Numerical Control Programmer

Chipton-Ross is seeking 19 Numerical Control Programmers (Level
3) for a contract opportunity in Auburn or Everett, WA.

• 5+ years of NC programming experience for production machining or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience programming 5-axis CNC machines for aerospace parts (aluminum and hard metals).
• Proficiency reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing documentation.
• Proficient in CATIA V5 NC programming.
• Proficient in NC simulation/verification tools such as Vericut.
• Ability to create clear setup documentation and operator instructions.
• Experience with CATIA V5 and Vericut and programming 3 & 5 axis machines.
• Contractor eligibility to work under the terms of the engagement.

Join a high-performing fabrication team supporting aerospace structural production in our Machining/Tooling team, you’ll drive the NC programming, setup documentation, and machining strategy for complex multi-axis parts used on client commercial airplanes. You will collaborate closely with planning, aerospace engineering, tooling, and shop‑floor operators to turn engineered concepts into producible, high-quality parts. This role is ideal for hands‑on programmers who enjoy solving machining challenges, optimizing workflows, and seeing their programs executed on the shop floor.

• Create, verify, and revise Machine Control Data (MCD), tooling geometry, and setup documentation for multi-axis CNC machines (primarily 5-axis).
• Interpret engineering drawings, planning documentation, and manufacturing requirements to develop robust NC programs for aluminum and hard‑metal parts.
• Develop multiple setups and operations for complex part geometries, ensuring fixturing, tooling, and machine selection support producibility and tolerances.
• Produce clear setup sheets and operator instructions that enable consistent and safe machine operation.
• Use simulation/verification tools (e.g., Vericut) to validate programs and eliminate collisions or gouges prior to shop‑floor execution.
• Troubleshoot and iterate programs based on first‑article inspections, in‑process feedback, and shop‑floor testing.
• Coordinate with planning, manufacturing engineering, tooling design, and machine operators to optimize cycle times, reduce scrap, and address manufacturability concerns.
• For Level 4:
  Lead the design of custom fixtures and complex tooling arrangements and define machining strategies across multiple operations and machines.
• Maintain program documentation, revisions, and configuration control per company/contract requirements.
• Work under general direction.

• Prior experience creating custom fixtures and tooling for multi‑setup machining operations.
• Experience defining machining strategy and selecting appropriate machines and processes for part families.
• Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing processes, inspection practices, and first‑article requirements.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a track record of reducing cycle times or improving producibility.
• Effective communicator with experience collaborating across planning, engineering, and shop‑floor teams.
• Experience with additional CAM systems or post‑processors commonly used in aerospace environments.

Accredited education/experience typically acquired through advanced education (e.g. Associate) and typically 3 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience (e.g. Bachelor+1 years' related work experience, 5 years' related work experience, etc.).

FULL TIME/FIRST SHIFT; 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM. Able to work 2nd shift schedule as specified.