CAD/CAM Programmer

Compensation: $35.00 – $42.00+ per hour (DOE) Employment Details: Full-Time | Permanent | Non-Exempt Working Hours: Monday – Friday | 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM Worksite: Minneapolis, MN About the Role Our team is searching for a seasoned Senior CAD/CAM Programmer to contribute to our expanding custom manufacturing facility, which focuses on precision thermoforming and plastic fabrication. This position is highly technical and requires a proactive individual who will report to the Head of Engineering, assisting with design, programming, production, and ongoing operational enhancements. We are looking for a candidate who possesses deep CAD/CAM knowledge, extensive CNC programming expertise, and a drive to overcome complex manufacturing hurdles. While this role offers the potential for future technical mentorship and leadership, your primary focus will be on direct engineering support, developing tooling and fixtures, programming CNC equipment, and refining our manufacturing processes. This is an ideal position for a professional who thrives on being deeply integrated into both the engineering and production phases, while also helping to shape future improvements and guide team members. Core Responsibilities Generate and update CAD models, production drawings, fixture designs, and tooling layouts Create and refine CAM programs for CNC machining, including complex multi-axis tasks Assist in the setup and operation of CNC routers and associated manufacturing machinery Develop specialized tooling, molds, and production aids to help boost overall manufacturing efficiency Partner with production and engineering staff to resolve technical challenges and refine workflows Identify and resolve issues related to programming, tooling, setup, and shop floor production Evaluate part designs to ensure manufacturability and suggest improvements to the process Contribute to project scheduling, cost estimation, and manufacturing workflow management Maintain accurate records for engineering revisions, tooling, fixtures, and CNC programs Ensure quality standards are met through precise blueprint interpretation, GD&T application, and inspection verification Offer technical expertise and mentorship to help develop the skills of less experienced team members Required Qualifications At least 5 years of professional CAD/CAM programming experience within a manufacturing setting Comprehensive background in CAD design, CAM programming, and CNC machining operations Proven ability to develop tooling, fixtures, and essential manufacturing support equipment Direct experience setting up multi-axis CNC machining equipment Solid grasp of machining fundamentals, production workflows, and manufacturing processes Proficiency in interpreting complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T specifications Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work autonomously while contributing to cross-functional team goals Preferred Qualifications Background in thermoforming, plastic fabrication, CNC routing, or similar manufacturing sectors Experience with 3-axis and 5-axis CNC programming Familiarity with CAMWorks, SolidWorks, or comparable CAD/CAM platforms Prior experience in technical leadership, training, or mentoring Experience utilizing Fagor controls or similar CNC control systems Your Impact We are seeking a candidate who values a hands-on approach while aspiring to grow into a technical leadership capacity. This role is perfect for a CAD/CAM expert who enjoys the full lifecycle of part design, programming, tooling development, and troubleshooting, while also fostering team success through knowledge sharing and technical guidance. Benefits Health coverage Life insurance Retirement savings plan Paid time off Why Join Us? Permanent position with long-term career advancement Engaging, highly technical, and hands-on engineering environment Direct collaboration with the engineering leadership team Diverse project variety including design, programming, and manufacturing support Growing organization with a strong commitment to future expansion Clear pathway into technical leadership while maintaining daily involvement in engineering and production Required Proficiencies: GD&T Equipment Troubleshooting CNC Tooling Troubleshooting Skills CNC Programming G-Code Design for Manufacturability (DFM) M-Code Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology Advanced Inspection & Gauge Measurement Aerospace Manufacturing Machine Setups for Production Runs Technologies Used: CNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC) CAM Software CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC)