Summary of Position Mission
We are seeking an experienced CNC Programmer / CNC Process Engineer with advanced Mastercam skills to support our growing precision machine operation. This individual will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining CNC programs while improving manufacturing processes, reducing set-up and cycle times, and supporting production in a high-mix, low- to medium-volume manufacturing environment.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing professional with extensive CNC machining knowledge who enjoys solving complex machining challenges and developing repeatable, efficient manufacturing processes. This position works closely with Manufacturing Engineers, Production, Quality, and CNC Setup Technicians to ensure safe, efficient, and repeatable machining operations.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
CNC Programming
- Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs using Mastercam.
- Program 3-axis and multi-axis CNC machining centers.
- Generate efficient toolpaths from CAD models, engineering drawings, and GD&T requirements.
- Edit and troubleshoot G-code when necessary.
- Maintain revision control of CNC programs, setup sheets, tooling lists, and process documentation.
Process Development
- Develop complete machining processes from raw material to finished components.
- Develop efficient machining processes for high-mix, low- to medium-volume production, balancing setup time, cycle time, tooling costs, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Select machining strategies that maximize productivity while maintaining quality requirements.
- Standardize machining processes to improve repeatability across multiple machines.
- Continuously evaluate machining methods and implement improvements that reduce setup time, cycle time, and manufacturing costs.
Fixture & Tooling Support
- Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers to develop, improve, and validate work holding fixtures for new and existing production parts.
- Provide machining expertise to ensure fixture designs promote rigidity, repeatability, ease of setup, and manufacturability.
- Select and optimize cutting tools, tool holders, inserts, and work holding solutions based on material, machining strategy, and production requirements.
- Evaluate and recommend tooling technologies and machining methods that improve productivity, reduce costs, and extend tool life.
- Support the implementation of standardized tooling, work holding, and machining best practices.
- Assist in resolving fixture- and tooling-related issues to improve setup efficiency, part quality, and overall manufacturing performance.
Machine Prove-Out & Production Support
- Work closely with CNC setup technicians and machinists to successfully set up and prove out new CNC programs.
- Verify first article parts and ensure compliance with engineering drawings and quality requirements.
- Troubleshoot machining, tooling, fixture, and setup issues during production startup.
- Optimize feeds, speeds, tooling, work holding, and cutting parameters to maximize efficiency and part quality.
- Provide hands-on support during initial production runs to ensure stable, repeatable manufacturing processes.
- Recommend and implement process improvements to reduce setup time, improve cycle times, and increase overall productivity.
Production Support
- Provide technical support to CNC machinists and setup technicians.
- Resolve machining and programming issues to minimize production downtime.
- Support engineering changes and new product introductions.
- Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Quality to improve manufacturing performance.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve machining efficiency and productivity.
- Reduce setup times and cycle times.
- Improve machine utilization and tooling performance.
- Reduce scrap and rework.
- Participate in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Develop standardized machining practices across the manufacturing department.
Quality
- Ensure CNC programs consistently produce parts within engineering specifications.
- Interpret and apply GD&T requirements.
- Support first article inspections.
- Verify dimensions using precision measuring equipment.
- Collaborate with Quality and Manufacturing Engineering to investigate and resolve machining-related issues.
Documentation
- Create and maintain CNC programs, setup sheets, tooling lists, work instructions, and process documentation.
- Maintain accurate revision history and programming records.
- Document machining best practices and standardized manufacturing processes.
Team Collaboration
- Provide technical guidance and support to CNC machinists and setup personnel.
- Share machining best practices and support continuous learning within the manufacturing team.
Skills Required
- Advanced experience with Mastercam for CNC programming
- Extensive CNC machining knowledge
- Ability to program 3-axis and multi-axis CNC machining centers
- Ability to generate toolpaths from CAD models, engineering drawings, and GD&T requirements
- Ability to edit and troubleshoot G-code
- Experience developing machining processes, selecting tooling, and supporting fixtures
- Ability to verify first article parts and use precision measuring equipment
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement
What We Do
Century Arms is a U.S. firearms manufacturer with roots in surplus firearms. It designs, machines, builds, and supports firearms, identifying itself as America's AK manufacturer. Its history has involved offering unique, affordable firearms to American collectors, hunters, and target shooters. The company has U.S. facilities in Vermont and Florida, and describes manufacturing processes that include machining, stamping, finishing, and assembly.
