Lead CNC Programmer (5+ yrs exp required) - Aerospace

Position Summary: The Lead CNC Programmer will be responsible for developing, reviewing, and optimizing CNC programs for complex aerospace components while providing technical leadership and support to the CNC programming and manufacturing teams. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience programming 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC mills, strong knowledge of aerospace machining practices, and the ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, 3D models, GD&T, and customer specifications. This position requires a highly experienced programmer who can independently develop machining strategies, troubleshoot difficult machining issues, mentor other programmers and machinists, and work closely with Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Production to ensure jobs are completed efficiently and accurately.

Key Responsibilities: Develop CNC programs for complex aerospace and defense components using 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC machining centers. Program complex parts from engineering drawings, 3D models, customer technical data, and manufacturing requirements. Develop efficient and reliable machinery for complex geometries and tight-tolerance components. Select appropriate cutting tools, work holding, tooling, feeds, speeds, and machining methods. Create and optimize toolpaths to improve cycle time, tool life, part quality, and machine utilization. Review programs prior to release to ensure accuracy and manufacturability. Perform program prove-outs and support machinists during first runs and difficult setups. Troubleshoot programming, tooling, machining, and dimensional issues on the shop floor. Make program modifications and revisions based on inspection results, engineering requirements, or manufacturing needs. Work closely with Quality to address dimensional issues and ensure programs produce conforming parts. Work closely with Manufacturing Planning to determine the most efficient machining approach and sequence. Review engineering drawings and identify potential manufacturing challenges before production begins. Assist with estimating machining time, tooling requirements, setups, and overall manufacturing approach for RFQs. Support the development of fixtures, workholding, and manufacturing aids. Establish and maintain standardized programming practices and procedures. Review and approve programs created by other programmers when necessary. Mentor and provide technical guidance to CNC programmers, setup personnel, and machinists. Assist in training less-experienced programmers and operators. Help prioritize programming work based on production requirements and delivery schedules. Maintain accurate program documentation, revisions, and file organization. Ensure CNC programs are properly controlled and released according to company procedures. Work with Engineering and Quality to resolve drawing, specification, and manufacturability questions. Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and increased machining efficiency. Stay current with new programming techniques, cutting tools, machining strategies, and CNC technology. Follow all company, customer, and aerospace quality requirements. Perform other duties as assigned.

Technical Responsibilities: The Lead CNC Programmer should be capable of taking a job from drawing/model review through production, including: Reviewing engineering drawings and 3D models Identifying critical features and tolerances Developing machining processes and operation sequences Determining workholding and fixturing requirements Selecting appropriate tooling Developing roughing and finishing strategies Creating multi-axis toolpaths Simulating and verifying programs Performing program prove-outs Troubleshooting machining issues Optimizing cycle times Supporting inspection and FAI requirements Revising programs based on production and inspection feedback

Required Qualifications: 5+ years of CNC programming experience, preferably in aerospace or other high-precision manufacturing. Extensive experience programming 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC mills. Strong knowledge of CNC machining processes, tooling, workholding, feeds and speeds, and cutting strategies. Advanced ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing requirements and tight-tolerance machining. Experience programming from 3D CAD models and engineering drawings. Ability to troubleshoot CNC programs and machining processes independently. Strong understanding of machining materials commonly used in aerospace manufacturing, including aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, Inconel, and other aerospace alloys. Ability to work directly with machinists and setup personnel to prove out programs and resolve production issues. Strong organizational and documentation skills. Ability to prioritize multiple jobs and meet production deadlines. Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Advanced experience with CATIA.Experience with other CAM software such as Mastercam, NX, GibbsCAM, Fusion, or equivalent. Experience programming complex 5-axis simultaneous machining. Experience with aerospace structural components and complex precision parts. Experience with CATIA V5/V6 and customer-supplied models. Experience with CNC machine simulation and verification software. Experience developing and optimizing post processors. Experience with probing and in-machine inspection. Experience with high-speed machining and advanced toolpath strategies. Experience with fixture and workholding design. Experience estimating machining hours for aerospace RFQs. Experience working with major aerospace customers and customer-specific requirements. Knowledge of AS9100 quality systems and aerospace manufacturing requirements.

Leadership Responsibilities: As the Lead CNC Programmer, this position will serve as a technical resource and leader within the programming department. Responsibilities may include: Providing technical direction to CNC programmers. Reviewing and approving programming strategies. Assigning and prioritizing programming work. Mentoring junior and intermediate programmers. Assisting Production when complex machining issues arise. Helping establish programming standards and best practices. Identifying opportunities to improve programming efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs. Communicating programming priorities and concerns to management. Supporting cross-functional problem solving between Programming, Production, Quality, and Planning.

About the Company: Master Research & Manufacturing Inc. is a manufacturing facility that produces complex machine parts and assemblies for the U.S. Government as well as other major prime aerospace contractors. Our core competency falls in three areas: (1) multi-spindle complex machining, (2) CNC Turning and (3) Hydraulic & Mechanical Assembly. We are proficient in machining various materials such as Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium, 300M, Inconel and other exotic hard metals. We provide a high-volume of requirements, proto-types and spares.

About the Company: Master Research & Manufacturing Inc. is a manufacturing facility that produces complex machine parts and assemblies for the U.S. Government as well as other major prime aerospace contractors. Our core competency falls in three areas: (1) multi-spindle complex machining, (2) CNC Turning and (3) Hydraulic & Mechanical Assembly. We are proficient in machining various materials such as Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium, 300M, Inconel and other exotic hard metals. We provide a high-volume of requirements, proto-types and spares.