What are the responsibilities and job description for the CNC Programmer position at Helander Metal Spinning Company?
Key Responsibilities
- Set up, operate, and troubleshoot multi-axis CNC mills, lathes, and/or specialized machining centers
- Execute machining operations on tight-tolerance, high-value components, from prototype through production
- Interpret and work from engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and process documentation
- Develop, edit, and optimize CNC programs (on-machine and offline) to improve quality, cycle time, and repeatability
- Select tooling, fixtures, work-holding, and cutting strategies appropriate for complex geometries and advanced materials
- Provide manufacturability feedback to engineering and collaborate on design improvements
- Perform in-process inspection using precision measurement tools; interpret inspection data and drive corrections
- Support first-article success, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions for nonconforming components
- Document setups, best practices, and machining processes to support standardization and scalability
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment aligned with 5S and aerospace manufacturing standards
- Train and support operators on setup and inspection requirements
- Support machine uptime, process stability, and production readiness through proactive troubleshooting and maintenance coordination
Minimum Qualifications
- 8 years of experience with g-code, set up, operation and/or programming of multi-axis CNC mills & lathes
- Demonstrated experience setting up and machining complex parts independently
- Demonstrated ability to select and manage appropriate tooling for various materials and operations
- Strong blueprint reading skills, including GD&T
- Proficiency with CNC controls such as Fanuc
- Ability to hold tight tolerances (±.001” and tighter depending on application)
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving production environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Multi-axis machining
- CMM operation or programming experience
- Experience in machining aerospace components
- Experience operating heavy lifting equipment such as cranes and forklifts
- Experience machining one or more of the following materials: nickel-based stainless-steel alloys (Inconel, Monel, etc.), Copper, Aluminum and/or Titanium
- Experience in machining large-scale components
- Trade school, apprenticeship, or technical degree
Compensation
- CNC Machinist / Programmer – Level III: $35.00 – $49.00/hour
- CNC Machinist / Programmer – Level IV: $50.00 - $65.00/hour
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $35.00 - $65.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Associate (Preferred)
Experience:
- Machining: 8 years (Required)
- CNC programming: 1 year (Required)
- GD&T: 3 years (Required)
- Sheet metal: 3 years (Preferred)
- Fanuc: 3 years (Preferred)
- 5S: 1 year (Preferred)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Lombard, IL 60148 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $35 - $65