CNC Programmer Lead - MA
Department: Machine Shop Reports To: Production Manager
Location: On-Site - Clinton, MA Travel: Negligible
FLSA: Salaried, Full-Time, Exempt Revision Date: April 2025
About Vitesse: How we communicate, capture, and share information has not changed significantly in our lifetime-it has changed significantly in the last decade, even in the last year. From a vacationer checking email as they fly across the world to a U.S. military service member sharing critical observations across the battlefield, the ability to capture and transfer data over different platforms is an important part both of our everyday lives and the security of our country. Whether on a geostationary satellite, a naval vessel, or a military jet, the mission-critical solutions that we design and manufacture at Vitesse make our country and our world safer.
Through extensive technical expertise, Vitesse Systems optimizes the functionality of antenna and thermal management systems for the advancement of next-generation Radar, Electronic Warfare, and C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) systems.
Vitesse Systems prides itself on the solutions we provide to our customers, as well as the incredible team of dedicated people we employ.
SUMMARY: The CNC Programmer Lead directs and is responsible for the programming, setup and operation of 2, 3 and 4 axis CNC machines; as well as part inspection in a prototype and job shop environment. The programmer shall manage schedules; workflow from priorities set by production management. Commitment to and support of the Company Core Values are key to success in this position.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Utilize software applications such as MasterCAM and DNC systems to support programming and machining operations.
- Plan, estimate, and report on machining projects.
- Evaluate, acquire, and secure tooling tailored to specific job requirements, factoring in material properties, geometric features, tolerances, equipment capabilities, and system rigidity.
- Independently set up, program, operate, and troubleshoot CNC Lathes and Mills.
- Oversee machine shop organization, safety, and maintenance.
- Determine starting stock requirements for costing and procurement, factoring in yield and scrap.
- Create setup sheets for part programs and discrete operations.
- Implement process improvements to reduce setup and machining times.
- Inspect completed work for accuracy using tools like calipers, height gauges, and micrometers.
- Mentor machinists on programming methods and best practices.
- Validate machining programs through simulations, dry runs, and prove-out processes.
- Monitor and maintain cycle times and ERP performance metrics.
- Track task completion times and labor distribution for financial reporting.
- Record job progress and quantities in ERP software.
- Ensure adherence to quality policies and procedures in all tasks.
- Oversee and ensure first pass yield on New Product Introduction (NPI) jobs meet established performance metrics.
- Provide guidance to engineering teams on selecting work holding solutions that support poka-yoke (error-proofing) processes and ensure operational efficiency.
- Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- This position is a lead but no direct supervisory responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Successful accomplishment of duties and responsibilities may require the following:
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Prior experience with CNC Machining & Programming thereof.
- Prior experience programming MasterCAM software or comparable.
- Able to read & interpret blueprints and technical drawings including GD&T.
- Sufficient knowledge of the tools, equipment, materials, methods, and standard practices of the trade.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- Must be adaptable to a changing work environment and competing demands.
- Ability to measure with CMM, vernier calipers, micrometers and height gauges.
- Must be capable of working with minimal supervision.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be constantly required to execute standard physical activities within the facility areas (i.e. stand, walk, sit, use hands/fingers).
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be occasionally required to execute non-standard physical activities within the facility areas (i.e. climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch).
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds frequently and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- This position requires repetitive hand/wrist activities.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts.
- Computer skills are sufficient to log in and out of ERP and Payroll time tracking software.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Actively supports and complies with Vitesse Systems objectives, guidelines and commitment to Quality and Safety, with an emphasis on continual improvement, transparency, and collaboration.
- Must be able to interact effectively and cooperatively with employees at all levels.
- Must have the ability to complete assignments within the timeframe specified by the Manager.
- Must be flexible regarding working hours and overtime. Must be able to work overtime in the evenings and weekends, with or without advanced notice.
- Must be able to operate in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or 1-year related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to speak and understand basic safety and manufacturing instructions.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add and subtract up to four place decimals. Ability to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's.
REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Authorization to work in the United States. To conform to U.S. export control regulations, you should be eligible for any required authorizations from the U.S. Government.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to stand, walk, and hear. The Team Member frequently is required to use hands and fingers; handle, feel, and reach with hands and arms. The Team Member is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell. The Team Member must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environments characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the Team Member is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The Team Member may be exposed to a hot and/or cold work environment, chemicals, fumes or airborne particles, loud noises, risk of electrical shock and vibration and/or other occupational hazards; personal protective equipment may be required.
NOTE: This job description identifies the general nature and scope of work to be performed. Vitesse Systems, LLC. reserves the right to revise all or any part of this job description and to add or eliminate essential job functions at any time. Designation of any job duty as an essential function is not intended as an assurance or guarantee that a team member has any right to perform the particular job duty, except as required by Vitesse Systems, LLC. This job description is subject to change based on the needs of the position and/or the Company.
Vitesse Systems, LLC performs work controlled by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These statutes require the protection of technical data and products. The regulations require that such data not be disclosed in written, oral, or visual form to any foreign national without prior export authorization from the Department of State. A foreign national is defined by the U.S. Government under EAR 734.2(b)(2)(ii) and 8 USC 110 (a)(20) as one who:
- Is not a United States citizen
- Is not lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S.
- Does not have politically protected status (embassy, refugee, or asylum)
- Has dual U.S. / foreign citizenship
Vitesse Systems, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Veterans / Disabled Employer