CNC Programmer

St. Joseph, MO (On-Site) Competitive Salary | 4-Day Workweek Option | Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing Van-Am Tool & Engineering is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer to support our growing aerospace, defense, and commercial manufacturing operations. This salaried position works closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Sales to develop efficient machining solutions and support new business opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Create, maintain, and optimize CNC programs for mills, lathes, and multi-axis machining centers.

• Review engineering drawings, CAD models, and customer specifications.

• Develop machining strategies, tooling selections, and setup documentation.

• Conduct program simulations and support first-run production validation.

• Troubleshoot programming and machining issues to improve quality, efficiency, and throughput.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing setup and cycle times.

• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Quality teams to ensure manufacturability and customer requirements are met.

• Support the Sales team with new part quotations by:

• Estimating raw material requirements.

• Using CAM software to estimate machining cycle times.

• Developing tooling and fixturing packages for cost estimation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of CNC programming experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, CAMWorks, Creo, CATIA, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of machining processes, tooling, GD&T, and blueprint interpretation.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing environments preferred.

Why Van-Am?

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• 4-day workweek option.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, PTO, and 401(k).
• Opportunity to work on complex aerospace and defense programs utilizing advanced manufacturing technologies.

This is an on-site position located in St. Joseph, Missouri. As a federal government contractor, Van-Am Tool & Engineering is required to maintain a drug-free workplace under the Drug-Free Workplace Act. As part of the hiring process, all candidates who receive a conditional job offer must undergo a pre-employment drug test, which includes testing for marijuana, regardless of state legalization.Testing is conducted after a job offer is extended, and results are kept confidential. A positive result may impact the final offer of employment. Van-Am complies with all applicable Federal, State (including Missouri and Iowa), and DOT regulations, where relevant.Van-Am is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.