VMC CAM Programmer & Optical Inspection Systems Specialist

VMC CAM Programmer & Optical Inspection Systems Specialist

Location:

Mendota Heights (Saint Paul area), MN Department:
Operations

Employment Type:

Full-time

Pay Range: $35–45/hr Your day, imagined

Morning starts on the production floor: a quick sync with toolroom and quality to lock in priorities. You load a new part model into Mastercam or GibbsCAM and craft an efficient toolpath for a 3- or 4-axis VMC. With GD&T in mind, you select cutters, set feeds and speeds, and document pickup points and grind stock so the setup sheet tells a complete story.

A program tweak trims cycle time without sacrificing finish, and you push the latest revision to the cell—downtime avoided.

After lunch, you switch gears to metrology—updating Inspec Vision routines so quality checks run hands-off and match current prints. A call from production has you diagnosing a dimensional drift; you trace it to tool wear, coordinate a timely tool change, and update the inventory list. Before you wrap, you log changes, sync with engineering on an ECN, and share a small process win with the team.

Tomorrow’s run will be faster and cleaner.

What you’ll own Program, edit, and optimize CNC milling operations using Mastercam or GibbsCAM for 3–4 axis VMCsCreate machining programs for tooling components and precision parts in a metal stamping environment

Program and maintain Inspec Vision optical inspection for automated quality verification

Read blueprints/CAD/technical drawings and apply GD&T to define machining strategies

Produce detailed setup and program sheets: setups, tooling, pickup points, toolpaths, grind stock

Troubleshoot programming and machining issues to minimize downtime and protect schedules

Analyze processes to reduce cycle time, boost efficiency, and elevate quality

Purchase and maintain cutting tools and related materials per BOMs and production demand

Track tool life/performance and coordinate timely replenishment of critical inventory

Collaborate with design engineering, operators, quality, and production leadership

Maintain rigorous program documentation; update for ECNs, customer changes, and improvements

Stay current on CNC programming, machining tech, and manufacturing best practices

Follow all safety procedures, quality standards, and company policies

What you bring5+ years of CNC milling programming experience in a metal stamping manufacturing environment

High proficiency with Mastercam, GibbsCAM, or comparable CAM platforms

Strong command of G-code, machining fundamentals, tool selection, and feeds/speeds

Fluency in interpreting blueprints, CAD, and GD&TProven troubleshooting skills with a production-first mindset

Detail orientation, quality focus, and clear cross-functional communication

Organization and inventory management strengths with on-time execution

Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Preferred extras

High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or manufacturing education preferred

Experience programming/supporting optical inspection systems

Knowledge of tooling procurement, inventory control, and cutting tool optimization

Background supporting toolroom and die manufacturing operations

Physical requirements

Frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout the workday

Lift up to 25 lbs regularly and up to 50 lbs occasionally

Sustained focus for repetitive tasks across a full shift

Good vision, depth perception, and manual dexterity for verification, inspections, and manufacturing support

Tools & tech you’ll work withCAM:
Mastercam, GibbsCAMMachining: CNC Mill (3–4 axis VMC) — Fanuc, Bridgeport Metrology:
Inspec Vision optical inspection

Core skills: GD&T, CNC Programming Why you’ll thrive here

Your programming decisions directly improve throughput, tooling performance, and part quality in a collaborative shop that values modern machining and continuous improvement. You’ll see the impact of your work—every day.