CATIA CNC Programmer

CATIA CNC Programmer Location: Tacoma, WA Employment Type: Full-Time Compensation: $50.00–$70.00 per hour Position Overview We are seeking an experienced CATIA CNC Programmer to develop, optimize, and support CNC machining processes for complex, close-tolerance metal components and assemblies. This individual will translate engineering drawings and electronic design data into accurate, efficient CNC programs while ensuring production requirements for quality, cost, and labor standards are achieved. The role will support 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining operations, including machine prove-outs, tooling and fixture concepts, process development, and production optimization. Working closely with Engineering, Estimating, and Manufacturing teams, the programmer will help establish effective manufacturing strategies for new business while continuously improving existing production processes. The successful candidate will also evaluate emerging machining and manufacturing technologies, identifying opportunities to improve productivity, reduce costs, shorten production cycle times, and strengthen overall manufacturing capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

CNC Programming and Manufacturing Support

• Develop 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC programs using CATIA in accordance with customer specifications, engineering requirements, and manufacturing standards.
• Translate engineering drawings, CAD models, and electronic design data into accurate CNC programs that meet dimensional, geometric, and labor requirements.
• Create efficient, cost-effective machining processes that consistently achieve established quality and production standards.
• Support machine prove-out activities, troubleshoot programming issues, and make necessary adjustments to ensure successful production.
• Develop setup instructions and supporting documentation to guide machine operators through proper loading, setup, and execution of CNC programs.
• Coordinate machining sequences and manufacturing processes with cross-functional team members.
• Assist with tooling, fixture design, and manufacturing concepts to support efficient machining operations.

Process Development and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and support manufacturing processes for new parts and customer programs.
• Validate new manufacturing processes to ensure production results meet or exceed established quality, cost, and performance estimates before transitioning to production.
• Identify opportunities to improve existing machining processes, reduce production costs, and shorten overall manufacturing cycle times.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives by developing efficient production methods and improving workflow.
• Research and evaluate advancements in machining, finishing, assembly, and manufacturing technologies.
• Recommend the adoption of new technologies and capital equipment when they provide measurable operational or competitive advantages.

Estimating and Project Coordination

• Partner with the Engineering and Estimating teams to develop accurate manufacturing time and cost estimates for new parts.
• Provide technical input for customer Requests for Quotation (RFQs) and support the development of timely, competitive bidding packages.
• Ensure programming, development, and machine prove-out activities remain aligned with established project schedules and budgeted hours.
• Participate in bid reviews, engineering planning, and manufacturing producibility assessments.
• Coordinate with manufacturing personnel to ensure production methods are practical, repeatable, and capable of meeting customer requirements.

Quality, Documentation, and Compliance

• Support AS9100 audits and maintain compliance with applicable quality standards and established procedures.
• Maintain accurate programming documentation and ensure required information is properly entered into company ERP and related systems.
• Follow established requirements outlined in the Programming CAD/CAM Manual and Engineering Procedures Manual.
• Maintain the integrity and accuracy of manufacturing data to support reporting, planning, and operational decision-making.
• Analyze dimensional inspection results during machine prove-outs and make appropriate programming corrections to resolve discrepancies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Estimating, Manufacturing, and shop-floor personnel to resolve technical challenges and improve production methods.
• Communicate effectively with union journey-level machinists and other manufacturing personnel to troubleshoot issues and implement improvements.
• Provide technical guidance and support to ensure operators have the appropriate programs, tooling, and documentation.
• Help establish manufacturing processes that consistently achieve customer specifications, labor targets, and quality expectations.

Required Qualifications

• 7–10 years of CNC programming and tooling design experience involving 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers.
• Professional experience using CATIA for CNC programming.
• Experience with VERICUT simulation software.
• Strong understanding of metal-removal and cutting technologies.
• Ability to interpret customer engineering drawings and solid models and develop CNC programs that meet engineering and dimensional requirements.
• Strong blueprint reading, measurement, and dimensional inspection skills.
• Ability to evaluate machining and prove-out results, identify dimensional discrepancies, and make the necessary programming corrections.
• Experience supporting machine prove-outs and resolving machining or manufacturing process issues.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams on bid reviews, engineering plans, and manufacturing producibility.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills, including the ability to work directly with skilled shop-floor personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous machining experience working with hard metals on 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers.
• Experience with CAD modeling, tooling design, and technical drafting.
• Associate degree in a relevant technical or manufacturing discipline, or equivalent experience.

Key Performance Expectations

• Success in this position will be measured by the ability to:
• Deliver new and existing part development projects within established schedules and budgets.
• Provide production teams with reliable manufacturing methods that consistently meet labor, quality, and customer requirements.
• Develop machining strategies that align with lean manufacturing principles.
• Maintain complete and accurate ERP and manufacturing system information.
• Improve the cost efficiency of existing production processes.
• Reduce overall production cycle times for established parts.
• Identify and implement relevant technological advancements.
• Strengthen the company's reputation as a technically capable supplier of complex, precision-machined metal components and assemblies.
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