CNC Programming Engineer 3

The CNC Program Engineer III is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining complex CNC programs, tooling, and manufacturing processes for aerospace and precision industrial fasteners. This position serves as a technical expert in CNC programming, tooling design, process optimization, and advanced manufacturing technologies while supporting production, engineering, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The CNC Program Engineer III develops machining strategies for complex components, designs specialized tooling, supports new equipment implementation, validates manufacturing processes, and provides technical leadership to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Primary functional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop, optimize, and maintain CNC programs for multi-axis and multi-spindle CNC lathes, mills, and other machining equipment used in the manufacture of aerospace and precision industrial fasteners.
• Program and support machining operations including turning, milling, drilling, threading, and complex multi-axis machining utilizing CAD/CAM software.
• Translate engineering drawings, method sheets, work instructions, specifications, and customer requirements into efficient CNC machining programs.
• Review product drawings, method sheets, and manufacturing documentation to identify inconsistencies and resolve technical issues before production.
• Design, develop, and improve complex tooling, fixtures, jigs, form tools, cutters, holders, and special workholding devices when standard tooling is insufficient.
• Select appropriate tooling, cutting parameters, machining strategies, and materials to maximize tool life, optimize cycle times, and ensure product quality.
• Prepare setup sheets, tooling layouts, process documentation, and revision-controlled CNC program files.
• Maintain tooling records, drawings, part numbers, setup documentation, and engineering files.
• Review tooling requirements for each work order, estimate tooling life, verify inventory availability, and prepare tooling requisitions when necessary.
• Validate new CNC programs through first-piece inspections, prove-outs, simulation, and production trials, making programming adjustments to improve efficiency and product conformity.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, programming, and process-related issues while supporting production and implementing corrective actions.
• Continuously evaluate machining methods and recommend improvements that reduce manufacturing costs, improve productivity, and increase equipment utilization.
• Develop machining simulations to minimize machine crashes, scrap, downtime, and setup time.
• Support automation initiatives including robotic loading systems, gantry systems, and other advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Lead or support the installation, programming, validation, and integration of new CNC equipment into production.
• Assist in developing machine tool specifications and participate in equipment selection and capital improvement projects.
• Create and maintain process validation documentation, shop process manuals, setup instructions, and manufacturing standards.
• Assist in developing standard programming practices, tooling standards, and best practices throughout the department.
• Train and mentor CNC machinists, setup technicians, and programmers on new programs, tooling, equipment, and machining techniques.
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Tool Engineering, Quality, Production Control, Purchasing, Maintenance, and Operations to support production requirements.
• Input and maintain required ERP system information related to programming, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
• Prepare reports summarizing process improvements, tooling cost reductions, cycle time improvements, and productivity gains.
• Stay current with advancements in CNC programming, machining technologies, CAD/CAM software, automation, and manufacturing best practices through training and continuing education.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of CNC machining processes, tooling design, and precision manufacturing.
• Advanced knowledge of Fanuc and/or Siemens CNC controls.
• Advanced proficiency with GibbsCAM, SolidWorks, and CAD/CAM software.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprint reading, and aerospace manufacturing standards.
• Experience programming multi-axis CNC machines including turning centers, milling machines, and complex machining operations.
• Strong knowledge of cutting tools, workholding, machining strategies, feeds, speeds, and tooling optimization.
• Experience with machining aerospace alloys, including stainless steels, titanium, Inconel, and other high-temperature nickel-based alloys.
• Knowledge of automation systems including robotic loading, gantry systems, and lights-out manufacturing.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while supporting production schedules.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate across engineering, operations, and manufacturing teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
• Green Belt Certification preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant experience will be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of CNC programming experience in aerospace, precision machining, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience programming multi-axis CNC equipment including turning and milling centers.
• Demonstrated experience designing tooling and fixtures for complex machining applications.
• Experience supporting new product introductions, process validation, and production improvements.
• Experience implementing machining process improvements resulting in measurable reductions in tooling costs, cycle times, scrap, or downtime.
• Experience supporting ERP systems and engineering documentation preferred.

With more than 120 operations and approximately 20,000 employees worldwide, Precision Castparts Corp. is the market leader in manufacturing large, complex structural investment castings, airfoil castings, forged components, aerostructures and highly engineered, critical fasteners for aerospace applications. In addition, we are the leading producer of airfoil castings for the industrial gas turbine market. We also manufacture extruded seamless pipe, fittings, and forgings for power generation and oil & gas applications; commercial and military airframe aerostructures; and metal alloys and other materials for the casting and forging industries. With such critical applications, we insist on quality and dependability - not just in the materials and products we make, but in the people we recruit.

PCC is relentless in its dedication to being a high-quality, low-cost and on-time producer; delivering the highest value to its customers while continually pursuing strategic, profitable growth.

In 2016, Berkshire Hathaway, led by Chairman and CEO Warren E. Buffett, acquired Precision Castparts Corp.