CNC Programmer

Job Title: CNC ProgrammerJob Description

The CNC Programmer will develop, refine, and optimize CNC programs for precision-machined components while working closely with manufacturing engineers, leadership, and production teams to improve efficiency, quality, and throughput. This role focuses on 3-axis milling and Mastercam programming, with the opportunity to grow into advanced 4-axis and 5-axis multi-axis machining as manufacturing capabilities expand. The position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving manufacturing challenges, optimizing machining processes, and taking ownership of how parts are produced in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs for precision-machined components using Mastercam.

• Support production machining on CNC milling platforms, primarily 3-axis mills.

• Collaborate closely with machinists to troubleshoot programming and machining issues on the shop floor.

• Improve cycle times, tool paths, setups, and overall manufacturing efficiency through thoughtful programming and process refinement.

• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing specifications to create accurate and reliable CNC programs.

• Verify CNC programs prior to release to production and provide ongoing shop floor support during machining operations.

• Assist with tooling and fixturing selection, development, and implementation to support stable and efficient machining processes.

• Contribute to fixture and tooling design activities to enhance part quality, repeatability, and ease of setup.

• Participate in process development initiatives to standardize best practices and strengthen manufacturing capability.

• Support the implementation and expansion of 4-axis and 5-axis multi-axis machining capabilities as the operation grows.

• Work from engineering documentation and manufacturing process instructions to ensure compliance with specifications and quality requirements.

• Identify and drive process improvement opportunities with a focus on quality, efficiency, and throughput in a manufacturing environment.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of CNC programming experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Strong, hands-on experience programming with Mastercam, including at least 35 years of use.

• Proven experience programming 3-axis CNC milling machines.

• Ability to independently create, edit, and troubleshoot CNC programs from start to finish.

• Experience working directly from engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing documentation.

• Strong understanding of machining principles, including tooling selection, feeds, speeds, and cutting strategies.

• Experience supporting production machining and providing shop floor support to machinists.

• Background in process improvement within a manufacturing setting, with 35+ years preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with 4-axis or 5-axis CNC milling and multi-axis programming.

• 35+ years of experience with CATIA in a manufacturing or engineering environment.

• Aerospace, defense, or other precision manufacturing experience.

• Fixture and tooling design experience, including fixture/tooling development for CNC machining.

• Manufacturing engineering or process development experience.

• Sheet metal manufacturing experience.

• Demonstrated continuous improvement mindset with a strong focus on quality and efficiency.

• Interest in growing with a team that is in the early stages of expanding its business with a major aerospace customer.

• Motivation to learn from subject matter experts (SMEs) and develop advanced multi-axis machining capabilities.

• Openness to evaluation for potential full-time conversion after an initial contract period, based on performance and business needs.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing plant environment focused on precision machining for demanding industries such as aerospace. You will work on CNC milling platforms, using Mastercam and CATIA alongside standard shop-floor tooling, fixtures, and inspection documentation. The setting is collaborative and production-oriented, with close interaction between programmers, machinists, engineers, and leadership to solve real-time manufacturing challenges. The environment emphasizes continuous improvement, quality, and throughput, with opportunities to work on expanding 4-axis and 5-axis machining capabilities and to be trained by experienced subject matter experts as the team and business grow.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Auburn, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Auburn,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.