CNC Programmer - Hood River, OR

POSITION SUMMARY

The CNC Programmer develops, modifies, validates, and maintains CNC programs for Decavo's 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers used to manufacture aluminum tooling and trim composite parts. This position determines tooling, workholding, feeds, speeds, machining sequences, and toolpaths; creates clear setup documentation; and supports machinists during program prove-out and production. The CNC Programmer works closely with Production, Engineering, and Quality to improve manufacturability, quality, productivity, and schedule performance; and may occasionally set up and operate CNC equipment to validate programs or support production requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CNC PROGRAMMING AND PROCESS DEVELOPMENT

• Create, modify, and maintain CNC programs using Mastercam or comparable CAD/CAM software for aluminum-tooling and composite-trimming operations.
• Translate engineering drawings, CAD models, specifications, work instructions, and GD&T requirements into safe, repeatable, and efficient machining processes.
• Determine appropriate tooling, workholding, machining sequences, feeds, speeds, stepovers, depths of cut, and toolpaths with input from Engineering and Production as appropriate.
• Simulate and verify programs to identify collisions, overtravel, gouging, excess material, or other risks before release to production.
• Develop and maintain setup sheets, tool lists, workholding instructions, program notes, and other documentation needed for consistent execution.
• Maintain CNC program revision control, naming conventions, approvals, backups, and release status in accordance with document-control requirements.
• Optimize programs and machining methods to improve cycle time, tool life, quality, repeatability, and equipment utilization.
• Troubleshoot program, post-processor, tooling, workholding, and machining issues and implement approved corrections.
• Occasionally set up and operate CNC equipment to prove out programs, manufacture aluminum tooling, or support production requirements.

PRODUCTION AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT

• Work closely with Engineering to review designs for manufacturability, machining capability, tolerance requirements, and efficient processing.
• Provide technical support to machinists during setup, first-piece production, tool changes, offset adjustments, and troubleshooting.
• Communicate foreseeable programming, tooling, capacity, and schedule constraints to the CNC Machining Manager and propose practical solutions.
• Coordinate programming priorities with the CNC Machining Manager to support production schedules and customer requirements.
• Provide training and guidance to machining personnel on approved programs, setup documentation, tooling strategies, and process changes.

QUALITY AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

• Support first-piece and in-process verification using approved drawings, specifications, work instructions, and precision measuring instruments.
• Partner with Quality and Engineering to investigate nonconformances, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions related to CNC programs and machining processes.
• Follow applicable AS9100 procedures, customer requirements, export-control requirements, and document-control practices.
• Identify and implement continuous-improvement opportunities involving programming standards, tooling, workflows, cycle time, quality, and yield.
• Operate CNC equipment in accordance with established safety procedures, work instructions, machine-guarding requirements, and manufacturer guidance.
• Maintain clean and orderly work areas and promptly address or report equipment damage, unsafe conditions, and potential foreign-object debris.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Five or more years of CNC programming and machining experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Mastercam or comparable CAD/CAM software.
• Experience developing and troubleshooting programs for 3-axis CNC machining centers; experience with 4- or 5-axis programming strongly preferred.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, technical specifications, work instructions, tolerances, and GD&T requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of cutting tools, toolholders, fixtures, workholding, offsets, feeds, speeds, machining calculations, and process planning.
• Experience using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other precision measuring instruments.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to use computers, electronic production-record systems, and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace applications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience programming 4- and 5-axis CNC machining centers.
• Experience machining aluminum tooling and trimming composite materials.
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing or an AS9100-certified environment.
• Experience maintaining or troubleshooting CNC post processors.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, root-cause analysis, and continuous-improvement methods.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed in both an office setting and an active manufacturing environment, with regular time spent in CNC machining and production areas.
• Regularly perform computer-based work involving CAD/CAM programming, technical documentation, electronic records, and communication.
• Regularly stand and walk and occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or reach while supporting machine setup, program prove-out, inspection, and troubleshooting activities.
• Frequently use hands and fingers to operate computers, machine controls, hand tools, fixtures, and precision measuring instruments.
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or reposition tooling, fixtures, raw materials, parts, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds independently and heavier items with assistance or appropriate lifting equipment.
• Regular exposure to CNC machines, cutting tools, moving mechanical components, elevated noise, aluminum chips, composite dust, compressed air, and material-handling activities.
• Wear required PPE and use applicable ventilation, dust-collection, machine-guarding, and lockout/tagout procedures based on assigned tasks and authorization.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Demonstrates sound technical judgment, initiative, accountability, and close attention to detail.
• Works independently, manages competing priorities, and follows assignments through to completion.
• Communicates technical information clearly and collaborates effectively with Production, Engineering, Quality, and machining personnel.
• Approaches problems analytically and remains composed when troubleshooting equipment, programs, tooling, or production issues.
• Maintains a continuous-learning mindset and stays current with CNC programming, machining technology, tooling, and industry practices.

This position may require access to export-controlled technical data. Employment is contingent upon the individual's eligibility to access such data under applicable U.S. export-control laws or Decavo's ability to obtain any required authorization.