Sheet Metal Drafter / CNC Programmer

Company Overview
Ameristar Manufacturing Inc. is a precision sheet metal fabrication job shop / OEM supplier specializing in laser cutting, punching, forming, welding, and powder coating. 

Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Drafter/Programmer with strong 3D CAD and CAM skills to create accurate manufacturing drawings and highly efficient CNC programs for turret punches, fiber lasers, press brakes, and combination machines. You will work closely with engineering, production, and estimating to ensure parts are designed for manufacturability (DFM) and nested for minimum material waste and programmed for fastest possible cycle times.

Key Responsibilities
•    Interpret customer drawings, 3D models (STEP, IGES, SolidWorks, Inventor, etc.), and specifications.
•    Create detailed 2D manufacturing drawings and 3D models of sheet metal components with proper flat patterns, bend allowances, tolerances, weld symbols, and hardware callouts.
•    Perform Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews and suggest improvements to reduce costs and lead time.
•    Develop and optimize CNC programs for: – Turret punch presses (Amada, Trumpf, Prima Power, etc.) – Fiber laser cutting machines – Punch-laser combination machines – Press brakes (Amada, Trumpf, Bystronic, Salvagnini, etc.)
•    Create efficient nesting layouts to maximize material utilization and minimize scrap (typically targeting >90% yield).
•    Select and manage tool libraries, micro-joints, common-line cutting, grain direction, repositioning, and skeleton destruction strategies.
•    Generate setup sheets, tool lists, bend sequence documentation, and backstop programs for press brakes.
•    Simulate programs in CAM software to verify collision-free operation and optimal cycle time.
•    Maintain revision control of drawings and programs.
•    Support shop floor with technical questions and troubleshoot programming issues.
•    Occasionally assist estimating department with quick flat blanks and cycle-time calculations.

Required Qualifications
•    3+ years of hands-on experience drafting and programming sheet metal parts in a job-shop or production environment.
•    Expert proficiency in at least one major sheet-metal-specific CAD/CAM package such as: – SolidWorks + TruTops, Amada AP100/Production Designer, or SheetWorks – Autodesk Inventor + TruTops or Nesting – SigmaNEST, WiCAM, Metalix cncKad, Lantek, RADAN, or Striker Systems
•    Strong understanding of sheet metal fabrication processes (punching, laser cutting, forming, hardware insertion, welding).
•    Thorough knowledge of bend deduction/allowance calculation, K-factors, and bend sequencing.
•    Ability to read and interpret GD&T and welding symbols.
•    Experience with 3D STEP/IGES import and healing bad geometry.
•    Familiarity with ERP systems (Epicor, JobBOSS, E2, etc.) is a plus.

Preferred Skills
•    Press-brake back-gauge programming (Amada, Cincinatti).
•    Automation experience (Salvagnini P4, Amada EML + ASR).
•    Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement.
•    Basic understanding of powder coating, plating, and silkscreen requirements.

Education
•    Associate’s degree or certificate in CAD drafting, mechanical engineering technology, or equivalent experience.
•    Formal sheet metal apprenticeship is highly valued.

Personal Attributes
•    Extreme attention to detail and accuracy.
•    Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under tight deadlines.
•    Excellent communication skills – you will interact daily with engineers, estimators, and machine operators.

What We Offer
•    Competitive salary ($60k–$75k) + overtime
•    Full health, dental, 401(k) with match
•    Relocation assistance available for the right candidate
•    Clean, modern, climate-controlled facility with latest equipment
•    Continuing education and certification support

If you live and breathe sheet metal CAD/CAM and want to work where your nesting and programming skills directly impact the bottom line, we want to hear from you!