Mastercam CNC Programming Specialist – Precision Aerospace Machining

About Space Machine & Engineering Corp. | St. Petersburg, FLStep into a precision shop where your toolpaths set the pace for quality and delivery. From first light to final inspection, you’ll translate complex prints into efficient, reliable CNC programs that keep our aerospace and defense customers flying high. You’ll own the details—simulation, setup documentation, tooling choices—and collaborate with machinists, engineers, and quality pros to hit first-pass yield and on-time goals, every time.

Reporting & Schedule

Reports to:

Machine Shop Supervisor

Hours:

Flexible schedule; extended hours as needed

Supervisory responsibilities:

NoneA Day in the Life You’ll begin by reviewing travelers, blueprints, and GD&T, then craft Mastercam programs and toolpaths for CNC mills (3/4-axis VMCs and HMC). You’ll select tooling and fixtures, verify paths through Mastercam simulation, and account for downstream processes like plating or special finishes. On the floor, you’ll support setup and prove-outs, adjust feeds/speeds, and eliminate collisions or interference.

Throughout the run, you’ll partner with Quality on first-piece, in-process, and AS9100 FAI activities—troubleshooting anything from tolerance stack-ups to work holding strategy—while continuously optimizing cycle time without sacrificing quality or safety.

Core Responsibilities Interpret engineering drawings, specs, travelers, and GD&T.Develop, post, and control Mastercam CNC programs; maintain organized revisions.

Set up and prove out CNC processes; support machinists during release to production.

Select tooling, parameters, and work holding to meet dimensional and productivity targets.

Optimize cutting strategies, feeds/speeds, and setups for cycle-time reduction.

Incorporate allowances for outside processes (e.g., plating) into programming.

Perform dimensional verification using precision metrology equipment.

Identify and resolve programming, setup, or tolerance issues preventing conformity.

Support first-piece, in-process, and final inspections; lead AS9100 FAI support.

Execute robust simulations and toolpath verification to avoid collisions and over-travel.

Create controlled setup documents: setup sheets, tool lists, fixtures, parameters, revisions.

Drive continuous improvement—setup reduction, scrap reduction, first-pass yield, utilization.

Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production to resolve issues and improve processes.

Skills & Abilities Expert blueprint and GD&T interpretation; strong shop math and mechanical aptitude.

Advanced CNC machining knowledge: tooling, work holding, feeds/speeds, best practices.

Mandatory proficiency with Mastercam; working knowledge of G/M-code and controls.

Proficient with precision inspection tools and methods.

Independent troubleshooting of machining and programming issues.

High attention to detail; strong process control and repeatability mindset.

Effective organization, prioritization, and time management.

Clear communication with Production, Engineering, Quality, and leadership.

Eligibility:
Must meet applicable U.S. person requirements tied to controlled work and customer contracts.

Program from 2D drawings and 3D solid models/STEP files.

Apply CAM simulation, verification, collision avoidance, and travel-limit awareness.

Develop production-ready setup documentation, tooling plans, and fixture requirements.

Education & Experience High school diploma or equivalent required; technical/vocational training preferred.
5+ years of CNC programming in precision manufacturing; aerospace/defense strongly preferred.

Demonstrated Mastercam programming experience required.

Programming and support of CNC mills required; CNC lathe and Wire EDM experience preferred.

Experience with in AS9100 or similar regulated environments…