CNC Programmer - Critical Hardware

Lincoln Electric•Macomb, IL

About The Position

Lincoln Electric is seeking a CNC Programmer for its Critical Hardware work in Macomb. The role develops and proves out CNC programs for production and aerospace machining, using CAM software and machine-specific post-processors. The programmer selects machining strategies, cutting tools, and parameters based on material, machine capability, cycle-time targets, and surface-finish requirements; verifies programs on the machine; and optimizes performance while maintaining part quality. The position also documents setups, tool life, and program revisions, and maintains a version-controlled program library. The work involves machining materials such as titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The programmer may need to run first articles without a machinist present and adjust programs for engineering, tooling, or fixture changes. A flexible schedule may be required to support workload, including overtime and weekends. The position includes access to data and technology subject to U.S. export controls; employment is contingent on meeting applicable export-control requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 5 years of CNC programming experience in a production or aerospace environment.
Proficiency in Hypermill, or strong Tebis experience and willingness to support Hypermill workflows.
Knowledge of machine controls, preferably Heidenhain; Fanuc 0i/30i series and Siemens are also mentioned. Ability to read and edit G-code.
Knowledge of cutting-tool insert geometry and grade selection, milling, drilling, thread milling, tapping, and high-speed machining strategies.
Solid understanding of GD&T, machining principles, and aerospace manufacturing standards.
Ability to use CAM-embedded machine simulation; Hypermill, NC Simul, and Vericut are named.
Fundamental understanding of fixturing and how workholding affects program approach and accessibility.
Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and schematics.
Detail orientation, ability to work independently, and strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work a flexible schedule as required, including overtime and weekends.
Physical ability to perform the described demands, including standing, walking, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Must meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements for access to controlled data, technology, or software.

Nice To Haves

Experience with high-precision aerospace machining.
Hands-on familiarity with chip-forming materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and Inconel.
Heidenhain machine-control experience.
Hypermill experience.

Responsibilities

Develop CNC toolpaths from 3D models and engineering drawings using CAM software such as Hypermill, Work NC, or Tebis.
Select cutting strategies appropriate to the material, machine capability, and cycle-time targets.
Choose cutting tools, insert grades, and cutting parameters based on machinability and surface-finish requirements.
Post-process toolpaths into machine-specific G-code and verify the output.
Prove out new programs on the machine through dry runs, cut-air operations, and first articles, monitoring for collisions, tool deflection, and dimensional accuracy.
Optimize cycle times by reducing air cuts, improving approach and retract moves, and adjusting feeds and speeds based on observed chip formation.
Write setup sheets documenting workholding, tool lists and offsets, speeds and feeds, and inspection requirements.
Modify existing programs to accommodate engineering changes, tooling substitutions, or fixture modifications while maintaining part quality.
Create and maintain a version-controlled program library, documenting changes and preserving proven programs.
Maintain documented tool life and proven cutting strategies for different materials.
Run machines during first-article work without a machinist present when needed.
Read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and schematics.