CNC Mill & Wired EDM Programmer

About HPF:

Houston Precision Fasteners produces high strength, close tolerance, fatigue rated fasteners using materials such as alloy steel, 718, titanium, waspaloy, A-286 and multiphase. Our fasteners support most current space programs as well as our nations fleet of military aircraft and weapon systems. We are dedicated to providing a superior product to our customers and seek only highly qualified people who take pride in their work to be part of our growing team.

Job purpose: The CNC Mill & Wired EDM Programmer will be responsible for programming, setting up, and operating 3/4/5-axis CNC Milling machines and Wire EDM equipment to produce high-precision tooling, dies, fixtures, and specialized aerospace fastener components.

The ideal candidate possesses deep hands-on expertise with offline CAM software (ESPRIT CAM strongly preferred), tight-tolerance machining, blueprint reading/GD&T, and experience machining high-temperature aerospace superalloys (e.g., Inconel 718, MP35N, A286, Titanium, and PH Stainless Steels).

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, verify, and optimize G-code/M-code programs for multi-axis CNC Mills and Wire EDM machines using offline CAM software (ESPRIT preferred).
• Select optimal cutting strategies, speeds, feeds, wire tension, burn settings, and tooling configurations for aerospace materials and hard tooling.
• Perform complete setups, workholding configuration, part prove-outs, and production runs on CNC Mills and Wire EDM machines.
• Establish work offsets, zero points, wire threading parameters, and tool lengths accurately.
• Design and fabricate custom workholding, soft jaws, and EDM holding fixtures to support fastener manufacturing processes (hot forging dies, trim dies, thread rolling tooling, trim plates).
• Perform first-piece and in-process dimensional inspections using precision measuring equipment (micrometers, calipers, optical comparators, height gauges, pitch micrometers).
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models, and ASME Y14.5 GD&T callouts to ensure zero-defect compliance under AS9100 quality management standards.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on CNC mills and Wire EDM units (dielectric fluid management, wire guide inspection, filtration systems).
• Troubleshoot machining anomalies, tool wear, chatter, and program errors to improve cycle times and tool life.

Required Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience programming, setting up, and operating both CNC Mills and Wire EDM machines in a precision manufacturing environment (Aerospace, Defense, or Medical preferred).
• Proven offline CAM programming experience. ESPRIT CAM proficiency is strongly preferred (SolidWorks/Mastercam experience is a plus).
• Experience working with high-temperature nickel alloys, cobalt alloys, stainless steels, and tool steels (Inconel, A286, MP35N, H13, D2).
• Expert knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and engineering drawing interpretation.
• Deep understanding of G-code programming, macro variables, machine controls (Haas, Fanuc, Heidenhain, Mitsubishi, Charmilles, or ONA).
• Proven experience in part setup, fixture design, and precision alignment.
• High School Diploma or GED required; Machinist Apprenticeship, Trade School Certificate, or Associate Degree in Precision Machining/Manufacturing Technology highly preferred.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. independently.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and work in a precision machine shop setting for extended periods.
• Strict adherence to safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and AS9100 quality procedures.

Employee Acknowledgement:

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by HPF employees. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job.

Due to nature of defense contracts, US Citizenship is a requirement.

As part of our Drug and Alcohol Policy, upon acceptance of any offer of employment, employment will be conditional of passing a required drug.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

We are a fast growing manufacturer of precision aerospace products. We have won numerous awards for our contributions to the defense and space industries including supplier of the year to NASA in 2013. We pride ourselves on doing things our competitors cannot and are striving to be the most technologically advanced, highest rated supplier to our customers across all product lines. In 2024, HPF was acquired by the Poggipolini company based in Italy.