CNC Lathe (mill turn) and Swiss lathe Programmer

Job Overview

The programmer is responsible for designing, programming, and maintaining lathe (both 2‑axis and multi‑axis live‑tooling lathes with sub‑spindles, bar loaders or gantry loaders) processes and programs. This individual interfaces with production management and engineering teams to establish efficient manufacturing processes, improve existing processes, and create a foundation for operational success on the manufacturing floor. The role requires extensive knowledge of modern manufacturing principles, an understanding of materials (primarily steels and aluminums) and their cutting properties, and the ability to work in both digital and practical environments with management and machine‑setup operators.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Establish, design, maintain and improve machining and work procedures for existing and new products using a variety of 2‑axis lathes, live‑tool lathes, and other metalworking equipment; design work‑holding (custom lathe jaws, collets, ejectors), create operator instructions, and program in Autodesk PartMaker.
• Collaborate with the Senior Programmer to design and improve CNC programs for machining operations, minimizing cost and time while meeting manufacturing schedules and demand.
• Utilize an established data system to store and catalog programs securely and make them discoverable for operators; ensure cutting‑tool storage systems have the required tooling available.
• Verify that programs and processes function properly to enable smooth, efficient production runs, working with quality, production, and engineering departments to increase throughput.
• Support the lathe department by guiding operators and machinists, providing programming and tooling knowledge to foster independent problem‑solving.
• Coordinate directly with the Plant Manager and Engineering Manager to schedule projects and programming workflow based on manufacturing demands, new product design, and machine utilization.

Qualifications

• Education: High‑school vocational/technical focus; manufacturing trade school or related technological education (degree in manufacturing engineering preferred).
• Experience: 7+ years of mill‑turn lathe machining; 5+ years programming 2‑ and multi‑axis lathes; 5+ years proficiently setting up and running 2‑ and multi‑axis lathes.
• Specific Skills: Strong communication; excellent organization and planning; programming in NC code/CAM (PartMaker preferred); strong sense of manufacturing design and work‑holding; thorough understanding of machine tooling and utilization; basic knowledge of DNC and NC program databases.
• Personal Characteristics: Strong work ethic; personable and respectful; persistent and diligent; attentive to detail; capable of handling multiple projects; motivator/leader.
• Physical Abilities: Capable of lifting 50 lb.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Vacation, sick, and personal time
• Short‑term and long‑term disability (STD, LTD)
• Company‑paid life insurance
• Additional benefits included in the competitive package

Offer is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including criminal and drug testing. This is a safety‑sensitive position. Reliable Equipment is an equal‑opportunity employer.