Description
Position Summary
The CNC Swiss Programmer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining CNC programs for complex Swiss-style machined components with tight tolerances, primarily supporting high-precision medical device manufacturing. This role works closely with the Swiss Supervisor and Swiss Setup Team to ensure efficient, repeatable, and high-quality production.
In addition to programming responsibilities, this position will assist and flex into machine setup activities as necessary to support production demands. The CNC Swiss Programmer is also responsible for maintaining tooling data, documentation standards, and proper program storage procedures.
Key Responsibilities
CNC Programming & Process Development
- Program complex Swiss-style CNC parts with tight tolerances and intricate geometries.
- Develop and optimize CNC programs to ensure cycle time efficiency, tool life maximization, and process stability.
- Perform program prove-outs and make necessary adjustments during initial production runs.
- Troubleshoot machining and process issues to improve performance, quality, and uptime.
- Ensure all programs are properly saved and organized according to established programming folder structures and company standards.
- Work with Manufacturing Engineering and quoting on estimated cycle time and setup times.
Setup Support & Production Flexibility
- Work closely with the Swiss Supervisor and Swiss Setup Team to ensure smooth program implementation and efficient machine setups.
- Assist and flex into setting up Swiss machines as necessary to support production schedules.
- Provide hands-on support during new job launches and continuous improvement initiatives.
Setup Documentation & Tooling Management
- Create detailed setup sheets using the company’s setup sheet template.
- Ensure setup sheets include:
- Complete tooling lists
- Tool life management parameters
- Offsets and program notes
- Maintain the tool library for all standard tooling, ensuring accurate and up-to-date tooling data.
- Work within the tooling library to maximize quick change tooling and usage.
- Recommend tooling improvements to enhance performance, cost efficiency, and tool life.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to ensure compliance with part specifications and regulatory requirements for medical components.
- Clearly communicate program updates, tooling changes, and process improvements to production personnel.
- Support continuous improvement efforts focused on efficiency, quality, and waste reduction.
Requirements
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree in CNC machining or manufacturing preferred.
- 5–7 years of CNC programming experience required.
- Minimum of 3 years of current experience using Esprit CAM software required.
- At least 5 years of Swiss-style CNC programming experience preferred.
- Experience machining complex medical or high-precision components strongly preferred.
Technical Skills
- Strong proficiency in Swiss-type CNC programming (Star or similar platforms).
- Advanced knowledge of Esprit CAM software.
- Strong understanding of G-code and M-code.
- In-depth knowledge of GD&T and blueprint reading.
- Demonstrated ability to machine tight tolerance components consistently.
- Strong understanding of tool life management strategies and high-performance tooling systems.
Soft Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Effective communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
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Work Environment
This position operates primarily in a manufacturing environment supporting high-precision Swiss machining operations for medical components. The role requires frequent interaction with production teams and hands-on involvement on the shop floor to ensure programming accuracy, setup efficiency, and overall manufacturing performance.
Skills Required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Technical degree in CNC machining or manufacturing
- 5-7 years of CNC programming experience
- Minimum of 3 years current experience using Esprit CAM software
- At least 5 years of Swiss-style CNC programming experience
- Experience machining complex medical or high-precision components
- Strong proficiency in Swiss-type CNC programming (Star or similar platforms)
- Advanced knowledge of Esprit CAM software
- Strong understanding of G-code and M-code
- In-depth knowledge of GD&T and blueprint reading
- Demonstrated ability to machine tight tolerance components consistently
- Strong understanding of tool life management strategies and high-performance tooling systems
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Effective communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
What We Do
GCM is a leading outsourced manufacturer of precision components and assemblies specializing in the medical technology, surgical robotics, aerospace, and industrial markets. The company provides a comprehensive range of solutions, including product design optimization, advanced materials selection, and full-scale mass production. It operates globally through state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in Silicon Valley, Chicago, Wilmington, and Dongguan.
