CNC Programmer

Woodward, Inc. • Rockford, IL

1d • $31 - $50 • Onsite

About The Position

Woodward is seeking a skilled CNC Programmer for its Loves Park Campus. This role is responsible for ensuring the team operates safely and efficiently, meets production goals, and maintains quality expectations. The position is on 1st shift (Mon-Fri 7:00am-3:30am). Woodward is committed to creating a rewarding workplace and offers an extensive Total Reward package, including salary determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and market data. This role requires the use of information subject to ITAR and EAR regulations, necessitating applicants to be U.S. Persons.

Requirements

• Proficient in writing, editing, and optimizing Gcode for 3and 5axis CNC milling and turning operations.
• Skilled in creating and modifying toolpaths using industry standard CAD/CAM platforms such as Mastercam or Fusion 360.
• Experienced in selecting and installing fixtures, workholding, and tooling to prepare CNC machines for production.
• Able to accurately read and interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, and geometricdimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) symbols.
• Competent in running and analyzing CNC simulations to validate toolpaths and detect potential collisions.
• Knowledgeable about choosing optimal spindle speeds, feed rates, and depth of cut for various materials.
• Proficient in using micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and coordinatemeasuring machines (CMM) to verify dimensional accuracy.
• Understands machining characteristics and tooling requirements for metals, plastics, and composites.
• Capable of identifying and resolving common programming and operational issues through established procedures.
• Communicates technical instructions and setup adjustments clearly with machinists, engineers, and quality inspectors.
• Expertlevel creation and refinement of CNC programs for milling and turning operations.
• Skilled in generating and editing toolpaths using Mastercam, Siemens NX, or equivalent.
• Proficient in selecting tooling, calibrating offsets, and establishing workholding for precision runs.
• Accurate reading and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing from technical drawings.
• Designing efficient, collisionfree toolpaths to reduce cycle times and enhance surface finishes.
• Diagnosing programming errors, tool wear, and machine faults to restore optimal performance.
• Developing detailed setup sheets, operation protocols, and parameter logs for consistent production.
• Examining 3D designs for manufacturability issues, clearances, and necessary modifications.
• Applying material specific cutting parameters based on machinability and thermal properties.
• Explaining complex technical dependencies and coordinating with engineering and operations teams.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR and EAR regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develops CNC programs for multiaxis machining of precision metal and plastic components using CAD/CAM software based on engineering drawings and material specifications.
• Performs machine setups by installing job specific tooling, fixtures, and workholding devices, and verifies alignment and calibration against setup instructions.
• Executes test runs for newly programmed parts, monitors machine operations, and adjusts tool offsets and feed rates to achieve tolerance compliant dimensions.
• Troubleshoots programming errors and mechanical inconsistencies by analyzing Gcode, reviewing toolpath strategies, and applying corrective modifications.
• Maintains detailed records of program revisions, setup parameters, and inspection results in the CNC program library to support process consistency.
• Creates and refines CNC code for milling and turning operations based on engineering drawings and CAD data.
• Collaborates with operators to configure tooling, fixtures and workholding devices for efficient production runs.
• Analyzes cycletime and toollife metrics to recommend program adjustments and process improvements.
• Diagnoses code errors and machining disruptions, applying corrective edits to programs and machine parameters.
• Updates CNC program libraries and process records, ensuring compliance with versioncontrol standards.

Benefits

• Annual cash bonus opportunity
• 401(k) match (4.5%)
• Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
• Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities
• 12 paid holidays, including floating holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
• Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up
• Short Term Disability
• Bereavement leave
• Paid parental leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits
• Member Life & AD&D
• Long Term Disability
• Member Optional Life
• Member referral bonus
• Spouse / Child Optional Life
• Optional AD&D
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
• Voluntary benefits, including: Home / Auto Insurance discounts, Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave

What This Job Offers

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