CNC Programmer

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a CNC Programmer based in the United States. This full-time, on-site role offers the opportunity to serve as a key technical expert within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will translate engineering drawings and production requirements into precise CNC programming, machine setups, and fabrication processes. The position supports mills, lathes, lasers, turrets, panel benders, and other sheet-metal equipment while maintaining demanding quality and tolerance standards. You will collaborate with engineering teams on prototypes, tooling, production optimization, and cost analysis. As a subject-matter expert, you will also troubleshoot equipment and tooling issues while supporting and developing machine operators. The role combines hands-on technical expertise, independent decision-making, and a strong focus on safety, quality, productivity, and just-in-time production. Program and set up CNC equipment: Interpret blueprints and translate specifications into accurate CNC programs and machine setups, establishing appropriate tolerances and operating parameters. Operate and support fabrication equipment: Demonstrate proficiency with turrets, lasers, panel benders, Safan equipment, and related machine-shop technologies. Support engineering and prototyping: Collaborate with engineering teams on prototype development and assist with the design and development of machine tooling. Ensure quality and accuracy: Perform first-article inspections and use gauges, calipers, micrometers, and other measuring instruments to verify that finished or formed components meet specifications. Optimize production: Review turret and laser production schedules, maximize sheet-metal yield, run simulations for new routings and bills of materials, and contribute to efficient costing and production planning. Troubleshoot equipment and tooling: Diagnose machine, tool, and die issues; perform sharpening or replacement where appropriate; adjust machine settings; and communicate equipment or part defects. Support machine operators: Answer technical questions, resolve production problems, and provide hands-on guidance to operators. Manage tooling requirements: Help determine machine-shop equipment spending needs and source tooling, including obtaining and evaluating supplier quotations. Develop team capabilities: Lead or support training activities for programming and machine setup while helping build bench strength within the fabrication team. Maintain operational standards: Ensure applicable manufacturing and safety standards are consistently followed, contribute to scrap reduction, and maintain clean and organized workstations. Provide supervisory coverage: Serve as a backup resource for the supervisor or manager during vacation or sick leave and support continuity of daily machine-shop operations. Handle material movement: Operate electric and manual pallet jacks as required. Requirements Experience: At least 3 years of relevant experience in CNC programming, machine-shop operations, or a comparable manufacturing role; experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment is strongly preferred. Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Certification: CNC Programmer certification from an accredited school or program. Technical expertise: Strong knowledge of CNC programming, blueprint reading, CAD/CAM software, machine tooling, and manufacturing safety standards. Machine knowledge: Hands-on experience setting up and operating relevant fabrication equipment, including turrets, lasers, panel benders, and Safan machinery. Quality skills: Ability to interpret tolerances and specifications and accurately use precision measuring tools such as calipers and micrometers. Problem-solving: Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills with the ability to identify and resolve machine, tooling, and production issues independently. Communica