CNC Programmer

Precision. Pride. Performance.

FTE Status: Full-Time – 40 Hours

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Machine Shop Supervisor/Operations Leadership

Position Summary

At Applied Aerospace & Defense, precision machining plays a critical role in transforming complex engineering designs into high-quality aerospace and defense products. The CNC Programmer is responsible for developing, proving, maintaining, and continuously improving CNC programs and machining processes used to manufacture precision components, tooling, and assemblies.

The CNC Programmer translates engineering drawings and 3D models into safe, repeatable, and efficient machining processes. This position combines advanced CNC programming knowledge with practical machining experience to determine tooling, workholding, machining sequences, speeds and feeds, and manufacturing strategies.

Working closely with Machinists, Engineering, Quality, and Operations, the CNC Programmer provides technical leadership from initial programming and first-part prove-out through stable production.

Success in this role is measured by producing safe, accurate, repeatable machining processes that deliver quality parts while continuously improving cycle time, tool life, machine utilization, and overall manufacturing performance.

PRECISION

Program It Right. Prove It Out. Make It Repeatable.

Precision means translating engineering requirements into machining processes that consistently produce conforming parts.

Responsibilities

• Develop, write, modify, and optimize CNC programs using approved CAD/CAM software for 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining equipment.
• Interpret engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, work instructions, and GD&T requirements to determine appropriate machining strategies.
• Develop machining sequences and toolpaths based on part geometry, material, tolerances, machine capability, and production requirements.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, workholding methods, fixtures, speeds, feeds, and machining parameters.
• Create clear setup sheets, tooling lists, workholding requirements, and other manufacturing documentation necessary for repeatable production.
• Perform program simulation and verification to identify potential collisions, interference, over-travel, or machining concerns prior to production.
• Support machine setup and first-part prove-out of new and revised CNC programs.
• Verify program performance on the shop floor and make adjustments necessary to achieve dimensional, surface finish, quality, and cycle-time requirements.
• Read, understand, and edit G-code and M-code as required.
• Maintain CNC program files, setup documentation, and revision control to ensure only approved programs are released for production.
• Incorporate approved engineering, tooling, fixture, or process changes into existing CNC programs and documentation.

PRIDE

Own the Process from Program to Production

Pride means understanding that a CNC program is more than code—it is the manufacturing process another employee must successfully execute.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of CNC programs from initial development through successful production implementation.
• Work directly with Machinists during setup and prove-out to ensure programs are safe, practical, and repeatable.
• Provide technical support to Machine Operators and Machinists when programming or machining issues arise.
• Partner with Engineering to evaluate manufacturability and recommend Design for Manufacturing (DFM) improvements when appropriate.
• Partner with Quality to resolve dimensional, tolerance, surface finish, and process capability concerns.
• Troubleshoot machining challenges including chatter, tool wear, deflection, workholding, dimensional variation, and surface finish.
• Promote standardization of tooling, programming practices, setup methods, and machining strategies.
• Share programming and machining knowledge with other members of the Machine Shop team.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship, organization, documentation, and professionalism.
• Support a collaborative environment where programming, machining, Engineering, and Quality work together to produce the best manufacturing solution.

PERFORMANCE

Make the Process Better

Performance means continually improving the way AAD machines parts—not simply producing a program that works.

Responsibilities

• Optimize existing CNC programs to improve cycle time, machine utilization, tool life, quality, and process reliability.
• Identify unnecessary machine motion, excessive tool changes, inefficient cutting strategies, and other opportunities to improve productivity.
• Develop machining strategies that reduce setup time and increase repeatability.
• Support fixture and workholding improvements that increase machining capability and efficiency.
• Analyze machining problems and implement sustainable corrective actions rather than temporary fixes.
• Support new product introduction and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Participate in continuous improvement, Lean, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Recommend tooling, equipment, software, and technology improvements that increase Machine Shop capability.
• Help establish standard programming practices and maintain a controlled library of proven CNC programs.
• Support development of Machine Operators and Machinists by improving the repeatability and usability of machining processes.

Key Performance Indicators

Success in this position may be measured through:

• First Pass Yield (FPY)
• CNC cycle-time improvement
• Machine utilization
• Setup-time reduction
• Scrap and rework reduction
• Tool life and tooling cost
• Program accuracy and first-part success
• Schedule adherence
• Program and documentation accuracy
• Repeat machining issues
• Continuous improvement contributions

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive CNC machining and/or CNC programming experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency programming CNC machining equipment using CAD/CAM software.
• Experience with 3-axis CNC machining required; multi-axis programming experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of machining fundamentals including cutting tools, workholding, speeds and feeds, tool offsets, cutter compensation, and machining strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and GD&T.
• Ability to read, understand, troubleshoot, and modify G-code and M-code.
• Experience setting up and proving out CNC programs on production equipment.
• Strong understanding of precision measurement and inspection techniques.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving ability in a precision manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency with Mastercam or AAD's designated CAD/CAM platform.
• Experience programming 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining centers.
• Aerospace, defense, composites, or other high-precision manufacturing experience.
• Experience machining composite materials, plastics, aluminum, and other aerospace materials.
• Experience with Haas, Fanuc, or other applicable CNC controls.
• Experience developing or modifying fixtures and workholding.
• Experience with CAM simulation and verification software.
• Experience working within an AS9100 quality environment.
• Technical degree, machining apprenticeship, NIMS credential, or equivalent advanced manufacturing training.
• Experience supporting new product introduction and Design for Manufacturing activities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate demonstrates the ability to:

• Translate complex engineering requirements into practical and repeatable machining processes.
• Think beyond individual toolpaths and understand the complete manufacturing process.
• Independently develop machining strategies for new and existing products.
• Balance quality, cycle time, tool life, equipment capability, and manufacturing cost.
• Troubleshoot complex machining and programming problems.
• Understand the interaction between tooling, workholding, machine capability, material behavior, and part geometry.
• Communicate effectively with Machinists, Engineers, Quality personnel, supervisors, and other stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance without losing the collaborative relationship between the programmer and the employees running the equipment.
• Manage multiple programming priorities based on production and customer requirements.
• Maintain accurate program documentation and revision control.
• Adapt to new machining technologies, software, tooling, and manufacturing methods.
• Work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.

Working Conditions

This position works in both an office/programming environment and an active manufacturing environment. Regular presence on the Machine Shop floor is expected, particularly during setup, program prove-out, troubleshooting, and process improvement activities.

Physical activities may include standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, and occasional lifting or carrying of tooling, fixtures, materials, or components weighing up to 50 pounds.

The employee may work around operating CNC machinery, cutting tools, coolants, compressed air, noise, moving equipment, and other industrial hazards. Appropriate personal protective equipment and established safety procedures are required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.