CNC Programmer-Direct Hire
Kelly Services is hiring an experienced CNC Programmer for a direct-hire opportunity with a defense and aerospace manufacturer in Hampton, VA.
If you have strong CNC programming experience, understand complex machining requirements, and enjoy working with precision parts, tight tolerances, and regulated quality systems, this could be a strong next move.
You'll develop, validate, and improve CNC programs used to manufacture critical aerospace and defense components while working closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production.
As a CNC Programmer, you'll develop and maintain machining programs that produce repeatable, accurate, and fully documented aerospace and defense components.
Your day may include:
- Developing and maintaining CNC programs for mills, lathes, and multi-axis machines
- Creating new programs from engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications
- Editing and optimizing existing CNC programs
- Working with complex tolerances and GD&T
- Selecting tooling, fixtures, work holding, feeds, speeds, and machining strategies
- Creating and maintaining setup sheets and tooling documentation
- Verifying program revisions and configuration control
- Supporting machine setup and prove-out activities
- Troubleshooting machining, tooling, and dimensional issues
- Improving machining efficiency without sacrificing quality or compliance
- Supporting first article production and validation
- Maintaining traceability of programs, revisions, and process changes
You'll work closely with Quality and Engineering to ensure machining processes consistently meet customer and contractual requirements.
Responsibilities may include:
- Supporting First Article Inspection (FAI) activities
- Working within AS9100 quality requirements
- Supporting AS9102 documentation and validation
- Investigating machining-related nonconformances
- Participating in corrective actions and root-cause investigations
- Reviewing dimensional and inspection results
- Updating programs or processes when required
- Supporting internal, customer, government, and third-party audits
This could be a strong fit if you have:
- 5–7+ years of CNC programming experience
- Strong CNC machining knowledge
- Experience programming mills, lathes, and/or multi-axis equipment
- Strong knowledge of tooling, feeds, speeds, work holding, and machining strategies
- Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings
- Strong knowledge of GD&T
- Experience working from CAD models
- Experience using CAM software
- Strong G-code knowledge
- Experience troubleshooting machining and programming issues
- Strong attention to detail and documentation
Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:
- Mastercam
- Fusion 360
- GibbsCAM
- Other advanced CAM platforms
- G-code programming
- 3-, 4-, or 5-axis CNC programming
- CNC mills
- CNC lathes
- Multi-axis machining centers
Candidates with experience in regulated manufacturing environments are especially encouraged to apply.
Experience with any of the following is valuable:
- AS9100
- ISO 9001
- AS9102 First Article Inspection
- Aerospace manufacturing
- Defense manufacturing
- Government or prime defense contractor work
- ITAR / EAR-controlled environments
- Configuration control
- Document and revision control
Experience machining difficult or high-performance materials is a strong plus, including:
- Inconel
- Titanium
- Stainless steel
- Nickel-based alloys
- Aerospace-grade metals and specialty alloys
This role requires someone who can balance precision, productivity, and compliance.
You'll need to be able to:
- Develop reliable machining processes from engineering requirements
- Think through complex setups and tooling strategies
- Troubleshoot dimensional and machining problems
- Maintain disciplined documentation and revision control
- Communicate effectively with machinists, engineers, and quality personnel
- Support production directly on the shop floor when needed
- Identify opportunities to improve cycle time, quality, and repeatability
- Work effectively within controlled manufacturing processes
Education & Experience:
- High school diploma or GED required
- Technical degree, machining program, apprenticeship, or related technical education preferred
- 5–7+ years of CNC programming experience in a regulated manufacturing environment preferred
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