5-Axis CNC Programmer​/Machinist – Prototype & Defense ; SolidCAM​/Fanuc

Position: 5-Axis CNC Programmer / Machinist – Prototype & Defense Work (SolidCAM / Fanuc)
At a Glance

Company:  Empire Group

Location:

Attleboro, MA (on-site)

Job Type:  Full-Time

Compensation:  $100,000 – $140,000 per year (based on experience)

Shift:  Day Shift | Typical start time of 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM

Schedule:

Standard 8-hour shifts with common half-days on Fridays

Overtime:  Available as needed

Experience Level:  Mid to Senior Level (5+ years preferred)

Industry:  Prototype Machining / Defense Manufacturing / Advanced Manufacturing

Relocation Assistance:  Not available — local candidates preferred

CAM Software:  Solid

CAM (Mastercam experience highly transferable)

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- Why This Role Exists

Empire Group is expanding its advanced machining capabilities and preparing to bring additional 5-axis machining capacity online to support complex defense and prototype manufacturing programs.

This role will play a key part in producing highly complex machined components for defense-related projects, including work tied to Black Hawk helicopter weaponization kits. The company is looking for a skilled CNC programmer/machinist who can help bridge current 3-axis and 4-axis operations into a more advanced 5-axis environment over the coming months.

This is an opportunity to join a highly entrepreneurial manufacturing company with a “25-year-old startup” feel — minimal bureaucracy, direct access to ownership, and exposure to advanced machining, additive manufacturing, and cutting-edge defense projects.

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- The Work You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you will:

Program and set up CNC milling machines for complex prototype and low-volume work

Initially focus on 3-axis and 4-axis machining while helping transition into dedicated 5-axis production

Create and optimize offline CNC programs using CAD models and blueprints

Work closely with engineering and leadership on highly technical defense-related projects

Set tooling, work offsets, fixtures, and verify setups at the machine

Perform first-article and in-process inspections

Troubleshoot machining issues and optimize programs for efficiency and quality

Work on large, complex aluminum components and prototype-style parts

Collaborate with a small, highly skilled team of programmers and machinists

Long-term, this position is expected to evolve into a more programming-heavy role as additional 5-axis projects ramp up.

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- Machines, Controls & Software

You’ll work with equipment and software such as:

Machines

Smart VMCs

YCM vertical machining centers

3-axis and 4-axis milling platforms

Upcoming dedicated 5-axis machining platform

Controls

Fanuc

Hurco

CAM Software

SolidCAM

Mastercam experience considered highly transferable

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- Inspection & Technical Skills

Blueprint reading

GD&T interpretation

Precision inspection tools

CAD model-based programming workflows

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- Materials You’ll Work With

Aluminum

Stainless steel

Alloy steels

Exotic metals

Prototype and defense-grade materials

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- What We’re Looking For Required

5+ years of CNC programming and machining experience

Strong milling background in a metal machining environment

Experience with setup, tooling, offsets, and troubleshooting

Ability to read blueprints and understand GD&T

Experience programming from CAD models

Prototype, low-volume, or high-complexity machining experience

Preferred

5-axis machining exposure

Solid

CAM experience

Mastercam programming experience

Defense, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing background

Experience with Haas, Fanuc, or Hurco environments

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- Not a Fit

This role is likely  not  a fit for candidates coming primarily from:

Plastics machining

High-volume production machining environments

Repetitive production-only work

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- Why Machinists Like Working Here

Machinists choose Empire Group because of the combination of advanced work, clean environment, and growth potential.

Highlights include:

Extremely clean, climate-controlled shop

Heated floors throughout the facility

Small, highly skilled team environment

Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies

Defense and drone-related projects

Opportunity to rapidly grow into advanced 5-axis machining

Minimal red tape and approachable ownership

Future expansion into a newer, larger facility

This is the type of shop where skilled machinists can have direct impact on projects, processes, and future capabilities.

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- Pay, Benefits & Schedule Compensation

$100,000 – $140,000 per year (DOE)

Salary or hourly structure possible depending on candidate background

Benefits

Blue Cross Blue Shield medical coverage

Dental

Vision

Benefits begin after 30 days

401(k) with 4% company match after 12 months

Short-term disability

Life insurance

PTO starts at 2 weeks and increases with seniority

Paid company holidays

Schedule

Day shift

Typical start times of 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM

Standard 8-hour shifts

Half-days on Fridays are common

Overtime available as needed

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- Apply

Interested CNC programmers and machinists can apply directly through hire

CNC.

Apply Now or Save This Job to learn more about this opportunity with Empire Group.