CNC Machinist

Ford Motor • Long Beach, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford’s Product Creation and Industrialization organization brings together vehicle, electric, digital and design teams with its global manufacturing system to develop vehicles, software and customer experiences. The CNC Programmer/Operator programs, sets up and operates CNC milling machines and 5-axis gantry mills, including DMG MORI and Fooke machines, to produce high-quality parts and components for prototype vehicles. The role works closely with design and engineering teams to translate engineering designs into precise, efficient CNC programs and deliver parts for prototype builds while maintaining safety, teamwork and quality standards.

This is a hybrid position requiring onsite work four or more days per week. The salary grade is 7, with a stated range of $95,300–$159,400; the final salary grade and base salary depend on candidate skills and experience, job scope, responsibility and competitive market value. Visa sponsorship is not available. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and employment eligibility will be verified at hire.

Requirements

• 5–7+ years of experience as a CNC Programmer/Operator.
• Proven expertise in CNC programming using CAM software.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and blueprints.
• Strong understanding of the material properties and machinability of metals, plastics, foams and composites.
• Ability to troubleshoot CNC machining problems and identify solutions that improve part quality and efficiency.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software workflows and integration.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with design and fabrication teams.
• High attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality parts.
• Ability to lift 50–70+ pounds.
• Ability to stand for long periods and bend or twist, kneel, stoop or crouch.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with rapid prototyping techniques and workflows.
• Ability to create and modify CAD models for fixturing and tooling.
• Experience with reverse-engineering techniques to create CAD models from physical parts.
• 5-axis gantry milling experience.
• Experience with PowerMill.
• Experience with HEIDENHAIN and Siemens controls.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize and troubleshoot G-code CNC programs using CAM software such as PowerMill or Autodesk Fusion, based on 3D CAD models and engineering drawings.
• Set up and operate CNC milling machines, selecting tooling, fixturing and cutting parameters to achieve required geometries and surface finishes.
• Produce precision parts and components for prototype vehicles in accordance with tight tolerances and quality standards.
• Collaborate with design engineers to understand design intent, identify manufacturing challenges and provide feedback on manufacturability.
• Evaluate and improve machining processes to increase efficiency, reduce cycle times and minimize material waste.
• Inspect finished parts with precision measuring instruments to verify conformance to specifications.
• Manage and maintain an organized CNC tooling inventory to ensure tools are available for upcoming projects.
• Maintain accurate records of CNC programs, setup sheets and machining parameters.
• Follow safety procedures and protocols to maintain a safe working environment.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage.
• Paid parental leave, new-parent ramp-up programs and subsidized backup childcare.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• Vacation time, sick/personal time and paid holidays, including time between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed