What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Cell Lead, CNC Turning Programmer (Mastercam | Hypermill) position at ZHP Manufacturing?
Are you the programmer who can turn a customer print into repeatable precision—and lead the cell to ship on time?
If you thrive on translating drawings into optimized CNC paths and enjoy coaching others through setup, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement, this role puts you at the center of production and quality.
Say “yes” if you can- Convert customer drawings/specs into CNC lathe and mill programs using Mastercam or Hypermill
- Create 3D models or 2D drawings when inputs are incomplete or require clarification
- Build setup sheets, select tools, set offsets, and tune programs for yield and cost
- Lead and instruct setups on CNC mills and lathes; quickly resolve programming and process issues
- Request tooling/BOM items via purchase requisitions to keep the work moving
- Verify results with calipers and other inspection tools (personal or company-owned)
- Manage up to one operator and coordinate up to three CNC machines in your cell
- Keep the area safe, clean, and organized in line with OSHA guidelines
- Drive continuous improvement and meet Zero Hour Parts’ QMS standards on every job
- Reliable, optimized programs ready for CNC lathes and mills
- Clear setup documentation that shortens changeover time
- Stable processes across a range of materials, from aluminum and stainless to titanium and plastics
- A cohesive cell rhythm with on-time delivery and minimal rework
- High school diploma or GED (Associate’s/technical certifications/apprenticeship are a plus)
- 1 year of CNC programming experience
- 4 years of machining experience (or manager-approved equivalent)
- Proficiency in Mastercam or Hypermill; strong computer skills
- Strong blueprint reading; moderate GD&T required (strong preferred)
- Competent with machinist gauges (calipers, micrometers, etc.)
- Experience with a broad material set: steel, aluminum, stainless, plastic, titanium, copper, ceramic, etc.
- Preferred: prototype CNC machining and setup
- Required: setup/operation of 3-axis mills or 2-axis lathes
- Preferred: setup/operation of 4- and 5-axis mills; 3-axis lathes and live tooling
- Work ethic that’s self-driven and reliable; adaptable in a fast-paced environment; leadership mindset
- Able to lift up to 50–75 lbs; able to sit/stand for extended periods; open to overtime as needed
- CNC Lathes: 2–4 axis and 5 axis
- CAM: Mastercam or Hypermill
You’ll directly oversee up to one operator and coordinate work across as many as three CNC machines. You’ll partner with the Manufacturing Manager and other departments to solve issues, keep work flowing, and continuously elevate process capability within Zero Hour Parts’ quality management system.