CNC Programmer

Overview

We’re hiring an experienced CNC Programmer to support a high-precision manufacturing operation in the San Jose area.

This is a hands-on programming role supporting the production of complex, tight-tolerance components across CNC milling and turning equipment. You’ll develop programs, prove out new work, troubleshoot machining challenges, and continuously improve processes directly alongside machinists and setup personnel on the shop floor.

You'll program 5-axis mills, multi-axis lathes, and/or mill-turn equipment, with ownership beyond simply generating toolpaths, also developing machining strategies, selecting tooling and workholding, supporting first articles, and optimizing programs for quality, repeatability, and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• CNC Programming: Develop, prove, troubleshoot, and optimize CNC programs for complex precision components
• Multi-Axis Machining: Program CNC mills and/or lathes, including 5-axis, multi-axis, and mill-turn applications
• Process Development: Build machining strategies from engineering drawings, CAD models, tolerances, and GD&T requirements
• CAM Programming: Utilize Mastercam, Surfacam, Fusion 360, or comparable CAM software
• G-Code: Review, edit, and troubleshoot G-code as needed
• Tooling & Workholding: Determine appropriate tooling, fixturing, workholding, speeds, feeds, and machining strategies
• Program Verification: Simulate and verify toolpaths for accuracy, collision avoidance, and efficient machine operation
• Machine Prove-Outs: Work directly with machinists and setup personnel during new setups, prove-outs, and first article runs
• Troubleshooting: Resolve programming, tooling, workholding, dimensional, and machining issues directly on the shop floor
• Process Optimization: Improve cycle times, setup efficiency, tool life, repeatability, and scrap rates
• Documentation: Maintain programming files, tooling information, setup documentation, and revision history
• Cross-Functional Support: Partner with engineering and quality teams to ensure finished components meet customer specifications

Requirements

Qualifications

• Required
• 5+ years of CNC machining and/or programming experience in a production environment
• Strong CNC programming experience with mills, lathes, or both
• Proficiency with Mastercam, Surfcam, Fusion 360, or comparable CAM software
• Strong working knowledge of G-code
• Ability to interpret complex blueprints, CAD models, tolerances, and GD&T
• Strong understanding of tooling, workholding, speeds and feeds, and machining best practices
• Experience producing complex, tight-tolerance components
• Ability to troubleshoot machining problems directly at the machine
• Experience supporting machinists through setups, prove-outs, and production
• Preferred
• 5-axis CNC milling experience
• Multi-axis lathe experience
• Mill-turn programming experience
• Strong hands-on machining background
• Experience developing complete machining processes from initial programming through production