Aerospace CNC Turning Programmer (Mastercam)

Job Description

Job Description Shape flight-critical parts with code

TekPro is partnering with a high-tech precision machining leader in the San Jose, CA area to hire an experienced CNC turning specialist who lives at the intersection of CAM strategy, G-code mastery, and shop-floor execution. If you thrive on turning complex, tight-tolerance components into repeatable, efficient programs, this role is for you.

Location & schedule

• Location: San Jose, CA
• Shift: 1st Shift

A day in the life

Your morning begins by reviewing new aerospace drawings and CAD models. You translate GD&T into toolpaths, selecting inserts, workholding, and feeds/speeds to balance quality with cycle time. Before lunch, you simulate turning operations (facing, roughing, finishing, grooving, threading, drilling, boring) and verify a new program, then head to the floor to support setup and run the first article. In the afternoon, you collaborate with quality on FAI results, implement tweaks, document the final process, and finish by shaving seconds off a repeat job through better tool sequencing and updated parameters.

What you'll do

• Create, prove out, and optimize CNC lathe programs for complex, high-precision aerospace components.
• Turn prints and CAD models into robust machining strategies aligned to GD&T requirements.
• Program and refine turning operations: facing, roughing, finishing, grooving, threading, drilling, and boring.
• Select tools, inserts, workholding, speeds, and feeds to improve cycle time, tool life, and part quality.
• Simulate and verify programs to ensure safe, efficient toolpaths and proper machine behavior.
• Support first article runs and production launches; implement continuous improvements for repeatability.
• Partner with setup techs, machinists, engineering, and quality to resolve dimensional and process issues.
• Troubleshoot on the floor (programming, tooling, workholding) and mentor junior programmers and machinists.
• Ensure compliance with ISO/AS9100 and customer requirements; maintain programs, setup sheets, tooling lists, and revision history.
• Lead lean and cycle-time reduction efforts; evaluate new CAM features, cutting tools, and machining techniques.

What you bring

• High school diploma or equivalent (technical training or apprenticeship preferred).
• 5+ years of CNC machining experience with CNC lathe programming in production.
• Strong G-code skills and CAM proficiency (Mastercam or comparable).
• Hands-on experience with CNC turning/lathe machines and tight-tolerance work.
• Fluency in reading drawings, interpreting GD&T, and working from CAD models.
• Deep knowledge of turning tools, inserts, workholding, speeds/feeds, and best practices.
• Proven problem-solving ability on a busy production floor.

Preferred

• Background in aerospace, defense, medical device, semiconductor, or other high-precision industries.
• Experience with multi-axis lathes or mill-turn platforms.
• Familiarity with Lean/continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with ERP/MRP for production tracking and documentation.

Tools and tech

• CNC Lathe (2-4 axis and 5+ axis)
• CAM Software: Mastercam
• CAD/CAM workflows

Work environment

• Blend of office-based programming and shop-floor collaboration.
• Exposure to typical machining conditions: noise, coolant, chips, and moving equipment.
• Occasional hands-on setup and troubleshooting support.
• Standard business hours with overtime as needed for production.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match

Ready to program parts that fly? Apply now to be considered for this growth-focused aerospace opportunity through TekPro.