CMM Programmer

Job Title: CMM Programmer

Department: Quality Assurance

Direct Reports None; provides technical guidance to CMM Operators

 

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Position Summary

CMM Programmer writes and modifies programs using Calypso for Zeiss Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) or PC-DMIS for a Hexagon Global (CMM) to inspect manufactured parts and ensure they meet all specifications, requiring expertise in blueprint reading, GD&T, and measurement tools. Key responsibilities include developing CMM programs, conducting quality control inspections, analyzing measurement data, maintaining records, and collaborating with engineering and manufacturing teams to solve quality issues. Shift will be roughly 80% programming offline and 20% at the CMM to validate the program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create and prove out CMM programs from models, prints, and inspection.

• Establish datum schemes, alignments, and probing strategies that correctly reflect the GD&T on the print.

• Design and document part fixturing and setup instructions so operators can repeat the setup exactly.

• Validate programs against known artifacts or master parts before release to production.

• Submit all new and revised programs to the CMM SME for approval; maintain program revision control.

• Update programs promptly for engineering changes and revision releases.

• Build and maintain inspection report formats per company standard.

• Train CMM Operators on new programs and setups; troubleshoot program and measurement issues they raise.

• Optimize cycle times and reduce measurement uncertainty on high-volume programs.

• Analyze and summarize measurement data collected by the CMM to verify part accuracy and identify any non-conformities.

• Comply with safe work practices; understanding work injury procedures, workers comp, and OSHA standards.

• Work closely with engineering, production, and other departments to interpret specifications, troubleshoot quality problems, and provide input for design improvements.

• Solid foundation in shop math, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, as well as hands-on experience with precision measurement tools like calipers and micrometers.

• Live the culture we desire using the Continuous Improvement Process.

Results

• Sustain a safe work environment through 5S.

• Maintain the CMM with daily, monthly, and yearly routine cleaning and calibration.

• Create repeatable and fully autonomous CMM programs for multipart runs.

• Achieve delivery on time for FAI and mass production parts.

Decision Authority

• Authority to hold a program from production release until it is proven out.

• Authority to correct and revise programs within the approved revision control process.

• Authority to reject a fixturing or setup approach that compromises measurement integrity.

• No authority to release an unapproved program - CMM SME approval is required.

Qualifications

Required

• Four or more years of CMM programming experience in a precision machining environment.

• Understanding of GD&T interpretation per ASME Y14.5.

• Proficiency with PC-DMIS and/or Calypso CMM software platform.

• Ability to import and work from CAD models.

• Able to program offline.

• Fixture design and setup documentation experience.

• Demonstrated program validation and prove out discipline.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve manufacturing and quality issues.

Preferred

• Has a deep understanding of SilencerCo Product Line.

• Experience across both PC-DMIS and Calypso platforms.

• Ability to create programs, fixture designs and setups for multipart runs.

• First-article and PPAP-style reporting (AS9102 or equivalent formats).

• Vision system or optical metrology experience.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to apply skills both internally and externally.

Key Competencies

• Precise - a program that runs is not the same as a program that measures accurately and efficiently.

• Patient in prove out; refuses to release on assumption.

• Documents setups clearly enough for a second-shift operator to repeat them.

• Teaches operators rather than fixing problems around them.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Frequently stands and walks on a production floor for much of the shift.

• Regularly lifts and carries parts, fixtures, and gages up to 25 lbs.; occasionally up to 40 lbs. with assistance.

• Requires near-vision acuity and color discrimination sufficiently to inspect small features and read measuring instruments, with correction if needed.

• Requires fine manual dexterity to handle small parts, precision instruments, and delicate gage surfaces.

• Works in a machine shop environment with exposure to noise, coolant, lubricants, metal chips, and moving equipment.

• Required PPE includes safety glasses and hearing protection in designated areas.