CNC Programmer – Aerospace Manufacturing

Department: Manufacturing / Engineering

Reports To: Machine Shop Manager / Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Employment Type: Hourly Employee

Location: India

Position Summary The CNC Programmer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining CNC programs and manufacturing processes for precision aerospace components.

This position works closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Machine Shop Management, Quality, and CNC Machinists to develop safe, reliable, and efficient machining processes that meet engineering drawings, customer specifications, quality requirements, and production schedules.

The CNC Programmer will program complex components using CAD/CAM software, develop tooling and work holding strategies, support machine setups and first-article production, troubleshoot machining issues, and continuously improve cycle time, tool life, quality, and process reliability.

Key ResponsibilitiesCNC Programming

- Develop CNC programs for milling, turning, and multi-axis machining operations.
- Program 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining centers as applicable.
- Develop programs using CAD/CAM software such as Mastercam, Siemens NX, or equivalent systems.
- Interpret engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, GD&T;, and customer requirements.
- Determine appropriate machining strategies, operation sequences, cutting tools, work holding, feeds, speeds, and cutting parameters.
- Create and maintain setup sheets, tool lists, operation instructions, and other manufacturing documentation.
- Perform program verification and simulation to identify potential collisions, over-travel, tooling interference, or process issues before releasing programs to production.
- Maintain CNC program revision control and ensure only approved programs are released to the shop floor.
- Develop standardized programming methods and machining practices.

Process Development
- Develop complete machining processes from raw material through finished machined component.
- Determine optimal operation sequence to achieve dimensional, geometric, surface-finish, and productivity requirements.
- Select cutting tools, holders, fixtures, and work holding methods.
- Work with Manufacturing Engineering to design or improve fixtures and work holding.
- Establish appropriate cutting parameters based on machine capability, tooling, material, and part geometry.
- Support new-product introduction and transition of new components into production.
- Participate in manufacturing-readiness reviews before production release.
- Support first-piece and First Article Inspection activities.

Aerospace Manufacturing & Quality
- Ensure CNC programs and manufacturing processes comply with applicable engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and customer requirements.
- Work within an AS9100 quality-management environment.




- Maintain required configuration and revision control for CNC programs and manufacturing documentation.
- Support First Article Inspection requirements, including AS9100 when applicable.
- Work closely with Quality and Manufacturing Engineering to resolve dimensional and process-related issues.
- Participate in root-cause investigations and corrective actions related to machining nonconformances.
- Modify programs and processes when necessary to eliminate recurring defects.
- Maintain awareness of product quality, product safety, traceability, and aerospace manufacturing requirements.

Machine & Shop-Floor Support
- Provide hands-on support to CNC machinists and setup personnel during initial setups and production runs.
- Troubleshoot CNC programs, tooling, fixtures, work holding, machine conditions, and dimensional issues.
- Make controlled program adjustments based on inspection results and manufacturing feedback.
- Support prove-out of new CNC programs at the machine.
- Assist machinists with complex setups and machining challenges.
- Verify program performance before releasing processes for normal production.
- Support multiple machines and production priorities as required.
- Communicate program changes and process improvements clearly to operators and shop leadership.

Continuous Improvement
- Continuously improve CNC programs to reduce cycle time, setup time, tooling costs, and machine downtime.
- Improve tool life and machining consistency through optimized cutting parameters and tooling strategies.
- Identify opportunities for process consolidation and reduced part handling.
- Develop standardized tooling and programming practices where practical.
- Support implementation of probing, tool measurement, automation, pallet systems, and lights-out machining where appropriate.
- Analyze actual versus estimated machining times and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Participate in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous-improvement initiatives.
- Support efforts to increase spindle utilization and overall equipment productivity.

Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of CNC programming and/or advanced CNC machining experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
- Strong experience programming CNC milling and/or turning equipment.
- Proficiency with Mastercam, Siemens NX CAM, or comparable CAD/CAM software.
- Robust understanding of CNC machining fundamentals, cutting tools, feeds and speeds, fixtures, work holding, and machining processes.




- Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and 3D models.
- Strong knowledge of GD&T.;
- Experience developing setup sheets, tooling documentation, and manufacturing instructions.
- Experience troubleshooting machining and dimensional problems.
- Ability to work directly with CNC machinists during program prove-out and process development.
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple programming projects and production priorities.

Preferred Qualifications
- Aerospace or defense manufacturing experience.
- Experience working within an AS9100 quality system.
- Experience with AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements.
- Advanced experience with 4-axis and 5-axis simultaneous machining.
- Experience programming CNC turning centers with live tooling and/or mill-turn capability.
- Experience with machine and toolpath simulation software.
- Experience with post-processor development or troubleshooting.
- Experience with probing and in-process inspection.
- Familiarity with DNC/program-management and revision-control systems.
- Experience machining aerospace materials including:

- Aluminum

- Stainless steel

- Titanium
- Inconel and nickel-based alloys
- High-strength steels
- Other aerospace-grade materials

- Composite Materials
- Experience with complex, tight-tolerance aerospace components.

Technical Competencies The CNC Programmer should demonstrate strong capability in:
- CNC milling and/or turning
- 3-, 4-, and 5-axis programming

- CAD/CAM programming
- GD&T; interpretation

- Tool selection

- Feeds and speeds
- Fixture and work holding strategy

- CNC setup methodology

- Toolpath optimization

- CNC program simulation

- Process troubleshooting
- Cycle-time reduction
- First-article support

- Manufacturing documentation

- Program and revision control

Key Performance Expectations Success in this position will be measured by:
- CNC program accuracy and reliability
- First-pass yield
- First-article success
- Reduction in programming and setup errors
- Cycle-time improvement
- Setup-time reduction
- Tool-life improvement
- Reduction in scrap and rework
- On-time completion of programming requirements
- Machine utilization and spindle uptime
- Effectiveness of shop-floor technical support
- Quality and completeness of setup and manufacturing documentation

Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to work in both office and machine-shop environments.
- Ability to spend extended periods at a computer using CAD/CAM software.
- Ability to work at CNC machines during setups, prove-outs, and troubleshooting.
- Ability to use standard measuring and inspection equipment as required.
- Must follow all company safety requirements and use required personal protective equipment.

Work Location: In person

📌 CNC Programmer (Bengaluru)
🏢 Phoenix aero space
📍 Bengaluru