CNC Lathe Programmer
Collinsville, IL area | First Shift | $32.00 - $40.00+/hr + overtime
We're hiring a CNC Lathe Programmer for a precision tooling manufacturer in the Collinsville, IL area. If you take pride in tight-tolerance work and can build a reliable process from a print, we'd like to talk.
What you'll do
- Program CNC machines in Mastercam, including 2D and 3D toolpaths, process planning, program optimization, and safe machine strategy
- Machine complex, tight-tolerance components for molds, dies, fixtures, gaging, and precision manufacturing
- Work from CAD models, blueprints, drawings, and customer specs to determine machining sequence, datum strategy, and the best overall process
- Select cutting tools, holders, speeds, feeds, and strategies suited to the material, geometry, tolerance, and finish requirements
- Prove out programs, set offsets, and verify toolpaths and clearances for safe, accurate, repeatable machining
- Troubleshoot chatter, tool life, finish, dimensional variation, and cycle time, then improve the program or process
- Inspect your own work with micrometers, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring equipment, working closely with engineering and quality on difficult challenges
What you bring
- Hands-on Mastercam lathe programming experience (required)
- 5+ years of CNC machining experience, with meaningful time programming and setting up CNC lathes
- Experience holding tight tolerances, ideally to .0005
- Experience on Okuma and Haas machines is a plus, as these are our primary equipment
- Background in tool and die, mold making, precision tooling, or similar low-volume, high-complexity machining (strongly preferred)
- Ability to work from a print and independently develop a reliable machining process
- Solid understanding of cutting tools, work holding, materials, tolerances, surface finishes, and in-process inspection
- A craftsmanship mindset: attention to detail, pride in your work, and the judgment to catch problems before they become scrap
Nice to have
- Fixture, gage, prototype, or other precision tooling experience
- One-off and low-volume machining experience, not just high-volume production
- A track record of improving programs, reducing cycle times, or developing repeatable setups for difficult parts
- Apprenticeship, technical training, or certification (demonstrated skill and experience matter most)
Schedule
- First shift, Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- Optional overtime available
Pay & benefits
- $32.00 - $40.00+ per hour, based on experience, plus overtime
- Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with profit sharing
- Advancement and development opportunities
