VMC CAM Programmer & Optical Inspection Systems Specialist

Location: Mendota Heights (Saint Paul area), MN

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full-time

Pay Range: $35–45/hr

Your day, imagined

Morning starts on the production floor: a quick sync with toolroom and quality to lock in priorities. You load a new part model into Mastercam or GibbsCAM and craft an efficient toolpath for a 3- or 4-axis VMC. With GD&T in mind, you select cutters, set feeds and speeds, and document pickup points and grind stock so the setup sheet tells a complete story. A program tweak trims cycle time without sacrificing finish, and you push the latest revision to the cell—downtime avoided.

After lunch, you switch gears to metrology—updating InspecVision routines so quality checks run hands-off and match current prints. A call from production has you diagnosing a dimensional drift; you trace it to tool wear, coordinate a timely tool change, and update the inventory list. Before you wrap, you log changes, sync with engineering on an ECN, and share a small process win with the team. Tomorrow’s run will be faster and cleaner.

What you’ll own

• Program, edit, and optimize CNC milling operations using Mastercam or GibbsCAM for 3–4 axis VMCs
• Create machining programs for tooling components and precision parts in a metal stamping environment
• Program and maintain InspecVision optical inspection for automated quality verification
• Read blueprints/CAD/technical drawings and apply GD&T to define machining strategies
• Produce detailed setup and program sheets: setups, tooling, pickup points, toolpaths, grind stock
• Troubleshoot programming and machining issues to minimize downtime and protect schedules
• Analyze processes to reduce cycle time, boost efficiency, and elevate quality
• Purchase and maintain cutting tools and related materials per BOMs and production demand
• Track tool life/performance and coordinate timely replenishment of critical inventory
• Collaborate with design engineering, operators, quality, and production leadership
• Maintain rigorous program documentation; update for ECNs, customer changes, and improvements
• Stay current on CNC programming, machining tech, and manufacturing best practices
• Follow all safety procedures, quality standards, and company policies

What you bring

• 5+ years of CNC milling programming experience in a metal stamping manufacturing environment
• High proficiency with Mastercam, GibbsCAM, or comparable CAM platforms
• Strong command of G-code, machining fundamentals, tool selection, and feeds/speeds
• Fluency in interpreting blueprints, CAD, and GD&T
• Proven troubleshooting skills with a production-first mindset
• Detail orientation, quality focus, and clear cross-functional communication
• Organization and inventory management strengths with on-time execution
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Preferred extras

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or manufacturing education preferred
• Experience programming/supporting optical inspection systems
• Knowledge of tooling procurement, inventory control, and cutting tool optimization
• Background supporting toolroom and die manufacturing operations

Physical requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout the workday
• Lift up to 25 lbs regularly and up to 50 lbs occasionally
• Sustained focus for repetitive tasks across a full shift
• Good vision, depth perception, and manual dexterity for verification, inspections, and manufacturing support

Tools & tech you’ll work with

• CAM: Mastercam, GibbsCAM
• Machining: CNC Mill (3–4 axis VMC) — Fanuc, Bridgeport
• Metrology: InspecVision optical inspection
• Core skills: GD&T, CNC Programming

Why you’ll thrive here

Your programming decisions directly improve throughput, tooling performance, and part quality in a collaborative shop that values modern machining and continuous improvement. You’ll see the impact of your work—every day.