Senior CNC Programmer -- Mastercam

Ascentec Engineering is seeking a highly motivated and technically advanced Mastercam CNC Programmer to join our Tualatin, Oregon team. This position is focused on providing high-end CNC programming solutions for the aerospace, spaceflight, and defense industries, where precision, speed, and responsiveness are critical. This is a programming-focused position within Ascentec's Rapid NPI process. The Principal Programmer develops the machining strategy, setup approach, tooling concept and Mastercam program, then hands the work to an experienced NPI programmer/machinist for machine setup, prove-out and execution. The ideal candidate is an experienced CNC programmer with advanced Mastercam and 5-axis programming expertise. This individual will be responsible for taking complex customer designs and rapidly converting them into accurate and dependable programs.

If you are an experienced CNC programmer who excels at advanced Mastercam programming, simultaneous 5-axis machining, and rapid program development, Ascentec Engineering offers an opportunity to work on some of the most demanding components in aerospace, spaceflight, and defense. 

Bring your programming expertise, speed, precision, and drive for technical excellence to Ascentec Engineering in Tualatin, Oregon. This position is onsite (not remote/not hybrid) and is not eligible for Visa sponsorship or transfer of Visa sponsorship. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop advanced CNC programs using Mastercam for complex, high-value aerospace, spaceflight, and defense components. 
• Program 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC mills, including advanced simultaneous 5-axis toolpaths. 
• Rapidly develop CNC programs from customer CAD models, engineering drawings, and specifications. 
• Prioritize quick-turn programming and rapid response to customer requirements, balancing speed with program quality and reliability. 
• Efficiently program complex geometries, tight-tolerance features, thin walls, deep cavities, difficult access conditions, and complex 3D surfaces. 
• Select appropriate cutting tools, tool geometries, machining strategies, speeds, feeds, and cutting parameters. 
• Perform thorough toolpath verification and simulation using Mastercam and applicable verification software. 
• Identify and eliminate potential collisions, gouges, over-travel, and other programming risks before programs reach the machine. 
• Review customer models and drawings to identify machining challenges and determine the most effective programming approach. 
• Make rapid programming revisions in response to changes in customer requirements, engineering updates, or machining feedback. 
• Maintain accurate, organized, and controlled CNC programs and supporting documentation. 
• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production to resolve programming-related issues and support successful program implementation. 
• Utilize advanced CNC programming techniques including probing, tool and fixture offsets, subprograms, macros, and other machine-control capabilities where appropriate. 
• Support multiple CNC machine platforms and controls as business needs require. 
• Stay current with advanced Mastercam capabilities, cutting strategies, tooling technology, and CNC programming best practices. 
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment where program turnaround time and customer responsiveness are critical performance factors. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated senior-level experience independently programming complex, high-tolerance multi-axis components.  
• Advanced proficiency with Mastercam. 
• Demonstrated experience programming 5-axis CNC machining, preferably including simultaneous 5-axis applications. 
• Strong understanding of NC code, tooling, speeds and feeds, cutting strategies, and CNC machine capabilities. 
• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, specifications, and GD&T. 
• Experience programming complex components with demanding dimensional and geometric requirements. 
• Experience with CNC program verification and simulation software. 
• Strong understanding of machining principles and the ability to quickly determine appropriate programming strategies. 
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. 
• Excellent communication and organizational skills. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting commercial aerospace, spaceflight, defense, semiconductor, or other high-precision industries. 
• Experience programming difficult-to-machine aerospace materials including titanium, nickel-based alloys, stainless steels, and aluminum. 
• Advanced experience with simultaneous 5-axis machining and complex surface machining. 
• Experience with mill-turn. 
• Experience with probing systems and advanced probing strategies. 
• Experience with CNC macros, subprograms, automated offsets, and advanced machine-control functions. 
• Experience with SolidWorks and CAD/CAM systems. 
• Strong knowledge of modern cutting tools and high-performance machining strategies. 

Compensation/Benefits:

• $100,000 to $140,000 DOE
• Paid time off / Holiday pay
• Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) with matching funds
• Profit sharing eligibility
• Educational aid program availability
• Relocation assistance available for highly qualified candidates

 Applicant must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check prior to employment.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 

Ascentec Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Ascentec Engineering is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.