CNC Programming Manager

About Us

South Bay Solutions is a high-precision machine shop, making parts for semiconductor, medical devices, and advanced tech hardware. Our tolerances are measured in microns, our equipment is top-of-the-line, and our team is passionate about quality craftsmanship.

Summary

The CNC Programming Manager leads CNC programming and manufacturing engineering in a high-mix, precision contract manufacturing environment. This role balances day-to-day production support with long-term strategic initiatives in process improvement, and customer satisfaction. The manager ensures programming and engineering deliverables are completed on time to support production, while also building scalable systems, standardization, and continuous improvement practices that enhance safety, efficiency, quality, and competitiveness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Production Support & Daily Execution

• Ensure CNC programs, tooling, and setup documentation are delivered to production on time.


• Provide hands-on troubleshooting and technical support for machinists, operators, and supervisors.


• Standardize programming practices, feeds/speeds, and setup strategies to reduce downtime.


• Oversee fixture design, tooling strategies, and engineering change requests to support high-mix jobs.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of CNC programmers and manufacturing engineers.


• Balance priorities between urgent shop-floor support and strategic engineering projects.


• Promote collaboration across Production, Quality, and Planning teams to align on company goals.


• Build a culture of accountability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

Process Development & Standardization

• Implement and maintain standardized programming libraries, setup sheets, and fixture documentation.


• Validate and optimize new CNC programs through simulation and on-machine prove-outs.


• Drive reduction in setup time, cycle time, and scrap by applying lean and best practices.


• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) with manufacturability reviews and process development.

Business & Customer Engagement

• Collaborate with Sales and Estimating to provide technical input for quotations and lead times.


• Represent engineering in customer audits, technical meetings, and program reviews.


• Provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback to customers to reduce cost and lead time.


• Report key metrics and project status to leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience).


• 7–10+ years of CNC programming and manufacturing engineering experience.


• 3–5+ years of leadership experience in a contract manufacturing, job shop, or precision machining environment.

Technical Skills

• Expertise in CAD/CAM software (Mastercam, Solidworks, or equivalent).


• Strong knowledge of CNC machining (lathe, multi-axis), tooling, and GD&T.


• Familiarity with automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing tools.


• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and document control.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Hands-on leader with a balance of production support and strategic vision.


• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills under time pressure.


• Excellent communication skills across shop floor, leadership, and customers.


• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, high-mix environment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• % of engineering deliverables completed before production start.


• Reduction in cycle time, setup time, scrap, and machine downtime.


• Successful launch of new products with minimal issues.


• Employee development, retention, and team performance.


• Customer satisfaction scores and audit results.

Work schedule

• Mon-Fri (Day shift)

Benefits

• Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision) paid 100% for employees


• Life insurance policy


• Safe Harbor 401(k) plan


• 401(k) match


• Paid time off (vacation/sick/holidays/floating holiday)