Senior CNC Programmer / Machinist

Job Description

Job Description

About Us

Research Metal Industries, Inc. is a precision aerospace manufacturing company committed to producing high-quality, close-tolerance components that meet the rigorous standards of the aerospace industry. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior CNC Programmer/Machinist to join our long-tenured manufacturing team.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex machining challenges, takes pride in producing exceptional work, and thrives in a collaborative team environment. We are looking for a professional who takes initiative, is willing to contribute wherever needed, and can independently program, set up, prove out, and optimize CNC machining processes—not someone who simply loads and runs existing programs.

Position Summary

The Senior CNC Programmer/Machinist is responsible for programming, setting up, troubleshooting, and optimizing CNC milling and turning operations for high-precision aerospace components. This individual will work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production to develop efficient machining strategies while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and productivity.

The successful candidate must be capable of taking ownership of projects from blueprint review through production release while contributing positively to an experienced and collaborative manufacturing team.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop, write, modify, and optimize CNC programs for CNC mills and lathes using Virtual Gibbs and Mastercam 2026 (experience with versions 2000+ required).
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and GD&T requirements to develop efficient machining strategies.
• Perform complete machine setups, including tooling selection, fixture installation, work offset verification, and first-piece validation.
• Independently prove out new programs and make programming adjustments to ensure dimensional accuracy and production efficiency.
• Optimize cycle times, tooling, feeds, speeds, and machining strategies to improve productivity while maintaining quality.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, fixture, and programming issues to minimize downtime and improve overall manufacturing performance.
• Support production personnel during setup, first article approval, and process validation.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, workholding, and machining methods for complex aerospace components.
• Verify dimensional accuracy using precision measuring instruments including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, indicators, and CMM reports.
• Create and maintain setup sheets, tooling documentation, and CNC program records to support repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to improve manufacturability, reduce scrap, and increase efficiency.
• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective actions related to machining processes.
• Support continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with company safety policies, quality standards, and AS9100 procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of CNC programming experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Extensive experience programming both CNC milling machines and CNC lathes.
• Advanced proficiency with Virtual Gibbs and Mastercam (versions 2000+; Mastercam 2026 preferred).
• Strong experience with Fanuc controls.
• Expert ability to read and interpret blueprints and complex GD&T.
• Strong understanding of tooling, cutting geometry, machining strategies, and close-tolerance manufacturing.
• Experience machining precision aerospace components preferred.
• Proficiency using precision measuring equipment and interpreting CMM inspection reports.
• Strong mathematical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently perform complete machine setups—not solely operate existing production programs.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills with the ability to quickly identify and resolve machining issues.
• Fluent in English; bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Professional Qualities

We are looking for someone who is more than technically capable—we're looking for the right teammate.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a collaborative team player who works well with an experienced, long-tenured manufacturing team.
• Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and strong communication with coworkers across all departments.
• Take initiative and ownership of assigned work without waiting to be directed.
• Be dependable, accountable, and committed to producing quality work the first time.
• Maintain a positive attitude while working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Be willing to mentor less experienced machinists and contribute to the continued success of the team.
• Continuously look for opportunities to improve machining processes, tooling, and production efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace manufacturing experience.
• Experience machining aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, and other aerospace materials.
• Experience supporting First Article Inspection (FAI) and production launches.
• Understanding of AS9100 quality systems and aerospace manufacturing standards.
• Experience with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently lift and move up to 40 pounds.
• Manual dexterity required to operate machinery and precision measuring equipment.
• Visual acuity necessary to inspect close-tolerance machined components.

Additional Information

Due to U.S. Export Control Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be authorized to access export-controlled information. Employment is contingent upon verification of eligibility under applicable U.S. regulations.

If you are a highly skilled CNC Programmer/Machinist who enjoys working as part of a professional team, takes pride in craftsmanship, and wants to contribute to a growing aerospace manufacturer, we encourage you to apply.

Company DescriptionAt Research Metal Industries (RMI), we take pride in manufacturing high-quality aerospace components with a strong focus on precision, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Our team is made up of experienced professionals who value accountability, craftsmanship, and supporting one another in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

We’re a growing company with long-term opportunities for employees who want to build a stable career in aerospace manufacturing. If you’re looking for a place where your work matters, your experience is valued, and you can continue developing your skills, we encourage you to learn more about us and apply through our website.

You’ll be joining a hands-on team culture that values reliability, respect, quality, and doing the job right the first time.

Company Description

At Research Metal Industries (RMI), we take pride in manufacturing high-quality aerospace components with a strong focus on precision, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Our team is made up of experienced professionals who value accountability, craftsmanship, and supporting one another in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.\r\n\r\nWe’re a growing company with long-term opportunities for employees who want to build a stable career in aerospace manufacturing. If you’re looking for a place where your work matters, your experience is valued, and you can continue developing your skills, we encourage you to learn more about us and apply through our website.\r\n\r\nYou’ll be joining a hands-on team culture that values reliability, respect, quality, and doing the job right the first time.