CNC Programmer, NX CAM (IGT Blades & Vanes) - Level 4/5

CNC PROGRAMMER, NX CAM (IGT BLADES & VANES)

The CNC Programmer will support SpaceX’s new industrial gas turbine (IGT) blades and vanes manufacturing line in Bastrop, Texas. Day-to-day work is NX CAM programming, especially 5-axis milling of airfoils, roots, and shrouds on high-temperature superalloys (including nickel-based materials). You will work with machinists, leads, engineering, CNC Specialists, and operations to ship quality programs, prove them out, and keep the line moving.

This is a full-time, on-site role on a project team installing and ramping the line. The line also uses grinding, sinker EDM, wire EDM, trailing-edge machining, laser drilling, and stem drilling. You do not need to be an expert in every process on day one; we are hiring a strong 5-axis mill programmer who will ramp on the other cells under Specialist and lead guidance. Mechanical design of simple shop aids (brackets, holders, rigging, fixtures) is a plus. We need a programmer who ships quality programs in their core work and helps teammates when bandwidth allows.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Use NX CAD/CAM to program CNC parts, including 5-axis milling (flank and point milling) for roughing and finishing of airfoils, roots, and shrouds.
• Program or support programs for grinding, sinker EDM, wire EDM, trailing-edge machining, laser drilling, and stem drilling under Specialist/lead guidance.
• Verify NC files (e.g. Vericut), maintain revision control on programs and setup sheets, and work with posts and G-code as needed.
• Apply knowledge of carbide and process-specific tooling/consumables; adjust speeds, feeds, and parameters with guidance.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T, and offer suggestions on drawing and process changes to improve manufacturability (DFM).
• Design and/or machine simple fixtures, brackets, holders, and rigging as directed.
• Support machine setup, operation, and prove-out across mill, grind, EDM, laser, and related cells.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 5+ years of CNC programming experience in NX, including 5-axis milling (or equivalent CAM with demonstrated ability to ramp on NX 5-axis).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 7+ years of CNC programming experience in NX.
• Hands-on programming or shop-floor exposure to two or more of grinding, sinker EDM, wire EDM, trailing-edge machining, laser drilling, and stem drilling.
• Experience programming multi-axis mill CNC machines, especially 5-axis for complex surfacing and contours. Examples: Starrag/Liechti, Hermle, DMG MORI, Makino, GROB, Mazak VARIAXIS, Okuma MU-V, Doosan, or equivalent.
• Exposure to blades, vanes, airfoils, or similar precision components on superalloys.
• Mechanical design skills in NX (or similar CAD) for simple fixtures, brackets, holders, and rigging.
• Familiarity with Vericut, post processors, on-machine probing (e.g. Renishaw), and CMM/3D scanning.
• Exposure to example equipment: sinker EDM (GF/Agie, Makino, Sodick, Mitsubishi); wire EDM (GF, Makino, Sodick, Mitsubishi); laser/stem/fast-hole (Winbro, Huffman, Current EDM, Belmont, GF laser); grind/TE (IMM, Blohm/Mägerle/United Grinding, or equivalent).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This is a full-time, on-site position in Bastrop, Texas. Extended hours may be required during line install and ramp.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted.
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position.