CNC ProgrammerJob Description
We are seeking a CNC Programmer to support aerospace manufacturing operations through the development, optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of CNC programs for complex precision-machined components.
This role collaborates closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Production teams to translate engineering drawings, CAD models, customer requirements, and manufacturing objectives into efficient machining strategies. The CNC Programmer plays a key role in improving process performance, machining efficiency, component quality, production readiness, and operational continuity.
The position supports program development, prove-out activities, tooling optimization, manufacturing process improvements, and production support within a highly regulated manufacturing environment.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
Responsibilities
- Develop, modify, validate, and optimize CNC programs for precision-machined components.
- Analyze engineering drawings, CAD models, specifications, and manufacturing requirements to establish machining strategies.
- Determine machining sequences, tooling selections, cutting parameters, and operation methods.
- Create cutter setup documentation, operation instructions, and supporting manufacturing documentation.
- Support CNC program prove-out and validation activities on production equipment.
- Debug and refine CNC programs to improve performance, quality, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Verify machining parameters, dimensional adjustments, tooling offsets, and process requirements during implementation.
- Utilize precision measurement and tool-setting equipment to support manufacturing operations.
- Collaborate with machinists, engineers, and production personnel to resolve programming and manufacturing challenges.
- Support root cause investigations and corrective actions involving machining and programming-related issues.
- Identify opportunities to improve cycle time, tooling performance, process capability, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Support implementation of new manufacturing technologies, tooling, and process improvement initiatives.
- Maintain programming documentation in accordance with engineering and manufacturing requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Experience developing, troubleshooting, and optimizing CNC programs within a manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of machining processes, cutting tools, manufacturing methods, and CNC operation.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
- Experience utilizing CAD/CAM software to develop CNC programs and machining strategies.
- Strong understanding of machining sequences, manufacturing workflows, and process optimization.
- Ability to troubleshoot programming and manufacturing challenges independently.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Production teams.
- Experience supporting manufacturing operations in a production environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Technical degree, diploma, machining certificate, apprenticeship, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
- Experience supporting aerospace, defense, precision machining, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
- Experience programming turning, milling, or multi-axis machining equipment.
- Experience working directly with machinists during prove-out and production support activities.
- Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, blueprint reading, GD&T, tooling systems, process planning, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma methodologies.
- Experience supporting rotating components, tight-tolerance parts, difficult-to-machine materials, or complex manufacturing processes.
- Experience balancing quality, productivity, tooling performance, manufacturing efficiency, and operational requirements.
- Experience utilizing precision tool-setting and measurement equipment.
Key Skills
- CNC Programming
- CAD/CAM Programming
- Blueprint Interpretation
- GD&T
- Manufacturing Processes
- Precision Machining
- Tooling Optimization
- Process Improvement
- CNC Machining
- Root Cause Analysis
- Production Support
- Manufacturing Readiness
- Continuous Improvement
Work Environment
This position operates within a manufacturing environment supporting precision-machined components and production operations. The role requires regular interaction with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Production teams and includes participation in machining process development, prove-out activities, troubleshooting efforts, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The environment emphasizes safety, quality, operational excellence, and adherence to established manufacturing and engineering standards.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Cheshire, CT.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $83000.00 - $125000.00/yr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Hanwha Aerospace USA offers a competitive benefits package focused on health, financial security, paid time off, work-life balance, and career development. Medical, dental, and vision coverage Retirement plan / 401(k) Paid vacation / PTO Paid company holidays Career development and internal advancement opportunities Training and professional development 9/80 work schedule available for many salaried positions, providing every other Friday off Exposure to complex commercial and defense aerospace programs Career opportunities across Hanwha's Connecticut manufacturing operations
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Cheshire, CT.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Cheshire,CT.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
