Butler Machine is an ITAR registered, ISO certified machine shop providing precision CNC machining, laser marking, and quality inspection services. The team produces high-tolerance components that support aerospace and defense programs.
Butler Machine is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer to develop, prove out, and optimize CNC programs for complex machined components. This position is intended for a Level II or Level III programmer who can work independently on challenging milling and turning applications, translate engineering requirements into reliable production processes, and partner closely with machinists, production leadership, and quality. The successful candidate will bring strong Mastercam capability, sound machining judgment, and a focus on safety, quality, repeatability, and efficient cycle times. A highly experienced candidate may also help lead programming standards, tooling strategies, continuous improvement, and mentoring.
Key Responsibilities
- Interpret engineering drawings, 3D models, GD&T, and customer or purchase-order requirements to determine machining methods and programming approach.
- Create, prove out, troubleshoot, and optimize CNC programs in Mastercam for milling and turning operations, including complex multi-axis work as appropriate.
- Develop efficient toolpaths and select appropriate cutters, tooling, workholding, speeds, feeds, and machining strategies to achieve quality and productivity goals.
- Support CNC setup, prove-outs, first-piece inspections, and production launches; troubleshoot program, tooling, fixture, and machining issues on the shop floor.
- Prepare and maintain clear setup sheets, tooling lists, program documentation, and instructions needed for safe, consistent production.
- Collaborate with machinists, engineering, operations, and quality to resolve nonconformances, improve manufacturability, and ensure parts meet print and customer requirements.
- Support estimates for programming time, machining cycle time, tooling, and fixture requirements for new work and RFQs.
- Design or contribute to fixture and workholding solutions using SolidWorks or other applicable tools.
- Compare estimated and actual cycle times; identify opportunities to reduce cycle time, improve tool life, reduce scrap, and increase process repeatability.
- Maintain organized CNC program files, revisions, and technical records in accordance with company procedures.
- Participate in root-cause analysis and corrective-action efforts when programming or machining issues affect quality, delivery, or productivity.
- For a candidate operating at the Lead level, establish and improve programming practices, tool and program standards, post-processors, and documentation, assess complex RFQ feasibility, mentor other programmers and support onboarding of new products, equipment, and capabilities.
Required Qualifications
- 3–5+ years of hands-on CNC programming experience in a production machining environment, candidates with deeper experience and lead-level capability are encouraged to apply.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Mastercam or comparable CAM programming software, with the ability to independently develop and troubleshoot programs.
- Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, cutting tools, workholding, speeds and feeds, and machining practices for milling and/or turning.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and 3D models.
- Working knowledge of G-code, machining math, and the relationship between toolpath strategy, setup, and finished-part quality.
- Ability to support setups and first-piece prove-outs, diagnose shop-floor issues, and communicate effectively with machinists and cross-functional partners.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to safe work practices, accurate documentation, and consistent quality.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience programming complex 4-axis milling work and CNC turning applications.
- Experience with Hurco vertical machining centers and WinMax controls and/or Okuma turning centers and OSP controls.
- Experience designing fixtures or workholding in SolidWorks.
- Familiarity with Verisurf, CMM inspection, or other dimensional inspection methods.
- Experience in aerospace or another quality-driven manufacturing environment; familiarity with AS9100 requirements is a plus.
- Experience improving programming standards, tooling libraries, post-processors, cycle times, or manufacturing processes.
- Experience leading root-cause/corrective-action efforts, mentoring colleagues, or supporting new equipment and product introductions.
- Relevant technical certificate, apprenticeship, or equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
Performance Expectations
- Deliver accurate, production-ready programs and documentation that support safe, repeatable manufacturing.
- Respond promptly to shop-floor questions and collaborate to minimize avoidable downtime and production delays.
- Escalate quality, safety, or process risks appropriately and contribute to effective corrective action.
- Meet agreed expectations for program quality, cycle-time estimates, first-piece acceptance, documentation, and continuous improvement.
- At the Lead level, help strengthen standards and team capability through technical guidance, mentoring, and process ownership.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
- Office and production machine shop; shop areas have moderate to high noise, coolant and metal chips
- Required PPE on the shop floor: safety glasses, hearing protection and safety-toe shoes
- Sit for programming; stand and walk on the shop floor for extended periods
- Lift up to 50 lb unassisted
- Extended or after-hours work as business needs require
Monday to Thursday: 7:00 am to 4:30 pm
Friday: 7:00 am to 11:00 am
