CNC Tech/Programmer

Skyeton • Fayetteville, NC

6d

About The Position

The CNC Technician/Programmer develops and maintains CNC programs, sets up and operates machining equipment, proves out processes, and inspects precision components used in Skyeton unmanned aerial systems and related assemblies. Using engineering drawings, models, specifications, and work instructions, the role converts manufacturing requirements into safe, efficient, repeatable machining processes. The position works with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Production, and other machinists to improve tooling, fixtures, cycle time, process capability, and part quality while maintaining configuration control, traceability, and accurate production documentation.

The role creates and modifies CNC programs, supports milling and turning operations, develops controlled manufacturing documentation, safely proves out programs, operates equipment as needed, and inspects parts. It also supports first-article inspections, fixture and process development, troubleshooting, corrective actions, preventive maintenance, safety and housekeeping practices, and training within the employee’s demonstrated qualifications. The position collaborates across engineering, quality, supply chain, and production teams to improve manufacturability and respond to program priorities.

The job is primarily performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to operating machinery, metal chips, cutting fluids, airborne particulates, vibration, and typical shop noise. Required personal protective equipment must be worn. The position may occasionally require overtime or adjusted schedules and minimal travel based on business needs. Access to export-controlled information and customer, facility-access, or security requirements may apply.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least three years of CNC machining experience, including independent setup and operation in a production, prototype, toolroom, aerospace, automotive, medical-device, or similarly precise manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience creating or substantially modifying CNC programs using CAM software, G-code, or conversational programming.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, dimensions, tolerances, surface-finish requirements, bills of material, and written work instructions.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, machining fundamentals, cutting tools, workholding, speeds and feeds, tool offsets, and machine troubleshooting.
• Ability to select machining strategies and safely prove out new or revised programs with limited supervision.
• Experience inspecting precision parts using common metrology tools, including calipers, micrometers, indicators, height gauges, bore gauges, and thread gauges.
• Ability to maintain accurate programming, production, inspection, and quality records in a controlled manufacturing environment.
• Strong mathematical ability, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and commitment to safe work practices.
• Effective communication and ability to work collaboratively with machinists, engineers, Quality, and Production employees.

Nice To Haves

• Five or more years of CNC machining and programming experience involving close-tolerance or complex components.
• Machining diploma, certificate, apprenticeship, or associate degree in machining technology, manufacturing technology, or a related field.
• Aerospace or defense machining experience and familiarity with AS9100, AS9102 first-article inspection, configuration control, FOD prevention, and material traceability.
• Experience programming 4-axis or 5-axis mills, live-tooling lathes, or multi-axis mill-turn equipment.
• Experience with Powermill, Fusion 360, or comparable CAM software, including toolpath simulation and post-processor use.
• Experience designing fixtures, soft jaws, workholding, or cutting-tool packages using CAD/CAM tools.
• Experience machining aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, engineering plastics, and/or composite materials.
• Experience with probing systems, coordinate measuring machines, statistical process control, or other advanced inspection methods.
• Experience supporting prototype development, new-product introduction, and evolving designs under formal change control.

Responsibilities

• Create, modify, optimize, and maintain CNC programs using approved CAM software, G-code, conversational controls, and company programming standards.
• Program and support 3-axis, 4-axis, and multi-axis CNC milling and/or turning operations for prototype, low-rate initial production, and recurring production work.
• Review engineering drawings, solid models, GD&T requirements, specifications, bills of material, and work instructions to determine machining strategy, tooling, workholding, inspection points, and process sequence.
• Develop setup sheets, tool lists, operation instructions, program revision records, and other controlled manufacturing documentation.
• Safely prove out new or revised programs using simulation, dry runs, single-block operation, feed overrides, and controlled first-piece verification.
• Operate CNC equipment as production needs require and monitor tool wear, chatter, dimensional drift, surface finish, cycle time, and other indicators of process performance.
• Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using approved measurement equipment.
• Support first-article inspection, document dimensional results, and coordinate with Quality on AS9102 or customer-specific requirements when applicable.
• Design or support development of fixtures, soft jaws, workholding, cutting-tool packages, and process improvements.
• Identify and document nonconforming conditions, programming errors, unclear requirements, or process risks; stop work and coordinate resolution with Quality and Engineering when necessary.
• Maintain program revision control, file integrity, backup practices, material and job traceability, tool-life records, labor reporting, travelers, and inspection documentation.
• Troubleshoot machining, setup, tooling, and program issues using data and structured problem-solving methods; verify corrective actions before returning work to production.
• Support preventive maintenance, coolant monitoring, machine checks, 5S, FOD prevention, lockout/tagout, PPE, and housekeeping requirements.
• Train and assist machinists and production employees on approved programs, setups, tooling, inspection steps, and safe operating practices within demonstrated qualifications.
• Collaborate across Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production to improve manufacturability, reduce setup and cycle time, and support changing program priorities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned based on operational and program needs.

Benefits

• Company-paid medical coverage for the employee.
• Dental and vision insurance options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off program and company holidays.
• Opportunities to contribute to a growing U.S. aerospace manufacturing operation and expand technical skills.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED