Senior CMM Programmer

HELIOS TECHNOLOGIES INC•Buffalo Grove, IL

1d•$35 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

Schultes Precision Manufacturing is seeking an experienced Senior CMM Programmer to support precision machining operations. The role develops, optimizes, and executes advanced Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) programs to verify that manufactured components meet dimensional, geometric, and customer specifications. The successful candidate will have advanced proficiency in ZEISS CALYPSO and/or Hexagon PC-DMIS, a comprehensive understanding of GD&T, and a strong technical background in CNC machining. The position is also a technical resource for manufacturing operations. It works with machinists, CNC programmers, setup personnel, and manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot nonconforming components, identify causes of dimensional variation, and develop corrective actions. The role translates inspection data into practical manufacturing improvements and supports first article and production inspections, quality-system compliance, and continuous improvement. No supervisory responsibilities are listed. The position is based at Schultes Precision in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. The stated pay range is $35.00–$45.00 per hour. The work environment includes exposure to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles, with usually moderate noise. ITAR-related access may require applicants to qualify as a U.S. Person or otherwise be authorized to access applicable export-controlled information under U.S. law.

Requirements

At least 5 years of hands-on CMM programming experience in a precision manufacturing or CNC machining environment.
Advanced proficiency in at least one CMM programming platform: ZEISS CALYPSO or Hexagon PC-DMIS.
Ability to independently develop, troubleshoot, and optimize complex CMM programs.
Advanced understanding of GD&T principles and their practical application to dimensional inspection.
Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models, and precision machining specifications.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently while supporting cross-functional manufacturing and quality teams.
Working knowledge of CNC milling and turning processes, machining setups, cutting tools, workholding, and dimensional control.
Proven experience troubleshooting dimensional nonconformances and collaborating with manufacturing teams on corrective actions.
Experience inspecting tight-tolerance, complex precision-machined components.
Ability to meet the position’s physical requirements, including occasionally lifting or moving up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience programming in both ZEISS CALYPSO and Hexagon PC-DMIS.
Previous hands-on experience as a CNC machinist, setup technician, CNC programmer, or manufacturing engineer.
Experience with multi-axis CNC machining, complex geometries, and high-precision components.
Familiarity with ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards.
Experience with first article inspection requirements, including AS9102 where applicable.
Experience with ISO 9001, AS9100, or other applicable quality management systems.
Knowledge of measurement system analysis (MSA), gauge repeatability and reproducibility (Gage R&R), and statistical process control (SPC).
Experience developing inspection fixtures and optimizing inspection strategies for production environments.
Experience supporting formal root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.
For positions requiring access to regulated information, qualification as a U.S. Person under ITAR or other authorization under U.S. law.

Responsibilities

Develop, validate, and optimize advanced CMM inspection programs using ZEISS CALYPSO and/or Hexagon PC-DMIS.
Create repeatable inspection routines for complex precision-machined components, including tight-tolerance features and complex geometries.
Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T specifications, and customer requirements to establish inspection methods.
Use CAD-based programming and appropriate measurement strategies to improve inspection accuracy, efficiency, and repeatability.
Develop and maintain CMM programs, inspection documentation, measurement reports, and inspection procedures.
Evaluate measurement strategies, probe configurations, alignments, and fixturing to ensure reliable dimensional results.
Support first article inspections, production inspections, and customer-specific dimensional reporting requirements.
Troubleshoot CMM programming issues, measurement inconsistencies, and inspection discrepancies.
Partner with machinists, setup personnel, CNC programmers, and manufacturing engineers to investigate components that fail dimensional inspection.
Analyze inspection results to distinguish machining defects from measurement errors, setup issues, and process variation.
Apply knowledge of CNC machining, tooling, workholding, part setups, and manufacturing processes to identify causes of dimensional nonconformance.
Provide manufacturing teams with actionable technical feedback about dimensional deviations, feature relationships, and potential process corrections.
Assist with issues involving tool wear, machine offsets, workholding, thermal effects, part distortion, and machining strategies.
Support root cause investigations and corrective actions to prevent recurring dimensional defects.
Collaborate with manufacturing engineering to improve process capability, dimensional consistency, and part quality.
Support development and improvement of dimensional inspection standards, programming practices, and quality-control processes.
Participate in nonconformance investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Work with Quality and Manufacturing to reduce scrap, rework, and inspection-related production delays.
Provide technical guidance and mentoring to CMM operators, quality technicians, and other inspection personnel.
Maintain compliance with applicable quality management systems, customer requirements, and internal procedures.
Identify opportunities to improve inspection throughput through program optimization, standardized methods, and efficient measurement strategies.