About the Role
The CNC Milling Programmer is responsible for programming, setting up, proving out, and machining very small, high-precision components where accuracy, repeatability, and attention to detail are critical.
The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with Mastercam CNC programming, precision milling, workholding and fixturing, and the ability to independently take a component from engineering drawing through programming, setup, prove-out, and production.
Because many of the components produced are extremely small and contain intricate features, this position requires a strong understanding of tool geometry, cutter selection, feeds and speeds, tool deflection, burr control, chip evacuation, and process stability. Experience working to demanding aerospace quality requirements and tight dimensional tolerances is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
- Create, modify, and optimize CNC milling programs using Mastercam for precision aerospace components.
- Program complex and highly detailed parts, including components with small features, tight tolerances, thin walls, deep pockets, small holes, and intricate geometries.
- Develop efficient machining strategies while maintaining dimensional accuracy, surface finish, tool life, and repeatability.
- Review engineering drawings, CAD models, specifications, and manufacturing requirements prior to programming.
- Read and accurately interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, tolerances, and material specifications.
- Utilize SolidWorks and CAD models to support programming, process development, and manufacturing.
- Create complete and accurate setup sheets, including tooling, work offsets, tool numbers, tool lengths, machining sequence, inspection requirements, and other relevant setup information.
- Determine appropriate tooling, cutters, feeds and speeds, cutting strategies, and machining parameters based on material, geometry, tolerances, and feature size.
- Develop and implement effective workholding and fixturing solutions, including proper use of Kurt vises, soft jaws, parallels, custom fixtures, and other precision workholding methods.
- Program and utilize KOMA 4th Axis Plus indexer rotary machining for multi-sided and complex components.
- Set up, prove out, and independently operate CNC milling machines from first-piece setup through production.
- Perform program prove-outs and make necessary adjustments to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate machining.
- Optimize existing CNC programs to improve cycle time, tool life, surface finish, and overall process reliability.
- Troubleshoot machining problems such as tool deflection, chatter, burr formation, poor surface finish, dimensional variation, tool wear, workholding issues, and inconsistent repeatability.
- Understand the unique challenges associated with machining very small precision components, including maintaining part stability and controlling cutting forces and tool deflection.
- Make appropriate program and process adjustments based on in-process inspection and first-piece results.
- Work closely with machinists, quality personnel, engineers, and manufacturing personnel to resolve production and quality issues.
- Support the development of repeatable and robust manufacturing processes for new and existing aerospace components.
- Maintain accurate documentation and ensure programs and setup information are organized and readily available for production.
- Follow all applicable company procedures and aerospace manufacturing requirements related to quality, traceability, documentation, and process control.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
- Consistently meet production schedules while maintaining the required level of quality and precision.
- Consistently demonstrate Ausco’s 30 Specifications values, promoting a positive, respectful, and high-integrity workplace culture.
- Suggest and implement continuous improvement ideas.
- Assist and collaborate with other team members.
Qualifications & Experience
- Proven experience as a CNC Milling Programmer, CNC Machinist/Programmer, or similar precision machining role, preferably in an aerospace or high-precision manufacturing environment.
- Advanced proficiency in Mastercam for CNC milling programming, with the ability to develop, modify, optimize, and troubleshoot programs from engineering drawings and 3D CAD models.
- Working knowledge of SolidWorks, CAD, and Microsoft Excel.
- Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD models, GD&T, tolerances, and material specifications.
- Demonstrated experience creating accurate and detailed setup sheets, including tooling, work offsets, tool lengths, workholding, machining sequence, and inspection requirements.
- Strong understanding of precision milling, tooling selection, feeds and speeds, cutting strategies, tool compensation, tool wear, and machining parameters.
- Experience with fixturing, including Kurt vises, soft jaws, custom fixtures, and other methods used to securely hold small, delicate, or complex components.
- Experience with KOMA 4th Axis Plus indexer rotary machining and multi-sided machining.
- Ability to independently set up, prove out, operate, troubleshoot, and optimize CNC milling machines from first-piece setup through production.
- Experience programming and operating Doosan DNM5700 vertical machining centers is strongly preferred.
- Experience machining very small, intricate, high-precision components, including small features, thin walls, deep pockets, small-diameter holes, and other delicate geometries.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
- Demonstrated ability to optimize processes for cycle time, tool life, surface finish, quality, and repeatability without compromising part requirements.
- Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and commitment to quality.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing effectively as part of a team.
- Comfortable working in a hands-on, high-precision CNC manufacturing environment and taking ownership of a component from programming through successful production.
Compensation & Career Growth
- Salary Range: $
- Total rewards include competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for professional development
Benefits
- Medical and vision insurance is company sponsored – for you AND your family!
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage is company sponsored!
- Additional voluntary life insurance for you and your family
- Voluntary FSA and DCA plans
- Voluntary Norton LifeLock Plans
- Voluntary Pet Insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off, holidays, and parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development programs
- Employee assistance and wellness programs
- Recognition programs and career growth opportunities
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Ausco, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
As a federal contractor, Ausco complies with all applicable U.S. federal laws regarding equal opportunity, affirmative action, and non-discrimination.