Senior CNC Programmer - Large 5 Axis Machining
Summary
Experienced CNC programmer who creates 4- and 5-axis milling programs in Mastercam for large, complex industrial parts at a custom job shop. Day to day: translate engineering drawings and GD&T into efficient machining programs, prove out first articles with machinists, and cut cycle times.
BIG MACHINES. COMPLEX PARTS. REAL PROGRAMMING CHALLENGES.
Tired of programming the same parts over and over? Ready to put your skills to work on something bigger?
At Prime Machine, we don't mass-produce the same parts all day. We're a custom job shop specializing in everything from small, high-precision components to massive, complex industrial parts requiring advanced machining techniques and tight tolerances.
We are looking for an experienced CNC Programmer who specializes in large 5-axis machining and knows how to turn complex prints into efficient, accurate machining programs.
If you enjoy solving machining challenges, developing creative setups, and working alongside skilled machinists to bring difficult parts to life, we want to talk to you!
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Develop, test, troubleshoot, and optimize CNC programs for large, complex components using Mastercam.
- Create advanced 4-axis and 5-axis milling programs, including simultaneous 5-axis toolpaths when required.
- Program complex parts for large CNC machining centers in a high-mix, low-volume job-shop environment.
- Review engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements to develop effective machining strategies.
- Determine machining sequences, cutting tools, workholding, setups, speeds, and feeds.
- Collaborate directly with machinists to prove out new programs, troubleshoot issues, and successfully complete first articles.
- Work closely with Project Managers and Manufacturing Engineers to develop efficient manufacturing processes.
- Identify opportunities to reduce cycle times, improve tooling performance, and minimize scrap and rework.
- Make program adjustments based on machine capabilities, material requirements, and real-world machining conditions.
- Support continuous improvement in machining processes, quality, and productivity.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We're looking for a programmer who understands machining—not just someone who knows how to use CAM software.
Required Qualifications:
- Strong hands-on experience programming CNC machines using Mastercam.
- Proven experience programming 4-axis and 5-axis CNC milling machines.
- Experience with complex setups, multi-axis machining strategies, and challenging part geometries.
- Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, tooling, workholding, speeds, and feeds.
- Ability to independently interpret complex blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T.
- Experience with Fanuc controls or similar CNC control systems.
- Ability to troubleshoot programs and work directly with machinists during setup and first-article prove-outs.
- Knowledge of precision machining, dimensional tolerances, and inspection requirements.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced custom manufacturing environment.
WHY PRIME MACHINE?
Because every job is different.
Since 1979, Prime Machine has built a reputation for taking on complex machining projects that other shops can't—or won't—handle.
Our customers come from industries including aerospace, defense, mining, power generation, oil and gas, and heavy industrial manufacturing.
At Prime Machine, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Work on BIG equipment: Program large, sophisticated multi-axis CNC machines.
- Challenge yourself: Work on complex, custom components instead of repetitive production runs.
- See your work come to life: Collaborate directly with the machinists running your programs.
- Use your expertise: Help determine the best way to machine challenging parts.
- Make a real impact: Your programming decisions directly influence quality, productivity, and project success.
- Keep learning: Every new job brings different materials, geometries, setups, and challenges.
READY FOR SOMETHING BIGGER?
We're looking for someone who takes pride in their programming, understands what happens at the machine, and enjoys finding solutions to difficult machining challenges.
If you're an experienced 5-axis CNC Programmer looking for more variety, bigger machines, and the opportunity to work with a skilled manufacturing team, we want to hear from you!
Highly Desirable Experience:
- Programming large 5-axis machining centers and oversized industrial components.
- Experience machining a variety of metals and challenging materials.
- Background as a CNC machinist or setup machinist before transitioning into programming.
- Experience with complex aerospace, defense, mining, energy, or heavy industrial components.
- Familiarity with CAD software, including AutoCAD.
- Must have Mastercam experience
- Experience with CNC turning and mill-turn operations.
- Understanding of lean manufacturing and process improvement.