Principal Mastercam Programmer

About the Role

Ascentec Engineering is seeking a highly motivated and technically advanced Mastercam CNC Programmer to join our Dallas, Oregon team. This programming-focused position is dedicated to providing high-end CNC programming solutions for the aerospace, spaceflight, and defense industries, where precision, speed, and responsiveness are critical. The Principal Programmer develops the machining strategy, setup approach, tooling concept, and Mastercam program, then hands the work to an experienced NPI programmer/machinist for machine setup, prove-out, and execution.

This position is onsite (not remote/not hybrid) and is not eligible for Visa sponsorship or transfer of Visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced CNC programs using Mastercam for complex, high-value aerospace, spaceflight, and defense components.
• Program 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC mills, including advanced simultaneous 5-axis toolpaths.
• Rapidly develop CNC programs from customer CAD models, engineering drawings, and specifications.
• Prioritize quick-turn programming and rapid response to customer requirements, balancing speed with program quality and reliability.
• Efficiently program complex geometries, tight-tolerance features, thin walls, deep cavities, difficult access conditions, and complex 3D surfaces.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, tool geometries, machining strategies, speeds, feeds, and cutting parameters.
• Perform thorough toolpath verification and simulation using Mastercam and applicable verification software.
• Identify and eliminate potential collisions, gouges, over-travel, and other programming risks before programs reach the machine.
• Review customer models and drawings to identify machining challenges and determine the most effective programming approach.
• Make rapid programming revisions in response to changes in customer requirements, engineering updates, or machining feedback.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and controlled CNC programs and supporting documentation.
• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production to resolve programming-related issues and support successful program implementation.
• Utilize advanced CNC programming techniques including probing, tool and fixture offsets, subprograms, macros, and other machine-control capabilities where appropriate.
• Support multiple CNC machine platforms and controls as business needs require.
• Stay current with advanced Mastercam capabilities, cutting strategies, tooling technology, and CNC programming best practices.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment where program turnaround time and customer responsiveness are critical performance factors.

Requirements

• Demonstrated senior-level experience independently programming complex, high-tolerance multi-axis components.
• Advanced proficiency with Mastercam.
• Demonstrated experience programming 5-axis CNC machining, preferably including simultaneous 5-axis applications.
• Strong understanding of NC code, tooling, speeds and feeds, cutting strategies, and CNC machine capabilities.
• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, specifications, and GD&T.
• Experience programming complex components with demanding dimensional and geometric requirements.
• Experience with CNC program verification and simulation software.
• Strong understanding of machining principles and the ability to quickly determine appropriate programming strategies.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting commercial aerospace, spaceflight, defense, semiconductor, or other high-precision industries.
• Experience programming difficult-to-machine aerospace materials including titanium, nickel-based alloys, stainless steels, and aluminum.
• Advanced experience with simultaneous 5-axis machining and complex surface machining.
• Experience with mill-turn.
• Experience with probing systems and advanced probing strategies.
• Experience with CNC macros, subprograms, automated offsets, and advanced machine-control functions.
• Experience with SolidWorks and CAD/CAM systems.
• Strong knowledge of modern cutting tools and high-performance machining strategies.

Benefits

• Paid time off / Holiday pay
• Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) with matching funds
• Profit sharing eligibility
• Educational aid program availability
• Relocation assistance available for highly qualified candidates

Pay

$100,000 to $140,000 DOE

Applicant must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check prior to employment.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.