Senior CNC Programmer / Engineer

PPG's Aerospace Business is seeking a Senior CNC Programmer / Engineer to join our engineering team. You will play a critical role in CNC programming, process planning, tooling, machine tool selection, and continuous improvement for multi-axis CNC machining operations.

We are seeking a technically curious engineer who evaluates emerging technologies and applies innovative approaches to define and optimize machining strategies—including tooling, fixturing, machine selection, and coolant or lubrication delivery—driving efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective production of precision plastic transparencies in support of PPG's commitment to innovation and excellence.

This is an onsite position based out of our Sylmar, CA facility and reporting to the Senior Manager of Plant Operations Engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs for multi-axis (3, 4, 5-axis) milling machines to support manufacturing of plastic transparencies, composites, and aerospace tooling components.

• Utilize CAM software such as Mastercam, NX, CATIA, or similar.

• Design and qualify cutting tools, fixturing, and work holding for aerospace and precision plastic CNC machining applications.

• Establish and continuously refine machining parameters, coolant/lubrication delivery, and machining strategies to drive stable, repeatable production while meeting requirements for tool life, dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and AS9100 compliance.

• Apply CNC simulation and verification tools (e.g., VERICUT) for digital twin validation, collision avoidance, and process reliability.

• Interpret and create technical drawings, GD&T, and 3D CAD models to produce accurate and compliant toolpaths.

• Evaluate and implement emerging machining technologies, tooling solutions, and industry best practices by actively researching suppliers, attending trade shows, and benchmarking new techniques.

• Evaluate, qualify, and recommend new CNC machinery and equipment, supporting strategic capital investment decisions to enhance precision plastic manufacturing capability, process reliability, and compliance with AS9100 and industry standards.

Qualifications

• Only U.S. Citizens, Green Card holders, and political asylees or refugees are eligible to apply.

• Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering preferred

• 7+ years of progressive experience in CNC programming and machining in aerospace, defense, and high-precision industries, with experience in plastics machining

• Proficient in 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC machining, with experience on Zimmermann, CMS, Makino, DMG MORI, Mazak, Okuma, or Haas platforms, and skilled in Siemens SINUMERIK, Fanuc, and Mazatrol controls

• Experienced in CAD/CAM software (Siemens NX, CATIA, Mastercam) and G-/M-code programming

• Knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and blueprint interpretation, applied to aerospace and high-precision manufacturing tolerances.

• #LI-Onsite

The base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $150,000, with a possibility of an annual bonus up to 10% of base salary. PPG offers comprehensive benefits such as Health, Dental, Life, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation & Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Disability/Leave, and other Voluntary benefit offerings. Actual benefit offerings confirmed at the time of hire.

About us: 

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™ 

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X. 

The PPG Way 2030  

We are customer champions 

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow. 

We act with purpose and speed 

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.  

We are excellent operators 

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.   

We compete to win 

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths. 

We are PPG proud 

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world. 

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to  https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.  

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.  

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email [email protected]. 

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.  
Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.  Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process. 

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.