Senior CNC Programmer / Manufacturing Process Lead

Location: Houston, Texas

Are you an experienced 5-Axis CNC Programmer who thrives on improving manufacturing processes and driving operational excellence?

Inrock is seeking a highly skilled Senior CNC Programmer / Manufacturing Process Lead to join our manufacturing team in Houston, Texas. As a global engineering and manufacturing solutions company, we deliver innovative products and solutions that improve efficiency, profitability, safety, and sustainability for our customers.

This role combines advanced CNC programming expertise with manufacturing process leadership. You will play a critical role in developing, optimizing, and standardizing machining processes while supporting production and continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits Include

• Competitive compensation and bonus opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Parental leave
• Legal support options
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
• Access to LinkedIn Learning and leadership development programs

About the Role

As the Senior CNC Programmer / Manufacturing Process Lead, you will evaluate and improve the complete manufacturing process, including:

• Material condition
• Workholding systems
• CNC programming
• Tooling strategy
• Machine setup
• Production processes

You will collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Machining teams to solve complex production challenges, support new product introductions, establish best practices, and lead continuous improvement efforts.

Our facility operates

• Haas vertical mills with 5-axis trunnion tables
• Haas 5-axis horizontal mills
• Mori-Seiki lathes
• Doosan lathes
• Kington lathes
• Primarily Fanuc controls

This position is primarily onsite in Houston, Texas, with the opportunity to transition into a flexible hybrid schedule as business needs allow.

Key Responsibilities

CNC Programming & Production Support

• Develop, maintain, and optimize CNC programs for 5-axis milling and lathe operations using Mastercam.
• Create efficient machining strategies using CAD/CAM software and simulation tools.
• Support program prove-outs, machine setups, and implementation activities.
• Validate machining processes for safety, accuracy, and production readiness.
• Troubleshoot complex machining and programming challenges.
• Support production while identifying opportunities for process improvement.

Manufacturing Process Development & Standardization

• Develop and maintain standardized machining processes and programming methods.
• Establish best practices across product families.
• Create setup documentation, work instructions, and process standards.
• Partner with Engineering on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives.
• Support new product introductions and engineering changes.
• Capture and preserve critical manufacturing knowledge.

Tooling & Workholding Strategy

• Develop tooling and workholding solutions for complex machining applications.
• Support fixture design and implementation.
• Optimize tooling performance, cycle times, and product quality.
• Standardize tooling and workholding methods where appropriate.
• Evaluate new machining technologies and equipment.

Continuous Improvement

• Reduce setup times, cycle times, scrap, and rework.
• Improve machine utilization and production efficiency.
• Apply Lean manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Partner with Quality and Manufacturing teams to resolve process issues.
• Monitor and improve process performance metrics.

Technical Leadership

• Serve as a technical expert for CNC programming and machining operations.
• Mentor machinists and manufacturing personnel.
• Promote consistent programming standards and best practices.
• Lead practical manufacturing improvements from concept through implementation.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive CNC programming experience in both 5-axis milling and CNC lathe operations.
• Advanced proficiency with Mastercam.
• Strong CAD/CAM programming and machining simulation experience.
• Hands-on experience with Haas machines and Fanuc controls.
• Deep understanding of machining processes, tooling, toolpaths, G-code, and setup requirements.
• Experience developing tooling, fixtures, and workholding solutions.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T requirements.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, and repeatability.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work across multiple functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience standardizing manufacturing processes across multiple product lines.
• Proven success improving setup times, cycle times, tool life, scrap reduction, or machine utilization.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
• Experience supporting Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and new product introduction projects.
• Familiarity with FeatureCAM, SolidWorks, and NX.
• Experience developing work instructions and manufacturing documentation.
• Previous mentoring or technical leadership experience.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will combine hands-on CNC programming expertise with a strategic focus on manufacturing excellence. You will help create efficient, repeatable, well-documented processes that drive quality, productivity, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.

• We're looking for someone who takes pride in quality workmanship and enjoys finding better ways to solve manufacturing challenges while helping build the future of our operation.
• If you're ready to join a company committed to developing its people, strengthening its operations, and supporting long-term career growth, we'd love to hear from you.