CNC Programmer (Mill, Lathe & Swiss)

About the role

General Matter is seeking a highly skilled CNC Programmer with deep expertise in 5-axis milling, CNC turning, and Swiss-type lathes with live tooling. This role is responsible for developing and optimizing machining programs that support the transition from prototype development to scalable production of high-precision components in a regulated manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate is both highly technical and process-oriented, capable of translating complex engineering designs into robust machining strategies while driving continuous improvement in cycle time, tooling performance, repeatability, and manufacturing scalability. You will work directly with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure programs are efficient, reliable, and aligned with strict quality standards. Your work will have a direct impact on enabling the production of nuclear fuel at scale using advanced manufacturing methods.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop, prove out, and optimize CNC programs for 5-axis milling centers, CNC lathes, and Swiss-type lathes with live tooling and sub-spindle operations.
• Translate engineering models and drawings (GD&T) into manufacturing processes - selecting tooling, work-holding/fixturing, cutting strategies, and machining sequences.
• Generate and maintain CAM programs, post-processors, tool libraries, and setup sheets; verify programs through simulation/verification before floor release.
• Lead first-article runs and process prove-out; drive cycle-time reduction, tool-life improvement, and scrap reduction without compromising tolerance or surface finish.
• Author and maintain process documentation - setup sheets, work instructions, tooling lists - to a standard that supports traceability and repeatability.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Quality Engineering on tolerance feasibility, inspection planning, and first-article inspection (FAI / AS9102) requirements.
• Support equipment commissioning and capability studies as new machine tools are installed during facility ramp-up.
• Mentor machinists and operators on setup, in-process adjustment, and program intent.
• Identify and recommend tooling, software, and process improvements to support the transition from prototype to rate production.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve production issues and ensure on-time delivery of machined parts.
• Implement and refine cutting strategies to maximize material removal rates while preserving tool life and part quality.
• Maintain version control and revision history for all CNC programs used in production environments.
• Support root-cause analysis and corrective action activities related to machining defects or process deviations.
• Contribute to the development of standard work instructions and best practices for CNC operations.
• Assist in the qualification of new materials and coatings for machining in high-precision environments.
• Participate in lean manufacturing initiatives focused on reducing setup times and improving workflow efficiency.
• Provide technical guidance to operators during initial program rollouts and troubleshooting activities.
• Track and report on key performance metrics such as first-pass yield, machine utilization, and downtime.

Requirements

• 5+ years of CNC programming experience, including hands-on programming of 5-axis milling and Swiss-type lathes with live tooling.
• Proficiency with a major CAM package - Mastercam, Esprit, GibbsCAM, or Fusion 360 - including multi-axis and mill-turn modules.
• Strong working knowledge of G-code/M-code, control platforms (e.g., Fanuc, Siemens, Citizen/Star/Tsugami Swiss controls), and post-processor behavior.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and apply GD&T.
• Demonstrated experience machining precision components in metals such as stainless steels, titanium, aluminum, and/or high-temperature/superalloys.
• Practical knowledge of work-holding, fixturing, tooling selection, and feeds/speeds optimization.
• Comfort working in a documented quality environment with full part traceability.
• Willingness to adhere to strict documentation standards and follow established change management procedures.
• Ability to work effectively in a regulated manufacturing environment where precision, repeatability, and safety are critical.
• Commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment consistent with good manufacturing practices.

Nice to have

• Experience in a regulated manufacturing environment - NQA-1, AS9100, or ISO 9001 - preferably nuclear, aerospace, or defense.
• Experience supporting prototype-to-production transitions or new-facility/equipment commissioning.
• Familiarity with mill-turn machining and macro/parametric (custom macro) programming.
• Working knowledge of CMM/inspection processes and first-article inspection (FAI).
• Exposure to MES/ERP-driven shop-floor systems and digital process documentation.
• Lean manufacturing or continuous-improvement experience (cycle-time reduction, SMED, 5S).

Practical notes

• Hours, travel, visa, or deadlines are defined in the source and must be followed as written.
• This role operates within a regulated manufacturing environment requiring strict adherence to quality and documentation standards.
• All activities must align with the company mission of restoring U.S. nuclear fuel production capability.