CNC Programmer III

About Barber-Nichols:
Barber-Nichols (BN) is a leading provider of custom turbomachinery for the Defense, Aerospace, Cryogenics and Energy industries. This is a unique place. Our company is made up of people that are at the top of their game. And we are working with customers who are at the top of their game. Together, we help our customers revolutionize their markets and build amazing relationships with them in the process. If you're seeking to work with an amazing team in a “get-it-done” atmosphere that supports your development, and recognizes your achievements, BN is the place for you.

Position Summary:

The CNC Programmer III independently creates and revises CNC programs and fixturing using BN or customer-provided models and drawings, while owning assigned programming work across all levels of complexity from development through production support. This role develops and improves manufacturing processes, mentors programmers and machinists, leads advanced troubleshooting, supports new equipment and process implementation, and standardizes programming methods and related manufacturing information for lathe, mill, and mill-turn operations. The CNC Programmer III also works cross-functionally with machinists, engineering, quality, procurement, vendors, customers, and other support functions to develop efficient and accurate manufacturing processes.

Key Results Areas:

1) Independently develop CNC programs for lathe, mill, and mill-turn operations across all levels of complexity, with detailed machine setup and run instructions, focusing on efficient metal removal while meeting design tolerances and specifications.

a. Program lathe, mill, and mill-turn CNC machining operations using Siemens NX CAM software and serve as a technical resource for advanced CAM strategy, complex applications, and tool path creation.

b. Prove out CNC programs through process verification and machine simulation software to support accurate and repeatable program release.

c. Develop and maintain CAM post processors, NX tooling libraries, templates, setup documentation, tool lists, and related programming data needed to support consistent programming output and production.

2) Select and standardize cutting techniques and tools for CNC machining operations across all levels of complexity to meet design tolerances while improving machining efficiency and repeatability.

a. Develop and standardize cutting methods, tool paths, speeds, and feeds based on tooling, workholding, machine capability, material behavior, and tolerance requirements.

b. Analyze drawings, specifications, and design data to determine dimensions, tolerances, and machining requirements for assigned work, including complex applications.

c. Identify and select cutting tools required for CNC machining operations and work with tooling suppliers as needed to develop effective tooling solutions for standard and complex applications.

3) Ensure production readiness of manufacturing processes prior to starting the first operation in the manufacturing sequence.

a. Lead and support production readiness reviews for complex or high-risk work.

b. Ensure programs, documentation, workholding fixtures, simulation information, and cutting tools are available to support production schedules, and proactively resolve items that may affect production readiness.

c. Support implementation of new equipment and manufacturing processes through tooling, fixtures, post processors, simulation, and documentation needed to bring the process into production.

4) Mentor, train, and support machinists and programmers throughout the manufacturing process and lead advanced troubleshooting to support successful component production.

a. Monitor production of assigned parts and identify broader process improvements that can be applied across parts, machines, or product families.

b. Maintain open communication with machinists, production supervisors, and other programmers, and incorporate improvements to CNC programs and setup documentation to improve manufacturing efficiency, part quality, and repeatability.

c. Lead advanced troubleshooting of programming, tooling, documentation, and setup issues, provide technical direction and training, and coordinate cross-functional support when needed.

5) Collaborate with product engineers, program managers, quality, and other programmers regarding design changes, manufacturability concerns, and resolution of non-conforming products.

a. Create or update CNC programs, process documentation, tooling information, and work instructions needed to support immediate rework actions, long-term corrective actions, and approved resolutions to non-conforming product.

b. Implement approved design changes and identify impacts to machining strategy, production readiness, programming standards, post processor output, CAM libraries, and repeat production methods.

6) Support employee safety throughout the production process through safe programming practices, clear setup information, standard methods, and compliance with safety procedures.

a. Create CNC programs that allow for safe machining practices while considering machine motion, clearances, setup risks, prove-out methods, and safe production handoff across all levels of complexity.

b. Identify, communicate, and lead implementation of safety improvements related to assigned products, CNC programs, setup documentation, manufacturing cells, and department methods.

7) Ensure the Quality Management System (QMS) is incorporated in machining processes.

a. Able to locate QMS procedures, read and understand relevant procedures.

b. Assists with identifying and documenting procedural changes and supports QMS training to help ensure department compliance.