Expert CNC Programmer

Company Overview

Gremlin Works LLC is an up & coming CNC rapid prototyping shop with clients across the aerospace, automotive, energy and defense industries. Focused on delivering precision parts to our clients on short lead times, our workplace is fast-paced with dynamic and exciting projects. Come join our tight-knit and growing team to challenge your existing skills and gain a wide range of experience in a growth-oriented environment. Opportunities for advancement and role development are available and participation is heavily encouraged.

We are located in Faber, VA, close by to Route 29, Charlottesville, Scottsville, and Lovingston.

Summary/ Objective

Gremlin Works is hiring for the role of Expert CNC Programmer to support a growing portfolio of prototyping and small production work. Candidates should be able to work well with a team of project managers, machinists, and inspectors to effectively execute a wide range of manufacturing contracts. Programmers will generate NC programs for machine operators to run and prove-out with minimal support from the programmer. Programmers must be skilled in offline CNC programming on multiple different softwares, with the ability to quickly learn new programming software if required. Programmers are expected to generate NC programs for CNC mills (3-5 axis machines) and CNC Mill-Turn machines in a shop of 6-10 machines for a high mix of prototyping and production work. Candidates must be trustworthy, driven, and able to conduct work independently with appropriate direction.

Key Responsibilities

Candidates should expect the following responsibilities at a minimum:

• Programmers will receive 3D CAD models and drawings, which they are expected to quickly review, analyze, and generate an initial manufacturing plan for each part
  • The manufacturing plan will describe each step of the manufacturing process for a part, detail machine and workholding requirements, and be used to schedule and plan shop floor activities
  • Programmers will collaborate with project managers, salespeople, quality inspectors, and machinists to ensure the manufacturing plan is satisfactory
  • Programmers may also be asked to provide input and develop draft manufacturing plans during the quoting process
• Once a manufacturing plan has been developed, Programmers will make an initial NC program for each part, focused on generating a complete Bill of Materials for specific tooling, workholding, and any other specialty requirements
• Programmers will complete, simulate, and verify full NC programs prior to release to the shop floor for prove-out by a machine operator
  • Released NC programs shall be free of machine/ tooling/ workholding collisions that would cause damage to the CNC machines
  • Programmers will include any necessary notes and instructions to operators to prevent collisions and ensure smooth execution of the NC program
• Programmers will support machine operators and quality inspectors with troubleshooting activities. This will include root cause analysis of emergent issues and modification of the NC program to eliminate these issues
• Programmers are expected to understand the overall facility manufacturing schedule, manage their time effectively, and prioritize tasks to achieve deadlines for deliverables
• Programmers may occasionally need to assist

Skills & Qualifications

Candidates should possess:

• 8+ Years of experience in offline CNC programming on multiple different softwares, with the ability to quickly learn new programming software if required
• Strong understanding of GD&T, proficient at reading and comprehending complex technical drawings, and understanding of the effects of machining approaches on tight tolerances
• Strong understanding of machining forces, tool and machine capabilities and limits. Must have a deep understanding of how changing machining parameters impacts part quality, part dimensions, and workholding security, tool life, etc
• Mechanical knowledge as it relates to machine operation, including tool, workpiece security, and workholding setups
• Strong organization and task management skills to effectively operate in a busy environment on a wide range of tasks
• Programmers must be skilled in offline CNC programming on multiple different softwares, with the ability to quickly learn new programming software if required
• Experience machining most metals: (Aluminum/ Non-ferrous metals, Steels, Stainless Steels, Titanium & Nickel Alloys, Tool Steels/ etc)
• Experience using and programming most all types of machining tools: (All holemaking tools, solid carbide tooling (mill/ lathe), carbide insert tooling (mill/ lathe), All Threadmaking tools, other specialty profiles/ etc)
• Ability to program a wide range of geometries and size of parts: (Micromachining, High MRR roughing, 3D surfacing, 5 axis finishing

Additionally, candidates must:

• Be a U.S. person
• Be able to pass a background check
• Be able to provide job/ education/ personal references as requested

Overqualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Additional skills and experience in additional areas will be considered appropriately:

• Computer Aided Design (CAD)
• CNC programming
• Advanced fixturing
• Specialty materials & markets

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Willing and able to work in a manufacturing environment, including medium to loud background noise and heavy machinery and vehicles
• Ability to stand continuously for multiple hours
• Ability to bend/ twist/ kneel/ reach/ stoop/ crouch/ etc in the performance of job duties
• Lift and position workpieces and fixturing equipment in the range of 10-50 lbs
• Occasionally push/ pull on loads and objects >100 lbs with the assistance of equipment
• Discipline to wear PPE & follow safety procedures and guidelines
• Work primarily inside in a range of facility temperatures from hot to cold with appropriate preparation

Benefits & Compensation

Gremlin Works offers the following benefits as part of employment:

• Health Insurance plans available
• Paid Time Off/ Paid Holidays/ Flexible work schedules
• Performance-based bonuses

Pay: $50+/hr

Gremlin Works considers several job-related, non-discriminatory factors when determining the pay rate for a position, including, but not limited to, the position’s responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, a candidate’s education/training, and the key skills needed for the position.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.