Description Position Purpose This is a high-potential CNC programming role designed for a motivated machinist-programmer who wants to develop into a technical expert in complex machining. This is not a repetitive production programming position — it is a structured development opportunity for someone capable of solving difficult machining challenges under the mentorship of senior manufacturing leadership. You will work on advanced components requiring multi-axis machining, tight tolerances, and thoughtful machining strategy while building mastery in 5-axis and turn/mill applications. The role combines hands-on exposure to machines with meaningful ownership of real production parts. Success in this role means growing into a go-to technical resource through curiosity, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. Essential Duties and Responsibilities CAM Programming and Machining Strategy • Develop and refine CNC programs using TopSolid and MasterCam for 3-axis, 4-axis, and introductory simultaneous 5-axis machining • Support programming of mill-turn / turn-mill platforms, including live tooling and secondary spindle operations • Apply proper tooling selection, speeds/feeds, and cutting strategies — with guidance as needed in early tenure • Verify programs through simulation and support machine prove-outs • Participate in DFM (Design for Manufacturability) reviews on new parts to identify upstream programming considerations Process Development and Troubleshooting • Support new part introduction from print review through first article approval • Participate in machine prove-outs and document process learnings in standardized setup sheets • Troubleshoot common machining challenges such as chatter, tool wear, surface finish variation, and dimensional inconsistency • Establish stable setup sheets, tool lists, and repeatable process documentation for all programmed components • Interpret engineering drawings including GD&T callouts per ASME Y14.5 Production Support • Work directly with machinists during setup and early production runs to ensure process stability and operator confidence • Improve program clarity and operator usability — minimize manual operator adjustments in running programs • Convert tribal knowledge into standardized process documentation and repeatable programs • Respond to production calls when machining anomalies or dimensional variation require programming evaluation Continuous Improvement and Technical Growth • Identify opportunities to reduce cycle time, improve surface finish, and minimize manual operator intervention • Build standardized programming methods and reusable toolpath templates for families of similar parts • Progress toward independent process ownership with increasing scope and complexity over the first 12–24 months • Contribute to ACME's AS9100 quality system through accurate documentation, revision control, and first article support Growth Expectations — 12 to 24 Month Trajectory This role is explicitly structured as a development position. The expectation is that the selected candidate will grow into independent technical ownership. The following milestones represent the expected development arc: Timeframe Expected Milestone 0–6 months Productive contributor on assigned 3-axis and 4-axis programs using TopSolid and MasterCam; completing prove-outs under supervision 6–12 months Programming multi-axis parts with limited supervision; documenting setup sheets and tool lists independently 12–24 months Independently programming moderate-complexity multi-axis components; leading prove-outs; developing stable repeatable processes; recognized as a technical resource by machinists Requirements Minimum Qualifications Experience • 3–6 years of CNC programming or advanced machinist/setup experience in a precision manufacturing environment • Working knowledge of TopSolid or another advanced CAM platform — training on TopSolid will be provided for candidates with transferable CAM experience • Exposure to multi-axis machining: minimum 4-axis indexed experience; simultaneous 5-axis experience a plus • Experience supporting machine prove-outs — comfortable on the shop floor during first runs • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and apply basic GD&T principles Technical Skills • CNC programming from 3D model or 2D print using a CAM system (TopSolid preferred; MasterCAM, GibbsCAM, SprutCAM, or Fusion 360 considered) • Understanding of cutting tool selection, speeds and feeds, and toolpath strategy for aluminum, steel, and exotic alloys • Familiarity with FANUC or Fanuc-like controls; ability to verify and edit G-code at the machine • Ability to perform in-process inspection using precision measurement tools — micrometers, calipers, height gauges • Basic SolidWorks or equivalent CAD familiarity for model review is a plus Preferred Qualifications • Experience with mill-turn or live-tool lathe machining (secondary spindle programming a strong plus) • Aerospace, defense, or medical device manufacturing experience — AS9100, NADCAP, or ISO 9001 environment • Demonstrated interest in complex machining problems and technical growth — this role rewards curiosity • Comfort working directly on the shop floor alongside machinists, not in an office-only programming role • Any TopSolid experience is a significant advantage