CNC Programmer – Aerospace (5-Axis)

Job Title: CNC Programmer
Industry: Aerospace / Aviation
Experience: 3–25 Years
Employment Type: Contract / Full-Time

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced CNC Programmer with strong aerospace manufacturing experience and hands-on expertise in 5-axis CNC programming. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and validating CNC programs for precision-machined aerospace components while ensuring compliance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and production requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs for 5-axis CNC milling and multi-axis machining operations.

• Program and manufacture precision aerospace components in accordance with engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications.

• Utilize CAM software such as Siemens NX CAM, Mastercam, CATIA, hyperMILL, or PowerMill.

• Interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T, 3D models, and machining requirements.

• Select appropriate cutting tools, machining strategies, fixtures, and workholding methods.

• Perform toolpath simulation, collision detection, and program verification before production.

• Optimize machining cycles, cutting parameters, and toolpaths to improve productivity and component quality.

• Troubleshoot machining issues and resolve CNC programming, tooling, and process-related problems.

• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers, machinists, quality teams, and design engineers.

• Ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards, safety procedures, and applicable customer requirements.

• Support first-article inspection, production trials, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Maintain CNC program documentation and revision control.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• 3–25 years of relevant CNC programming and machining experience.

• Mandatory aerospace domain experience.

• Mandatory hands-on 5-axis CNC programming experience.

• Strong experience in CNC milling and complex component machining.

• Proficiency in at least one relevant CAM programming platform, such as Siemens NX CAM, Mastercam, CATIA, hyperMILL, or PowerMill.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T.

• Knowledge of cutting tools, fixtures, machining parameters, and toolpath optimization.

• Experience with CNC controllers such as FANUC, Siemens, or Heidenhain is preferred.

• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience machining aerospace components such as structural parts, turbine components, engine components, or precision aircraft parts.

• Knowledge of aerospace materials such as aluminum alloys, titanium, and nickel-based superalloys.

• Familiarity with aerospace quality systems, AS9100, and first-article inspection requirements.

• Experience with simultaneous 5-axis machining and complex surface machining.

• Knowledge of CNC simulation and verification tools.