Multi‑Axis CNC Toolpath Developer (CAD/CAM) A Day in the Life
You start your morning reviewing new work orders and 3D models, then open Mastercam, WorkNC, or VISI to craft precise toolpaths for milling, turning, and complex multi‑axis parts. You choose the right cutters, fixtures, and machining strategies, balancing speed with surface finish and tool life. After lunch, you’re on the shop floor proving out a first‑run, partnering with machinists to dial in feeds and speeds on Fanuc, Haas, Siemens, or Mazak controls. By day’s end, you’ve trimmed cycle time, validated quality, and published clear setup sheets, tooling lists, and process instructions for repeatable success.
What You’ll Do
- Create, modify, and refine CNC programs for 3‑, 4‑, and 5‑axis milling, as well as turning centers.
- Develop efficient toolpaths using Mastercam, WorkNC, VISI, or similar CAD/CAM platforms.
- Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and customer specifications to ensure conformance.
- Select tooling, fixtures, cutting parameters, and machining strategies tailored to part geometry and materials.
- Collaborate closely with machinists and manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot and improve processes.
- Conduct program prove‑outs and first‑article validations on the production floor.
- Optimize cycle times while maintaining quality, dimensional accuracy, and tool life.
- Advance safety, quality, delivery, and cost through continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain thorough documentation, including setup sheets, tooling lists, and process instructions.
- Assist with fixture design and contribute to manufacturing process development as needed.
- Investigate and resolve issues tied to programming, tooling, or machine performance.
- Ensure adherence to company quality standards and safety procedures.
What You’ll Bring Required
- High school diploma or GED; technical degree or apprenticeship preferred.
- 3+ years of CNC programming experience in a manufacturing setting.
- Proficiency with at least one CAD/CAM system: Mastercam, WorkNC, or VISI.
- Ability to read blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T.
- Hands‑on experience with CNC milling and/or turning.
- Strong understanding of machining processes, tooling, cutting parameters, and workholding.
- Familiarity with CNC controls such as Fanuc, Haas, Siemens, Mazak, or similar.
- Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, communication, and teamwork skills.
Preferred
- Experience programming for 3‑, 4‑, and 5‑axis machining.
- Background in tool & die, aerospace, automotive, medical device, or precision manufacturing.
- Fixture design experience.
- CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, Siemens NX, CATIA, Creo, etc.).
- Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout a manufacturing facility.
- Occasionally lift up to 40 pounds.
- Comfort working around machine noise, coolants, and metal chips.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Career Growth within a Stable Manufacturing Environment
Role Details
Department: Manufacturing Engineering
Employment Type: Full‑Time
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.