Demo

Computer Numerical Control Programmer

Guided Search Partners
Norfolk, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 10/21/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/19/2026

We are seeking an experienced CAM Programmer with strong Mastercam skills to join our precision manufacturing team supporting the defense industry. This individual will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting CNC machining programs to manufacture high-precision components in accordance with engineering drawings, customer specifications, and stringent quality requirements.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in a CNC machine shop environment, a strong understanding of machining processes, tooling, feeds and speeds, and the ability to collaborate with machinists, manufacturing engineers, and quality personnel to ensure efficient and accurate production.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, program, and optimize CNC machining toolpaths using Mastercam.
  • Create and modify CNC programs for milling, turning, and other machining operations as applicable.
  • Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and manufacturing specifications.
  • Select appropriate cutting tools, fixtures, machining strategies, feeds, and speeds.
  • Collaborate with CNC machinists and shop personnel to ensure programs are practical, safe, and production-ready.
  • Perform program verification, simulation, and collision checks to minimize machining errors and reduce scrap.
  • Troubleshoot machining issues and revise programs to improve cycle times, accuracy, and overall efficiency.
  • Support first-article inspections, prototype builds, and production runs.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and revision control for CNC programs and setup instructions.
  • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, including reducing setup times, improving tool life, and increasing machine utilization.
  • Ensure all components meet applicable quality standards, customer requirements, and defense manufacturing specifications.
  • Follow established safety procedures and maintain compliance with applicable manufacturing and quality processes.

Required Qualifications

  • Proven experience as a CAM Programmer, CNC Programmer, or similar role in a precision machine shop.
  • Strong working knowledge of Mastercam for CNC programming.
  • Experience programming CNC milling machines; multi-axis programming experience is a plus.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and machining tolerances.
  • Strong understanding of machining practices, cutting tools, workholding, feeds and speeds, and material properties.
  • Experience troubleshooting CNC programs and supporting machinists on the shop floor.
  • Familiarity with CNC machine controls and post-processors.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, precision components.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with production and engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Experience machining tight-tolerance components and complex geometries.
  • Familiarity with 3-axis, 4-axis, or 5-axis CNC machining.
  • Experience working with metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and other aerospace-grade alloys.
  • Knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar quality management systems.
  • Experience supporting first-article inspection, process validation, and production documentation.
  • Understanding of ITAR-controlled manufacturing environments, where applicable.


Salary : $45 - $52

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Computer Numerical Control Programmer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Computer Numerical Control Programmer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$70,250 - $90,788
Income Estimation: 
$84,020 - $107,510
Income Estimation: 
$70,250 - $90,788
Income Estimation: 
$84,020 - $107,510
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Guided Search Partners

  • Guided Search Partners Madison, WI
  • Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm that is built on the principles of Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and True Long-term Relationships... more
  • 15 Days Ago

  • Guided Search Partners Danville, VA
  • Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm that is built on the principles of Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and True Long-term Relationships... more
  • 15 Days Ago

  • Guided Search Partners Memphis, TN
  • Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm that is built on the principles of Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and True Long-term Relationships... more
  • 15 Days Ago

  • Guided Search Partners Cockeysville, MD
  • Position Overview The Director of Development & Community Partnerships is responsible for leading the organization’s fundraising, community engagement, and... more
  • 16 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Computer Numerical Control Programmer jobs in the Norfolk, VA area that may be a better fit.

  • Prescient Edge Norfolk, VA
  • Job Title Senior Computer Programmer Location Norfolk, VA 23324 US (Primary) Category Research, Development, and Engineering Job Type Full-Time Career Leve... more
  • 27 Days Ago

  • Prescient Edge Norfolk, VA
  • Job Title Mid Computer Programmer Location Norfolk, VA 23324 US (Primary) Category Research, Development, and Engineering Job Type Full-Time Career Level S... more
  • 2 Months Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!