Senior CNC Programmer – Multi-Axis & 5-Axis Machining

🔎At a Glance

Company: Ricaurte Precision, Inc.
Location: Santa Ana, California
Job Type: Full-Time | Exempt
Pay Range: $90,000 – $150,000 per year (DOE)
Experience Level: Senior / Lead
Industries: Aerospace, Medical, Defense, Advanced Manufacturing
Machining: 3-Axis, 4-Axis, 5-Axis CNC Mills | Multi-Axis Lathes | Live Tooling

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Why This Role Exists

Ricaurte Precision continues to expand its advanced multi-axis machining capabilities, lights-out automation, and complex program mix. This role exists to provide senior-level CNC programming leadership across challenging parts, tight tolerances, and demanding materials.

This is not a button-pushing or desk-only role. The CNC Programmer plays a key technical leadership position, influencing manufacturability, tooling strategy, fixturing, automation, and digital workflow adoption across the shop.

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The Work You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you will:

• Program complex, tight-tolerance parts using Esprit, Mastercam, or related CAM software
• Develop and optimize toolpaths for 3-, 4-, and 5-Axis CNC mills and multi-axis live-tooling lathes
• Define tooling strategies, workholding, zero-point systems, and automated fixturing
• Interpret and apply GD&T requirements directly into machining and inspection strategies
• Create detailed setup sheets, tool lists, and visual work instructions
• Collaborate with machinists, Leads, Supervisors, Engineering, and Quality teams
• Support shop-floor execution through troubleshooting, optimization, and setup guidance
• Mentor and develop junior programmers and machinists
• Participate in job planning, machine capacity reviews, and tooling decisions
• Maintain program documentation, revisions, and digital workflows within ERP systems
• Support AS9100 and ISO quality systems, including root-cause analysis and corrective actions

This role is hands-on, collaborative, and deeply tied to real production outcomes.

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Machines, Controls & Software

You’ll work in a technology-forward environment that includes:

Machining Platforms

• Multi-Axis CNC Mills (3-, 4-, and 5-Axis)
• Live-Tooling CNC Lathes
• Automated and zero-point fixturing systems
• Wire EDM (preferred experience)

Software & Systems

• CAM: Esprit, Mastercam
• ERP / Digital Workflow: Fulcrum ERP
• AS9100 & ISO-driven quality systems

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What We’re Looking For

Required

• 7+ years of CNC machining & programming experience
• 5+ years of Esprit programming experience
• Advanced experience with multi-axis machining and complex setups
• Strong expertise in GD&T and tight-tolerance machining
• Deep knowledge of tooling technology, workholding, and fixturing
• Ability to mentor, lead, and collaborate across departments
• Strong communication skills and a team-first mindset

Preferred (Not Required)

• Wire EDM programming experience
• Experience with automated or lights-out machining environments
• ERP-driven manufacturing experience

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Materials You’ll Work With

• Aluminum
• Stainless Steel
• Titanium
• Inconel
• Hastelloy
• Engineering Plastics

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Programmer Levels (Internal Progression)

While this role is hired at a senior level, RPI supports structured growth:

• Programmer I: 1–3 yrs | Entry CAM & setup support
• Programmer II: 3–7 yrs | Complex 3-/4-axis programming
• Senior Programmer: 7+ yrs | Multi-axis leadership & mentoring

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Why Programmers Choose Ricaurte Precision

Senior programmers choose RPI because of:

• Challenging, non-commodity work
• Advanced CNC machines and automation
• Respect for programming as a craft—not an afterthought
• Strong collaboration between programming, machining, and quality
• Investment in tools, software, and continuous improvement
• A culture built on quality, communication, and growth

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Compensation & Benefits

• $90,000 – $150,000 annually, based on experience and impact
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off & paid holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Stable, long-term career opportunity in a growing shop

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Apply

Experienced CNC Programmers can apply directly through hireCNC.

👉 Apply now or save this job to review later.