CNC Programmer

Job Description: CNC Programmer/Machinist

Position Overview:

Gateway Metallizing, Inc. is seeking an experienced, dependable, and detail-oriented CNC Programmer to join our team. This position is responsible for developing, programming, optimizing, and supporting CNC machining operations for both milling and turning applications.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience programming CNC mills and lathes using Fusion 360, with an emphasis on Haas equipment. The ability to take an engineering drawing from concept to a completed machining program—including selecting tooling, determining machining strategies, creating toolpaths, establishing workholding, and proving out programs—is essential.

We are looking for someone who understands both the programming and practical machining sides of the job. This person should be comfortable working with machinists and CNC operators, troubleshooting machining issues, improving existing programs, and helping the team produce quality parts efficiently and consistently.

Experience with both CNC milling and turning is strongly preferred. We are particularly interested in someone who can program a variety of jobs, from straightforward components to more complex parts, and who takes ownership of the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of their programs.

Responsibilities:

• CNC Programming — Mills: Develop, simulate, and optimize CNC milling programs using Fusion 360. Create toolpaths for facing, profiling, pocketing, drilling, boring, contouring, and other milling operations as required.
• CNC Programming — Lathes: Develop CNC turning programs for operations such as facing, rough and finish turning, grooving, drilling, boring, and threading. Select appropriate machining strategies, tooling, feeds, and speeds.
• CAD/CAM Programming: Import and interpret CAD models and engineering drawings, establish machining setups, define stock and work coordinates, select tooling, generate toolpaths, and post-process programs for the appropriate machine control.
• Haas Machine Experience: Program and support Haas CNC mills and lathes, understanding machine capabilities, work offsets, tool offsets, tool changes, and machine-specific programming requirements.
• Program Verification and Simulation: Review and simulate toolpaths to identify potential collisions, excessive material removal, inefficient cutting strategies, and other issues before running programs on the machine.
• Machine Setup and Prove-Out: Work with machinists and operators to establish setups, verify tooling and workholding, prove out new programs, and make necessary adjustments to ensure safe and accurate production.
• Process Development: Determine efficient machining sequences, select appropriate cutting tools and workholding methods, and develop repeatable processes that meet print requirements.
• Troubleshooting and Optimization: Diagnose programming and machining issues, including toolpath errors, chatter, tool wear, poor surface finish, dimensional variation, and excessive cycle times.
• Existing Program Maintenance: Review, revise, organize, and maintain CNC programs, Fusion 360 files, setup sheets, tooling information, and related documentation for repeat jobs and future use.
• Collaboration with the Shop: Work directly with CNC operators, machinists, and management to communicate setup requirements, resolve production challenges, and ensure jobs are programmed in a way that is practical for the shop to execute.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to reduce cycle times, improve tool life, minimize scrap, standardize programming practices, and increase overall shop productivity.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience programming CNC mills and CNC lathes.
• Experience with Fusion 360 CAM programming strongly preferred.
• Experience programming Haas CNC equipment strongly preferred.
• Ability to develop CAM programs from engineering drawings and 3D CAD models.
• Understanding of CNC milling and turning operations, including tooling selection, feeds and speeds, workholding, and machining sequences.
• Ability to generate and verify appropriate machine-specific post-processed programs.
• Experience with toolpath simulation, collision avoidance, and program prove-out.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and GD&T requirements as applicable.
• Familiarity with precision measurement and inspection methods.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with machinists, CNC operators, and management.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain accurate program and setup documentation.
• Dependable attendance, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.
• Commitment to workplace safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience programming both 3-axis CNC mills and CNC turning centers.
• Experience with Haas milling machines and lathes.
• Experience with live tooling, Y-axis turning, or other advanced lathe capabilities.
• Experience with multi-axis milling, probing, or advanced work offsets.
• Experience creating programs for one-off jobs, short production runs, repair parts, and custom components.
• Experience machining a variety of materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and alloys.
• Familiarity with tooling databases, setup sheets, and standardized Fusion 360 CAM workflows.
• Ability to assist with setup, prove-out, and operator training.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person