFQ / DFM support during business hours as quoting volume scales.
Required Qualifications
- 7+ years of CNC programming experience, including significant 5-axis simultaneous machining experience.
- Expert-level Mastercam multiaxis programming experience.
- Strong experience programming tight-tolerance aluminum components, including materials such as 6061-T6, 7075-T6, or similar high-precision alloys.
- Proficiency reading SOLIDWORKS models and interpreting GD&T on engineering drawings.
- Experience with machine simulation, verification, and collision detection; VERICUT experience strongly preferred.
- Ability to produce clean setup sheets, tool lists, NC code, and program documentation for reliable operator handoff.
- Ability to support RFQ review, manufacturability assessment, cycle-time assumptions, and DFM feedback.
- Comfortable working remotely inside a secure customer-provided software environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct aerospace or defense manufacturing experience.
- Hands-on VERICUT machine simulation experience.
- Experience programming for lights-out or unattended production environments.
- Experience with in-process probing, tool-breakage detection routines, or automated machining workflows.
- Familiarity with pallet-pool or automation-cell workflows.
- Post-processor development, tuning, or troubleshooting experience.
- Prior remote contract programming or consulting experience.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a senior 5-axis CNC programmer who has deep Mastercam experience, understands tight-tolerance aluminum machining, can review RFQs quickly, and can deliver clean, production-ready programs and documentation.
They should be comfortable working remotely, communicating clearly, and supporting a fast-moving precision manufacturing environment where responsiveness and accuracy are both critical.