CNC Machinist

Client Job Description

Senior CNC Machinist / Programmer, Aerospace & Defense ManufacturingLocation: New JerseyReports to: Senior Vice President of OperationsLeadership Role , A-Player RequiredWe are seeking a proven CNC expert, an A-player, to own programming, setup, and machining operations at a growing aerospace and defense manufacturer.This is a hands-on, high-ownership role for someone who takes pride in maximizing output, running a tight operation, and their work is a direct driver of business growth.The right candidate is not just a machine operator.They are a programmer, a problem-solver, and a standard-setter, someone who writes code from scratch, builds fixtures that work, and treats process improvement as a personal responsibility, not a suggestion from management.This role is for someone who owns the machine, owns the outcome, and makes the people around them better.Why JoinThis is not a run-parts-and-go-home role. You will have real ownership, visibility, and direct input into how our CNC operation scales, including equipment decisions, tooling strategy, and fixturing systems.If you take pride in your setups, your programs run clean, and you believe a well-run CNC cell is the backbone of a precision shop, this role is for you.Role SummaryThe Senior CNC Machinist / Programmer owns day-to-day CNC operations across two Fanuc mills in a precision aerospace manufacturing environment.This includes full-cycle programming in Mastercam and at the controller, machine setup, tooling ownership, in-process inspection, and continuous improvement of feeds, speeds, and fixturing.You will be expected to set the machining standard on the floor, escalate issues before they become defects, and deliver conforming parts to engineering drawing on every run.Key ResponsibilitiesOperate two Fanuc CNC mills concurrently across production runsWrite, edit, and optimize CNC programs in Mastercam and directly at the controller - G-code and M-code from scratch, not just editing existing programsOwn machine setup: tooling, fixtures, work offsets, and setup documentationSelect, specify, and procure cutting tools; manage tooling inventoryDrive process improvement - toolpath strategy, cycle time reduction, fixture development, feeds and speeds optimizationProvide DFM input to engineering; your machining expertise should make our designs betterPerform in-process quality checks and document results per AS9100D proceduresProactively identify and escalate tooling wear, program issues, or production problems before they become defectsParticipate in evaluation and specification of future CNC equipmentContribute to longer-term projects: vacuum table design, pallet and fixture systems, and expanding CNC coverage of currently manual operationsQualifications & Experience7+ years of CNC machining experience with demonstrated, hands-on programming abilityFanuc control experience, 0-M or 31i seriesMastercam proficiency: full toolpath generation from 3D model through post-processingAbility to write, edit, and troubleshoot G-code and M-code at the controllerExperience operating multiple CNC machines simultaneouslyAbility to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and multi-revision documentationStrong ownership mentality, you notice problems before they become defects and you escalate without being askedPreferred QualificationsExperience machining acrylic, polycarbonate, or other optical-grade plasticsFamiliarity with plastic-specific tooling, single-flute geometry, Onsrud or equivalentAerospace quality environment experience: AS9100, MIL-spec, ITAR-regulated productionExperience designing or implementing vacuum table and pallet fixturing systemsExperience specifying or evaluating CNC machine toolsSchedule & CompensationMonday-Friday; flexibility on hours provided production commitments are metOvertime availableCompetitive hourly rate commensurate with experienceBenefits:Health insurancePaid time off

You should be proficient in:

• CNC Tooling
• CNC Programming
• CNC Machine Repair
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC) (Fanuc)
• CNC Lathe (2-4 axis)
• CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC) (Fanuc)