CNC Programmer​/Process Engineer

Job Description

Rathburn, a 2nd generation family-owned company is looking to maintain a highly-qualified engineering department to help meet a growing customer base.

This new member of the engineering team will work closely with an experienced team of sales, quality and production staff to contribute, grow and develop in a hands-on and improvement-driven team environment.

Company benefits include:

• ANNUAL BONUS based on company and individual performance
• EDUCATION ASSISTANCE (100% for 'A' or completed certificate)
• 401(K) MATCHING, REFERRAL BONUS PROGRAMS (see details below)

Overview

The CNC Programmer / Process Engineer is a detail-oriented professional with a passion for precision machining, a hands-on approach, and a drive to grow with a collaborative team environment.

The primary function of this role is the creation and maintenance of Mastercam programs for turned and milled CNC parts across a variety of machines, including multi-axis machining centers and CNC lathes. The CNC Programmer / Process Engineer is responsible for selecting tooling, chucking devices, tool arrangements, and cutting speeds and feeds to produce high-quality components. This position is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, thrives in a dynamic environment, and works well alongside production, quality, and engineering teams.

This person works closely with an experienced engineering team and has opportunities for continued growth, including involvement in process improvement initiatives, fixture development, and the introduction of new machining technologies.

Working hours for this position are 6:30 am - 4:00 pm to support 3rd and 1st shift production teams, Monday thru Friday.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain CNC programs using Mastercam for turning and milling operations, including multi-axis machining centers and conventional CNC lathes and mills
• Select appropriate tooling, work-holding devices, cutting speeds, and feeds for new and existing parts
• Collaborate with Process Engineers to prove out new programs at the machine; troubleshoot and adjust as needed to produce quality parts
• Collaborate with Process Engineers to process new parts from initial tool selection through programming, first article, and approval
• Collaborate with Process Engineers to prepare setup sheets and support documentation for the shop floor
• Collaborate with quality, production, and engineering departments to ensure processes meet print specifications and GD&T requirements
• Maintain and revise existing programs to reflect engineering changes, tooling updates, or process improvements
• Coordinate with tooling vendors and evaluate cutting tool performance and cost-effectiveness

Secondary Responsibilities / Growth Opportunities:

• Support programming of Mitutoyo CMMs.
• Support process improvement efforts to reduce cycle times and enhance part quality
• Assist in the development and documentation of standard programming practices and templates in Mastercam
• Participate in PPAP activities including layout preparation and customer approval processes
• Contribute to design for fixtures, jigs, and work holding solutions
• Support troubleshooting of CNC machine issues related to programming and cutting processes
• Assist in the evaluation and recommendation of new machining technology and equipment

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

1. Work Style / Qualities:

• Quality-focused with high attention to detail and commitment to first-time accuracy
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment with production, quality, and engineering personnel
• Capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment
• Proactive, accountable, and hands-on with a continuous improvement mindset
• Effective communicator, both verbally and in writing, with fellow employees and vendors
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings

2. Required

Education and Experience:

• Minimum 2-year trade school, technical degree, or equivalent hands-on experience in CNC machining
• 3 to 5 years CNC programming experience using Mastercam, with a focus on turning and milling operations
• Demonstrated proficiency in Mastercam for 2D and 3D toolpath creation, including turning, 3-4 axis milling, and mill-turn operations
• Solid understanding of G-code; ability to edit and troubleshoot programs at the control
• Proven ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T callouts
• Working knowledge of cutting tools, speeds and feeds, work-holding, and…