CNC Programming & Optimization Specialist

Description

Advanced Industries is seeking a CNC Programming & Optimization Specialist to drive improvements in CNC machining performance, programming quality, and manufacturing efficiency. 

This role will focus on creating and refining CNC programs, optimizing machining processes, reducing cycle time and scrap, improving tool life, and supporting machinists with proven best practices and standardized methods. 

The ideal candidate is hands-on, data-driven, and comfortable collaborating across engineering, quality, and operations to improve throughput and part consistency.

Key Responsibilities

· Develop, modify, and maintain CNC programs for production; Create optimized toolpaths using CAM software (Mastercam), ensuring repeatability, safe machining strategies, and cost-effective cycle times.

· Support machining teams with on-floor troubleshooting of program and process issues.

· Implement program revision control and ensure programs align with internal standards and machining best practices.

· Lead machining optimization initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, improved tool life, reduced scrap/rework, and enhanced repeatability.

· Evaluate and improve setups, workholding strategies, tool selection, feeds/speeds, and machining parameters to improve output and part consistency.

· Conduct time studies and root cause analyses on machining bottlenecks and quality issues.

· Establish and maintain standard work for machining operations, including setup sheets, tooling packages, and documented process parameters.

· Train and support machinists and production personnel on updated processes, program changes, and standard methods.

· Identify opportunities in machining equipment and supporting systems to improve efficiency, uptime, and throughput (e.g., machine upgrades, controls/retrofits, probing, automation, tool management, coolant systems, chip handling, and program management/DNC infrastructure).

· Evaluate and recommend equipment improvement initiatives based on ROI, downtime reduction, cycle time impact, quality improvements, and long-term scalability.

· Support implementation of new equipment, automation, and upgrades including acceptance testing, process validation, documentation updates, and training.

· Partner with maintenance, engineering, vendors/OEMs, and production teams to plan and execute modernization projects with minimal production disruption.

· Contribute to improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by addressing recurring downtime drivers including setup time, tool-change inefficiencies, program/process instability, and machine reliability constraints.

· Improve machining “infrastructure” such as CAM post-processors, program storage and revision control, standardized tool libraries, and digital setup documentation for repeatable, scalable operations.

· Ensure machining processes consistently meet print specifications and quality requirements.

· Follow and support all safety policies, machine guarding requirements, and shop floor best practices.

· Support first-article and production validation for new programs and process changes.

Requirements

· 3+ years of CNC programming (Mastercam) experience in a production machining environment.

· Proficiency with CNC programming methods (G-code and/or conversational as applicable) and strong understanding of machining fundamentals.

· Hands-on ability to set up and troubleshoot Haas CNC Horizontal, Vertical, and Lathe machines.

· Demonstrated experience optimizing machining operations for cycle time, scrap reduction, and process stability.

· Strong knowledge of cutting tools, workholding, fixturing principles, and blueprint interpretation including GD&T.

· Proven ability to troubleshoot machining issues independently on the shop floor.

· Demonstrated ability to evaluate and support implementation of machining equipment improvements (upgrades, retrofits, automation, or process-support technology) in a production environment.

· Strong documentation skills and experience developing setup sheets, tooling lists, and standardized process documentation.

· Preferred experience supporting equipment modernization projects such as automation integration (robotic tending, pallet systems, bar feeders), probing and in-process measurement systems, CNC controls upgrades / machine retrofits, production data collection / OEE tracking systems, DNC/network program management systems, and tool management systems and standardized tool libraries.

· Ability to work independently in a fast-paced non-climate-controlled environment.

10-hour/day shift schedule: Monday - Thursday 5:00am - 3:30pm