Sr. CNC Programmer - AZ

The Senior CNC Programmer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and owning CNC machining processes across 3-, 4-, and 5-axis mills and multi-axis lathes. This role extends beyond programming to include full process ownership including tooling strategy, setup standardization, cycle time optimization, and support of both prototype and production workflows.

This position partners closely with Engineering to influence part design and drawing requirements for manufacturability (DFM), ensuring alignment between design intent, machining capability, and cost efficiency.

The role plays a critical part in driving spindle utilization, reducing setup time, enabling lights-out machining, and ensuring repeatable, high-quality output in alignment with ISO 9001 standards.

Essential Functions:

Programming & Technical Execution:

• Develop and optimize CNC programs using Mastercam (2018 or newer) for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling and multi-axis turning applications.
• Generate efficient, collision-free toolpaths using backplot, simulation, and verification tools.
• Manually edit and create G-code at the control for complex operations (3+2, multi-axis positioning, advanced cycles).
• Determine optimal machining strategies including speeds, feeds, stepovers, depth of cut, and coolant application.
• Plan complete machining processes from raw material to finished part, including operation sequencing, fixture design and construction and machine selection.

Process Ownership & Optimization:

• Own and standardize setup documentation (setup sheets, tool lists, workholding, offsets) to ensure repeatability.
• Drive cycle time reduction, setup reduction, and tooling efficiency improvements.
• Support lights-out machining initiatives through robust, repeatable programming and process validation.
• Maintain and continuously improve the digital tool library and machining standards.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts focused on throughput, quality, and cost reduction.

Quality & Compliance:

• Interpret and apply advanced GD&T to ensure conformance to engineering requirements.
• Utilize inspection equipment (micrometers, indicators, height gauges, pin gauges, etc.) to validate processes.
• Ensure programs and processes align with ISO 9001 requirements and internal quality standards.
• Support nonconformance resolution by adjusting tool wear, offsets, and process parameters.
• Properly document and communicate discrepant material in accordance with company procedures.

Production Support:

• Support both prototype and production machining, balancing speed, flexibility, and repeatability.
• Collaborate with machinists to ensure accurate setups, efficient execution, and adherence to process standards.
• Lead program prove-out and first article runs to validate accuracy, stability, and readiness for production.
• Ensure programs, tooling, and setup documentation are complete and production-ready prior to job release.
• Assist with complex setups, including multi-axis alignment, workholding validation, and tooling optimization.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and quality issues in real time, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Operate CNC equipment as required to validate programs and support production constraints.
• Maintain a strong floor presence to ensure a seamless transition from programming to production and accountability from code to cut.

Leadership & Team Support:

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to machinists.
• Communicate clearly through setup documentation and direct interaction on the floor.
• Coordinate with Production Supervisor to meet production schedules and delivery targets.
• Support cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, and Planning.

Engineering Collaboration & Manufacturability:

• Collaborate with Engineering to review part designs, drawings, and models for manufacturability prior to release.
• Provide actionable feedback on tolerances, feature accessibility, material selection, and process feasibility to reduce cost and improve throughput.
• Recommend design modifications to improve cycle time, reduce setups, and enable efficient machining strategies (including multi-axis and lights-out readiness).
• Partner with Engineering during prototype and PPR phases to iterate designs based on machining results and process capability.
• Support drawing revisions by identifying risks related to GD&T, stack-ups, and machining limitations.
• Participate in cross-functional reviews to ensure alignment between design intent, manufacturing capability, and quality requirements.

Operational Excellence:

• Contribute to company goals, including:
  • ≥95% On-Time Delivery.
  • ≤5% internal/external defects.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas in alignment with 6S principles.
• Accurately log time and project activity within ERP systems (Epicor or equivalent).
• Support additional manufacturing operations as required.

Education and Experience:

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years CNC programming experience in a production environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Mastercam (or equivalent CAM software).
• Experience with 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining and/or multi-axis turning.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and blueprint interpretation.
• Hands-on machining experience (setup, prove-out, troubleshooting).
• Deep knowledge of machining theory, tooling, and material behavior.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing (AS9100).
• Experience with process standardization and lights-out machining strategies.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (Epicor preferred).
• Experience with fixture design or workholding optimization.

Key Competencies:

• Process ownership mindset (not just programming).
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capability.
• Ability to drive measurable improvements (cycle time, setup, utilization).
• Clear communication and leadership on the shop floor.
• High attention to detail and quality standards.

Physical Demands:

• Stand, walk, push, pull, reach overhead, and bend to the floor.
• Exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or.
• Exert 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or.
• Exert up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Conditions are loud.

Additional requirements:

• Full time position consisting of 40 hours per week with work schedule generally being 7:00 to 4:00, Monday – Friday. This position may require long hours and weekend work due to production, rework, or customer deadlines.
• Pre-employment drug screening and background check.

VirTra is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

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