CNC Lathe Programmer; aerospace

Tek Pro is partnered with a high-tech precision machining company in the San Jose area in search for an experienced Lathe programmer! Apply now to be considered for this excellent career opportunity with a high-growth aerospace manufacturer!

Job Description:

CNC Lathe Programmer

Job Title:

CNC Lathe Programmer

Location:

San Jose, CAShift: 1st Shift

Position Summary:

The CNC Lathe Programmer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting CNC programs to support high-precision turning and machining operations. This role focuses on creating and improving CNC lathe programs for complex and tight-tolerance components, optimizing machining processes, and ensuring consistent quality and efficiency. The programmer will work closely with machinists, setup technicians, engineers, and quality teams to support successful program execution, first article validation, and continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities Programming & Process Development:
• Create, proof, and optimize CNC lathe programs for complex and high-precision components.
• Develop machining strategies based on engineering drawings, CAD models, andGD&T requirements.
• Program turning operations including facing, roughing, finishing, grooving,threading, drilling, boring, and other applicable operations.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, inserts, work holding, speeds, and feeds to achieve optimal cycle times, tool life, and part quality.
• Simulate and verify programs to ensure accuracy, efficient toolpaths, and proper machine operation.
• Develop and optimize programs for production and repeatability.
• Continuously improve machining processes to reduce setup time, cycle time,tooling costs, and scrap.

Collaboration & Shop Floor Support:
• Partner with setup technicians and machinists to implement, debug, and validateCNC lathe programs.
• Provide hands-on support during machine setup, first article runs, and production troubleshooting.
• Work closely with engineering and quality teams to resolve dimensional issues andensure customer requirements are met.
• Troubleshoot programming, tooling, work holding, and machining issues on theshop floor.
• Provide guidance and support to machinists and junior programmers on programming practices and machining techniques.

Quality & Compliance:
• Ensure CNC programs and related documentation meet ISO, AS9100, and customer-specific requirements.
• Support first article inspection (FAI) activities and implement program adjustments as required.
• Maintain accurate and organized documentation of CNC programs, tooling lists,setup sheets, and revision history.
• Ensure programs support consistent and repeatable production results.
• Review engineering drawings, tolerances, and GD&T requirements to ensure machining processes meet specifications.

Continuous Improvement
• Identify and implement improvements in machining strategies, tooling,work holding, and programming methods.
• Participate in lean manufacturing and cycle time reduction initiatives.
• Troubleshoot machining and programming issues to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Evaluate new CAM tools, cutting tools, technologies, and machining techniques toimprove capability and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to improve machine utilization, tool life, setup efficiency,and overall production performance.
** Qualifications
*
* Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or apprenticeship preferred.
• 5+ years of CNC machining experience, including CNC lathe programming in aproduction environment.
• Strong proficiency with G-code and CAM software such as Mastercam or similar
• Hands-on experience with CNC turning/lathe machines.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and ability to interpret engineering drawings andCAD models.
• Strong knowledge of turning tools,…