What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal CNC Programmer / Master Machinist / Advanced CNC Applications Engineer position at Helander Metal Spinning Company?
Principal CNC Programmer/Master Machinist
Since 1936, Helander has manufactured precision metal components for aerospace, defense, energy, medical, and OEM markets. Using metal spinning, hydroforming, and CNC machining, we form components from 1″ to 100″ in diameter—across every alloy and to the highest performance standards.
AS9100D | ISO 9001:2015 | ITAR | NADCAP
Key Responsibilities
- Develop end-to-end machining strategies for prototype and low-volume R&D parts
- Own machining strategy from CAD → CAM → first article
- Develop advanced CAM programs & probing subroutines to optimize machine utilization
- Select tooling, feeds/speeds, work-holding, and probing strategies
- Optimize for risk, tool life, cycle time, and part stability
- Program using SolidWorks CAM; support post development and optimization as required
- Partner with engineering and quality during early part development
- Iterate machining strategies rapidly using real cutting data and in-process feedback
- Support first-article success on tight-tolerance, high-value parts
- Design and specify custom fixtures and work-holding for large VTL components
- Setup and prove programs at the machine
- Troubleshoot chatter, distortion, thermal growth, and alignment issues in real time to achieve conformance
- Develop setup sheets, tool lists, and proven process documentation
- Establish program standards and best practices
- Support configuration control and revision management
- Drive process improvements that reduce risk, scrap, and iteration time
Minimum Qualifications
- 10 years of hands-on manufacturing experience, 5 years CNC programming
- Experience using VTL to machine large, complex, or flight-critical components
- Experience machining one or more of the following materials: nickel-based stainless-steel alloys (Inconel, Monel, etc.), Copper, Aluminum and/or Titanium
- Excellent blueprint reading & GD&T
- Set-up sheet and tool list creation
- Strong fixture design & work-holding experience
- Excellent communication and project management skills
- Comfortable working on the shop floor, not just at a desk
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- Short run, prototype, non-production machining experience
- Proactive approach to quality improvement, with a track record of accuracy, thoroughness, and process enhancements
- CMM knowledge
- Experience operating heavy lifting equipment such as cranes and forklifts
- Experience transitioning parts from prototype to production
Compensation
- Principal CNC Programmer / Master Machinist – Level V: $70.00 – $84.00/hour
- Advanced CNC Applications Engineer / Machining Architect – Level VI $85.00 – $95.00/hour
Salary : $70 - $95