CNC Programmer

About the role

Engineering role associated with the CNC programming and machining process. Functions with moderate autonomy, requiring high levels of operational judgment on the shop floor and in the digital manufacturing environment. Responsible for departmental operations planning/execution or focused on execution of professional activities within a technical discipline. Impacts approaches, projects and programs in the functional area or affected business organization. Guided by professional practices and policies shaped by the role.

Responsibilities

• Leads CNC programming and manufacturing engineering tasks focused on CNC milling and turning in a high-mix, low-volume environment, with primary responsibility for creating, validating, and maintaining CNC programs and digital process definitions.
• Develops, optimizes, and maintains CNC programs (including toolpaths, cutting strategies, and machining parameters) using CAM software to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Owns CNC process definition including tooling selection, workholding/fixturing concepts, setup methods, and standard work, ensuring programs are robust, repeatable, and operator-friendly.
• Proves out new or revised CNC programs on the shop floor, collaborating with machinists to validate first-article runs, adjust feeds/speeds, improve tool life, and eliminate defects.
• Serves as a best-practice and quality resource for CNC programming standards, machining strategies, tooling libraries, post-processors, and setups.
• Maintains awareness of latest technical developments in CNC machines, cutting tools, CAM software, and advanced machining strategies; recommends and implements upgrades to improve performance.
• Analyzes machining performance data (cycle time, scrap/rework, dimensional capability, tool life, spindle utilization) to refine CNC programs, reduce variation, and improve throughput.
• Troubleshoots CNC-related issues (program errors, dimensional nonconformances, surface finish, chatter, tool failures) and implements sustainable corrective actions through program and process changes.
• Uses judgment to solve moderately complex CNC programming and machining problems, including part manufacturability, process routing, and optimization of multi-operation/multi-machine flows.
• Takes new perspectives on existing programs and setups, simplifying processes, reducing number of operations, and standardizing tooling and programming methods across product families.
• Creates and maintains clear technical documentation such as setup sheets, tool lists, work instructions, program revision histories, and machining process standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or a high school diploma / GED with a minimum of 4 years of Manufacturing Engineering experience).
• Minimum of 3 years of CNC machining experience or related manufacturing experience.

Desired Characteristics

• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly document CNC programs, setups, work instructions, and program revisions for machinists and other engineers.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills working with machinists, CNC programmers, manufacturing engineers, quality, and operations leaders on the shop floor.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve CNC machining and programming problems, including complex dimensional issues, tool selection, and machining strategy choices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead CNC-related programs/projects such as new part introductions, machining process development, cycle time reduction, tooling and workholding standardization, and CAM/post-processor improvements.
• Established project management skills, with a focus on high-mix, low-volume CNC production environments where rapid changeovers and flexible programming are critical.
• Experience with CAM software and CNC controls and familiarity with interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T is strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Healthcare benefits including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach; and the Employee Assistance Program with 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling, and referral services.
• Retirement benefits including the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan (401(k) with company matching and retirement contributions), plus access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants.
• Tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.