Aerospace CNC Manufacturing Programmer/ ME

Who Is Prince?

Founded in 1959 by Ed Miller near Chicago, Prince Industries has grown from a one-man shop into a global manufacturing partner. With seven facilities across the U.S. and China, we serve industries from hydraulics to aerospace, handling everything from just-in-time components to high-volume assemblies.

At Prince, we don’t just make parts-we solve complex supply chain challenges. We are a strategic partner, focused on helping clients improve products, reduce costs, and simplify operations. Certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100 standards, we combine quality, innovation, and growth-minded thinking to deliver real value.

Position Summary

The Aerospace CNC Manufacturing Programmer / Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting CNC machining processes for precision aerospace components. This role ensures programs, tooling, and manufacturing methods meet aerospace quality and tolerance requirements while driving operational efficiency, repeatability, and cost reduction. The individual partners with production, quality, and operations to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions that support on-time, high-quality production.

CNC Programming & Process Development

• Develop, validate, and optimize CNC programs for lathes, mill-turn, 3-, 4-, and 5-axis mill equipment using industry-standard CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360).
• Create detailed machining processes, toolpaths, and cutting strategies tailored for aerospace alloys (e.g., Inconel, stainless steel, aluminum).
• Conduct simulation, verification, and prove-outs to ensure safe and efficient machine operation.
• Establish machining parameters, feeds/speeds, work holding setups, and tooling selections using best-practice principles.

Manufacturing Engineering

• Develop and maintain process documentation, including setup sheets, fixture drawings, and work instructions.
• Lead process improvements focused on cycle time reduction, tool life extension, and quality enhancement.
• Support new parts and ensure manufacturability of customer designs.
• Design or specify custom fixtures, tooling, and work holding to support complex aerospace geometries.
• Collaborate with Quality to resolve non-conformances and drive root-cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D).

Technical Support & Shop Floor Collaboration

• Support machinists during setups, first-article inspections, and program prove-outs.
• Participate in MRB and continuous improvement to address production challenges.
• Train operators and setup personnel on new processes, tooling, and programming methods.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all machining processes comply with AS9100, customer specifications, and aerospace drawing requirements.
• Maintain revision-controlled documents and ensure alignment between programming data, job travelers, and quality records.
• Embrace and integrate 5S, lean manufacturing, and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke) initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 3-7+ years of CNC programming or manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in aerospace machining.
• Proficiency in CAM software (Fusion 360, Mastercam preferred or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, blueprint interpretation, and aerospace documentation practices.
• Experience machining tight-tolerance components (±0.0005” typical) and complex 3D surfaces.
• Understanding of machining dynamics, tool selection, chip loads, and metal cutting theory.
• Hands-on experience with CNC mills and lathes for troubleshooting and program optimization.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, AS9102, and aerospace customer requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Background with ERP/MRP systems (E2/JobBOSS, Epicor, etc.).

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to communicate clearly with machinists and leadership.

Physical Job Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, or walk the duration of the shift, 8-10 hours.
• Occasionally required to lift, push, or pull up to 30 lbs.
• Frequently required to sit, stoop, kneel reach or bend.
• Regularly exposed to moving machine parts when in plant.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately in noisy environments.
• Must also have close, distance, and peripheral vision, with the ability to adjust focus and judge depth. Color vision is required as well.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and holidays
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Plans
• Short and Long Term Disability Plans
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with strong employer match
• Company paid life insurance & AD&D
• Partial tuition reimbursement for job relation classes
• PPE reimbursement
• Your specific benefits package will depend on your position, location, and years of service with Prince.

Compensation: $35-40 per hour

Due to ITAR regulations, only U.S. persons-defined as U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), and U.S. nationals-are eligible for this position.

*We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer. Applicants can learn more about Prince's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster ( https://www.eeoc.gov/employers )