What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior CNC Programmer (Lathes) position at willowwoodco?
About Us
We are a leading medical device manufacturer specializing in prosthetic feet, prosthetic liners, elevated vacuum systems, custom fabrication, and CAD solutions for the prosthetics and orthotics industry. Our mission is to improve mobility and quality of life through innovative products, precision manufacturing, and clinical excellence.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior CNC Programmer / Machinist to support and lead machining operations within our manufacturing facility. This role serves as a technical leader responsible for CNC programming, process development, fixture design, troubleshooting, and mentoring machinists across prototype and production environments. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience with 5-axis machining, Swiss/screw machines, CAD/CAM programming, and continuous process improvement.
Key Responsibilities
CNC Programming & Process Development
- Develop and optimize CNC programs using SolidCAM, SolidWorks, or similar CAD/CAM software.
- Program and support 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis mills, CNC lathes, and Swiss/screw machines.
- Select tooling, feeds, speeds, and workholding solutions to maximize efficiency and quality.
- Design and implement fixtures and tooling for new and existing products.
- Troubleshoot machining issues and make program or process adjustments as needed.
- Create and maintain setup sheets, tooling documentation, and manufacturing routings.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, quality enhancement, and cost savings.
Manufacturing Operations & Leadership
- Partner with the Machine Shop Manager to support daily machining operations and production goals.
- Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to machinists and machine operators.
- Assist with machine setups, first-piece inspections, and troubleshooting complex machining challenges.
- Monitor productivity, machine utilization, and production performance.
- Coordinate tooling, materials, and machine resources to meet production schedules.
- Support implementation of lean manufacturing and 5S initiatives.
- Serve as a hands-on machining resource during peak production demands.
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure manufactured components meet engineering specifications and tolerance requirements.
- Perform inspections using precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, and gauges.
- Maintain compliance with company quality standards, safety procedures, and documentation requirements.
- Support corrective actions, root cause investigations, and process validation activities as needed.
- Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
Required
- 5 years of CNC machining experience with mills, lathes, and Swiss/screw machines.
- 5 years of CNC programming experience using SolidCAM, SolidWorks, or comparable CAD/CAM software.
- Demonstrated experience with 5-axis machining.
- Strong understanding of G-code programming, toolpath strategies, feeds and speeds, and fixture design.
- Experience leading, mentoring, or supervising machining personnel.
- Proficiency with precision measurement and inspection techniques.
- High school diploma or GED.
Preferred
- Experience with HAAS CNC equipment, including UMC 5-axis machining centers.
- Experience with robotic automation and robot programming.
- Experience in medical device, aerospace, or other high-precision manufacturing environments.
- Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience.