Lead CNC Programmer and Machinist

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Full Time Professional Clearwater, FL, US

2 days ago Requisition

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

Key Requirements: 5+ years CNC experience | Mastercam proficiency | Okuma lathe experience | U.S. citizenship required by contract

We are seeking an experienced Lead CNC Programmer & Machinist to lead precision CNC machining operations supporting aerospace and defense manufacturing. This is a hands-on technical leadership position with equal responsibility for CNC programming, machine setup and operation, troubleshooting, process development, quality, and mentoring other machinists.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished CNC programmer and machinist with strong experience in both CNC milling and CNC turning, tight-tolerance manufacturing, complex part geometry, and low-to-medium volume precision production. This individual must be highly proficient in Mastercam, experienced with Okuma CNC lathes, and capable of taking parts from print and model through programming, setup, first article, inspection, and production.

Experience with an Okuma LB3000 EX II is strongly preferred.

Due to contractual requirements associated with certain aerospace and defense programs, applicants must be U.S. citizens.

• Develop, optimize, and maintain CNC programs for precision milling and turning operations using Mastercam.
• Program complex components from engineering drawings, CAD models, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Set up, program, troubleshoot, and operate Okuma CNC lathes.
• Perform machine setups, prove-outs, first-piece runs, and production machining.
• Determine appropriate machining strategies, tooling, work holding, cutting parameters, and operation sequences.
• Operate CNC mills and lathes while maintaining tight tolerances and high-quality surface finishes.
• Lead troubleshooting of machining, programming, tooling, work holding, dimensional, and process issues.
• Optimize existing programs to reduce cycle time, improve tool life, increase machine utilization, and improve process capability.
• Establish repeatable manufacturing processes for new and existing aerospace and defense components.
• Review engineering drawings and specifications to identify manufacturability concerns and recommend improvements.
• Apply GD&T requirements and ensure manufactured components conform to engineering drawings and customer specifications.
• Select and qualify cutting tools, inserts, holders, fixtures, and work holding solutions.
• Design or assist with the design of fixtures and manufacturing aids.
• Perform in-process inspection using precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height gauges, and indicators.
• Support first article inspections and related documentation.
• Maintain accurate CNC programs, setup documentation, tooling information, and revision controls.
• Work closely with engineering, quality, production, and management to resolve technical issues and meet production requirements.
• Provide technical leadership, training, and mentoring to CNC machinists and operators.
• Establish machining best practices and standardize programming, setup, tooling, and production methods.
• Assist with estimating machining time, tooling requirements, setup requirements, and manufacturing complexity for new work.
• Identify opportunities for automation, cycle-time reduction, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain clean, safe, organized, and efficient machining work areas.
• Ensure compliance with company quality procedures, safety requirements, and applicable aerospace and defense manufacturing requirements.

• 5+ years of CNC machining experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Significant hands‑on experience programming, setting up, and operating both CNC mills and CNC lathes.
• Proven hands‑on experience with Okuma CNC lathes.
• Advanced proficiency in Mastercam, including development and optimization of CNC milling and turning programs.
• Strong CNC programming knowledge and demonstrated ability to…