CNC Programmer III – Milling

Description

Ready to take precision machining to the next level?

At PacAero Agawam, we manufacture high-precision components for the aerospace, defense, and medical industries. Our work involves complex geometries, tight tolerances, and challenging machining applications where technical expertise and attention to detail make all the difference.

We're looking for an experienced CNC Programmer III with strong Mastercam expertise and hands-on experience programming 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC milling machines.

This isn't a behind-the-desk programming position. We need someone who enjoys being on the manufacturing floor, proving out programs, troubleshooting machining challenges, and working directly with machinists to get parts running efficiently and accurately.

If you're someone who takes pride in seeing a complex part go from programming to a successful production run, we'd like to meet you.

What Makes You Successful Here

You understand machining from both sides of the process — programming at the computer and making parts on the shop floor.

You're comfortable tackling challenging geometries, working through difficult setups, and figuring out why something isn't running the way it should. You don't just write a program and hand it off. You take ownership of making sure it works.

You enjoy sharing what you know, working alongside machinists, and finding smarter ways to get the job done.

Why PacAero?

At PacAero Agawam, you'll work with a team that takes pride in building precision components for demanding industries.   

We believe culture matters — from recognizing great work and celebrating wins to creating a place where people enjoy coming to work and feel like part of the team.

Our culture is built around three simple principles: Dream Big. Get Stuff Done. Have Fun.

We offer:

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• HSA/FSA options with employer contributions
• 401(k) with 100% company match on the first 4%
• Company-sponsored life and disability insurance
• Paid time off and separate sick time
• 12 paid holidays, including your birthday!
• Bonus opportunities

Work Schedule & Location

This is a full-time, onsite position based at PacAero in Agawam, Massachusetts. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, day shift. Additional hours may be required based on production schedules, project deadlines, and business needs.

Requirements

• Develop, create, and optimize complex 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC milling programs using Mastercam.
• Program precision components from CAD models, engineering drawings, and customer specifications.
• Work hands-on with CNC equipment to support machine setups, first-piece runs, program prove-outs, and production readiness.
• Develop machining strategies, including toolpath optimization, cutting parameters, tooling selection, and workholding approaches.
• Troubleshoot programming, tooling, setup, and machining issues directly on the manufacturing floor.
• Partner with machinists to improve cycle times, reduce scrap, enhance tool life, and maintain consistent part quality.
• Support complex multi-axis machining applications involving tight tolerances and intricate geometries.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications to ensure machining accuracy.
• Create and maintain CNC programs, setup documentation, tooling lists, and process instructions.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production to resolve manufacturing challenges and improve processes.
• Support new product introductions, prototypes, and the transition of new programs into repeatable production processes.
• Provide technical guidance and programming support to machinists and less-experienced programmers.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities that increase machining efficiency, quality, and overall equipment performance.

What You Bring

• 3-5+ years of progressive CNC programming experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Advanced Mastercam programming experience required.
• Demonstrated experience programming 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC milling machines required.
• Strong hands-on machining background, including machine setup, program prove-outs, and troubleshooting.
• Advanced understanding of multi-axis machining strategies, toolpath development, cutting tools, feeds and speeds, and workholding.
• Ability to independently develop and troubleshoot complex machining programs.
• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and tight-tolerance specifications.
• Experience optimizing machining processes for quality, efficiency, and repeatability.
• Experience with Haas and/or Okuma CNC equipment preferred.
• Experience machining aluminum, stainless steel, and other precision materials preferred.
• Background in aerospace, defense, medical, or similarly regulated manufacturing environments preferred.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

Quality Management Responsibilities

All employees are responsible for supporting PacAero’s Quality Management System and maintaining compliance with applicable procedures, work instructions, customer requirements, and quality standards.

The CNC Programmer III is expected to develop and maintain accurate CNC programs, ensure machining processes meet engineering specifications and quality requirements, identify and communicate quality concerns, support proper documentation and traceability, and work with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production to resolve issues and improve machining processes.

Compensation & Pay Transparency

The salary range for this position is $40.00–$53.00/hr, representing PacAero's good-faith estimate at the time of posting. Actual compensation takes into consideration experience, education, qualifications, technical expertise, internal equity, and other relevant business factors.

Export Control Compliance

This position may involve access to products, technology, or technical data subject to U.S. export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment is contingent upon the individual's ability to access applicable export-controlled information in compliance with U.S. law, including obtaining any required government authorization.

Equal Employment Opportunity

PacAero is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodations

PacAero is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, as well as accommodations required under other applicable laws. Applicants who need assistance or an accommodation during the application or hiring process may contact Human Resources.

Employment Eligibility & E-Verify

PacAero participates in E-Verify and complies with federal employment eligibility verification requirements. All individuals hired must complete the Form I-9 process and provide acceptable documentation establishing identity and authorization to work in the United States, as required by law.

Additional Responsibilities & Job Description Disclaimer

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and its primary responsibilities. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, qualifications, or requirements. Employees may be asked to perform other job-related duties as assigned, consistent with business needs.

PacAero reserves the right to modify job responsibilities and requirements as business needs evolve, consistent with applicable law. This job description does not constitute an employment contract or alter the at-will nature of employment.