CNC Programmer (Mill, Lathe & Swiss)

About the role

General Matter is seeking a highly skilled CNC Programmer with deep expertise in 5-axis milling, CNC turning, and Swiss-type lathes with live tooling. This role is responsible for developing and optimizing machining programs that support the transition from prototype development to scalable production of high-precision components in a regulated manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate is both highly technical and process-oriented, capable of translating complex engineering designs into robust machining strategies while driving continuous improvement in cycle time, tooling performance, repeatability, and manufacturing scalability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, prove out, and optimize CNC programs for 5-axis machining centers, CNC lathes, and Swiss-type lathes with live/driven tooling and sub-spindle operations.
• Translate engineering models and drawings (GD&T) into manufacturing processes - selecting tooling, work-holding/fixturing, cutting strategies, and machining sequences.
• Generate and maintain CAM programs, post-processors, tool libraries, and setup sheets; verify programs through simulation/verification before floor release.
• Lead first-article runs and process prove-out; drive cycle-time reduction, tool-life improvement, and scrap reduction without compromising tolerance or surface finish.
• Author and maintain process documentation - setup sheets, work instructions, tooling lists - to a standard that supports traceability and repeatability.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Quality Engineering on tolerance feasibility, inspection planning, and first-article inspection (FAI / AS9102) requirements.
• Support equipment commissioning and capability studies as new machine tools are installed during facility ramp-up.
• Mentor machinists and operators on setup, in-process adjustment, and program intent.
• Identify and recommend tooling, software, and process improvements to support the transition from prototype to rate production.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of CNC programming experience, including hands-on programming of 5-axis milling and Swiss-type lathes with live tooling.
• Proficiency with a major CAM package - Mastercam, Esprit, GibbsCAM, or Fusion 360 - including multi-axis and mill-turn modules.
• Strong working knowledge of G-code/M-code, control platforms (e.g., Fanuc, Siemens, Citizen/Star/Tsugami Swiss controls), and post-processor behavior.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and apply GD&T.
• Demonstrated experience machining precision components in metals such as stainless steels, titanium, aluminum, and/or high-temperature/superalloys.
• Practical knowledge of work-holding, fixturing, tooling selection, and feeds/speeds optimization.
• Comfort working in a documented quality environment with full part traceability.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience in a regulated manufacturing environment - NQA-1, AS9100, or ISO 9001 - preferably nuclear, aerospace, or defense.
• Experience supporting prototype-to-production transitions or new-facility/equipment commissioning.
• Familiarity with mill-turn machining and macro/parametric (custom macro) programming.
• Working knowledge of CMM/inspection processes and first-article inspection (FAI).
• Exposure to MES/ERP-driven shop-floor systems and digital process documentation.
• Lean manufacturing or continuous-improvement experience (cycle-time reduction, SMED, scrap reduction).
• Journeyman machinist background or formal machining/CNC technical credential.

Additional Requirements

• Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Must be able to work all required shift hours, overtime and/or weekends as needed

Pay range

$40.00 - $70.00/hour

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors.

In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.