CNC CAM Programmer & Cell Lead (Mills/Lathes)

Job Description

Job Description

Own the Cell. Shape the Process. Deliver Precision.

Picture your day: you grab a fresh print and CAD model, open Mastercam or Hypermill, and translate complex customer specifications into clean, efficient toolpaths. You select cutters, set tool offsets, and generate setup sheets that make first-article success the norm. On the floor, you guide setup on vertical machining centers and turning centers, tune feeds and speeds, and remove roadblocks so your cell runs smoothly and on time.

As our CNC CAM Programmer & Cell Lead, you’ll build and optimize programs for CNC lathes and mills, coach an operator, and oversee up to three machines in your cell. You’ll troubleshoot programming issues, raise purchase requisitions for tooling and BOM needs, and partner with manufacturing, quality, and other teams to solve problems at the source—all while driving continuous improvement within our QMS.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement CNC programs for milling and turning from customer drawings/specifications and supplied CAD models.
• Create 3D models and/or 2D drawings when needed from customer drawings to support programming and machining.
• Produce setup sheets, select cutting tools, define tool offsets, and optimize for yield, quality, and cost.
• Lead/instruct setup for CNC mills and CNC lathes; oversee day-to-day activities for one operator and up to three machines in your cell.
• Troubleshoot and resolve programming and machining issues to ensure on-time delivery and precision results.
• Initiate purchasing requisitions for tooling and BOM items.
• Collaborate with internal departments to address manufacturability and process challenges.
• Support safety policies, quality objectives, and continuous improvement within the QMS.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s in Engineering Technology, technical certification, or advanced apprenticeship is a plus.
• Minimum 1 year CNC programming experience.
• Minimum 4 years machining experience (or manager-qualified equivalent).
• Proficient with Mastercam or Hypermill; strong general computer skills.
• Strong blueprint reading; working knowledge of GD&T (advanced understanding preferred).
• Proven problem-solving ability; able to use calipers, micrometers, and other common machinist gauges.
• Experience across diverse materials: steel, aluminum, stainless, plastics, titanium, copper, ceramics.
• Prior CNC machining and setup experience preferred; 3-axis mill setup/operation required; 4- and 5-axis exposure preferred.
• Leadership aptitude strongly preferred; reliable, self-motivated, adaptable, and effective in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to lift 50–75 lbs; able to sit or stand for extended periods; available for overtime with a flexible schedule.
• Proficiency with GD&T and familiarity with AS9100 practices.

Tools & Technologies You’ll Work With

• CNC Mill: 3–4 axis VMC (Haas)
• CNC Lathe: 2–4 axis (Haas)
• CAM: Mastercam (Hypermill also used)
• CNC Mill: 5+ axis VMC
• CNC Lathe: 5+ axis (Mazak)

Why This Role

You’ll have true ownership of a cell—balancing programming precision with shop-floor leadership—to deliver parts that meet demanding specs and timelines. If you’re ready to elevate your impact, we’d love to hear from you.