5-Axis CNC Machinist

Full-Time, Non-Exempt | Reports to: Director of Operations | Location: Wilsonville, OR (on-site)

Position Summary

The 5-Axis CNC Machinist – Setup & NPI sets up, proves out and runs complex simultaneous and 3 2 five-axis jobs, with a focus on bringing new parts into production right the first time. Working closely with programming, manufacturing engineering and quality, this machinist turns new programs into stable, repeatable processes that can run unattended on our automated pallet-pool cells. Impulse Precision Manufacturing is a high-mix, low-volume, five-axis machine shop serving aerospace, defense and high-tech customers, and is ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified and ITAR registered.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate five-axis machining centers, including workholding, tooling, work offsets and pallet loading on automated pallet-pool cells.
• Prove out new CNC programs for new product introduction (NPI): verify toolpaths, optimize feeds and speeds, and resolve collisions, chatter and finish issues.
• Develop robust, repeatable setups and workholding (including soft jaws and fixtures) that support lights-out and unattended production.
• Give clear feedback to programmers and manufacturing engineers on manufacturability, cycle time, tool life and process improvements.
• Produce first articles and work with quality to resolve dimensional issues before releasing jobs to production.
• Document setups, tool lists, setup sheets and lessons learned so jobs repeat cleanly on later runs.
• Build, measure and load tool assemblies, including shrink-fit holders, and manage tool life in the machine.
• Perform in-process inspection using micrometers, calipers, height gages, bore gages, indicators and other precision instruments.
• Machine aerospace and high-tech materials, including stainless steels, titanium, aluminum and plastics, to tight tolerances and demanding surface finishes.
• Edit programs at the control as needed and follow program change control procedures.
• Record job progress, setup and run time accurately in our shop-floor and MES systems.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and report equipment issues promptly.
• Train and mentor operators and less experienced machinists on setups, tooling and best practices.
• Follow all safety, quality, ITAR and cybersecurity (CMMC) requirements and keep work areas clean and organized (5S).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; machining certificate, apprenticeship or associate degree preferred.
• 5 years of CNC machining experience, including at least 3 years setting up and running five-axis machining centers.
• Demonstrated experience proving out new programs and launching new parts (NPI) in a high-mix, low-volume environment.
• Strong working knowledge of Heidenhain controls; experience with Okuma OSP or Siemens controls a plus.
• Solid understanding of five-axis concepts, including work offsets, tool center point, 3 2 positioning and simultaneous five-axis machining.
• Ability to read complex engineering drawings and 3D models and apply GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Solid knowledge of cutting tools, workholding, feeds and speeds, and machining strategies for difficult materials.
• Proficient with precision measuring instruments and in-process inspection methods.
• Comfortable using computers, MES/ERP systems and CAD/CAM viewers.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• Must be a U.S. person as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), due to access to export-controlled technical data.

Preferred

• Experience with Mikron (GF Machining Solutions), DMG Mori, Hermle or Okuma machining centers.
• Experience with automated pallet systems and lights-out or unattended machining.
• CAM programming experience (e.g., Mastercam, hyperMILL, ESPRIT, NX or similar).
• Experience in an AS9100 aerospace or defense manufacturing environment, including first article inspection.
• Familiarity with machine probing, tool setting and in-machine measurement cycles.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed on an active machine shop floor with exposure to noise, coolant, chips and moving equipment.
• Requires standing and walking for extended periods, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50 lbs; heavier items are moved with lifting equipment.
• Requires good close vision, with or without correction, and the manual dexterity to handle tools and precision instruments.
• Safety glasses, hearing protection where required, and other required PPE must be worn on the shop floor.
• Schedule: Day Shift (7am-3:30pm Mon-Fri typical); overtime may be required based on production needs.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay
• Medical (Regence BlueCross BlueShield, Preferred Platinum) for employees and qualified dependents
• Dental (Beam Dental) for employees and qualified dependents
• Paid vacation that grows with tenure
• Modern five-axis equipment with automated pallet systems, shrink-fit tooling and high-pressure through-spindle coolant
• Opportunity for growth within a growing organization



Impulse Precision Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.