Master CNC Programmer/Machinist

About the Company

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.

We’re 40 skilled professionals—small enough to know each other, big enough to build complex, high-stakes parts destined for space, flight, and defense. We’ve grown from $10M to $17M in recent years because we get the hard stuff right.

About the Role

Helander Metal Spinning Company is hiring a Master CNC Programmer/Machinist who thrives on complexity, loves figuring things out, and knows how to program, set up, and machine big and unusual components.

If “large-format prototype machining with constant problem-solving” sounds like a good time, you’re our kind of person.

Responsibilities

Programming, Setup, and Machining

• Write, read, prove-out, and edit CNC programs (at the control and CAM).
• Program, set up, and operate a Shibaura Tue-200(S) Vertical Boring & Turning Mill with Fanuc Series 0i T Model F CNC Controller.
• Prototype one-off aerospace parts from scratch — trial, error, adjust, refine, repeat.
• Apply advanced GD&T knowledge to ensure dimensional accuracy on tight-tolerance parts.

Large-Part & Special Process Work

• Work with large, heavy, or awkward-shaped metal parts (up to 100” diameter).
• Rig, lift, and safely move parts using hoists, cranes, and other material handling equipment.
• Solve real manufacturing problems on the fly — not from behind a desk.

Continuous Improvement

• Spot process issues, fix them, document them, and make them repeatable.
• Collaborate directly with engineers, quality, and production to streamline workflows.

Ownership and adaptability

• Work in a fast-changing environment where plans shift daily.
• Thrive in a shop that wears many hats: machinist, programmer, problem-solver, innovator.

Qualifications

• 7 years of CNC machining and programming experience (Fanuc, Haas, Fusion, Mastercam, or similar).
• Major experience with large or complex aerospace components (prototype and production).

Required Skills

• Proven ability to read/interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience setting up/operating large CNC equipment, horizontal mills, or vertical lathes (VTL).
• Strong understanding of tooling, feeds/speeds, fixturing, and material behavior.
• Hands-on experience with rigging, cranes, and lifting equipment in a shop environment.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with trial-and-error prototype development, short-run CNC builds, and R&D environments.
• Background in aerospace, defense, or precision metal forming (NADCAP and AS9100 a plus).

Pay range and compensation package

Salary: $80k - $100k