Do you have a talent for turning ideas and concepts into real-life, quality parts? Do you thrive working in an innovative and productive environment? Do you have an eye for identifying optimal designs and materials for products? If you are a skilled programmer with a passion for creating high-grade, innovative parts and experience in a machine shop setting, we have the opportunity for you – apply online today!

POSITION SUMMARY

The Machinist Programmer writes toolpaths from a prepared set of instructions and CAD drawings. Sets up and operates computer numerical control (CNC), conventional, & special purpose machines for experimental and production purposes of guitar parts or tooling. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Functions Statement(s) 

• Consults with engineers and other personnel regarding product information such as design, capacity and purpose, and types of material to be used to fabricate products.
• Studies drawings, specifications and sample parts to determine dimensions and tolerances of what will be the finished work piece.
• Analyzes written specifications, CAD drawings, rough sketches, and verbal instructions to plan layout and determine sequence of operations.
• Writes toolpaths from CAD drawings and solid models.
• Selects stock and lays out design according to dimensions computed from drawings.
• Sets up and operates machine tools such as CNC machining center, lathe, and sander to machine parts to specifications, and verifies conformance of parts to specifications for experimental and production purposes.
• Sets controls to regulate machining, such as speed, feed, coolant flow, and depth and angle of cut; and enters commands to download machining programs.
• Sets up and operates machines for a trial run to verify accuracy of machine settings and programming.
• Selects, aligns, and secures holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials on machines, such as mills, lathes, and table saws.
• Fits and assembles machined parts into complete units, applying knowledge of machine shop theory and procedures, shop mathematics, machining ability of materials, and layout techniques.
• Verifies conformance of finished work pieces to specifications, and verifies dimensions and alignment of assemblies, using precision measuring instruments, such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and gauge blocks.
• Is able to fit and assemble parts into complete assembly, using jigs, fixtures, surface plates, hand tools, and power tools.
• Installs machined replacement parts into mechanisms, machines, and equipment, and performs tests to ensure functionality and performance.
• Compute rate, ratio, and percent, and to apply basic principles of geometry.
• Troubleshoot, report situations or resolve the problem independently.

LEVELING REQUIREMENTS:

(Level advancement necessitates thorough competence demonstrated in all requirements and sustained over a reasonable timeframe.)

Level 1: Must be level 3 machinist. Understands our file management system and has a good grasp on programming software and programming best practices. Produces programs for tools and fixtures from CAD drawings and models. Produces setup sheets with complete instructions for machinists. Works with supervision from concept to completion. Works under moderate to high supervision.

Level 2: All requirements of level one in addition to: Creates part programs for use in producing guitar parts run in production. Has a good understanding of what’s required by production personnel and creates part program setup sheets that are released to production. Interfaces with production personnel in releasing part programs and troubleshooting part related issues. Works under moderate supervision. Provides low complexity assistance and training to lower level employees.

Level 3: All requirements of level one and two in addition to: Proficient in all facets of our programming software. Expert in three-dimensional programming as well as multi-surface, E.G. neck carving programs, etc. Can make recommendations to production fixture alterations as well as design production fixturing. Works under limited or no supervision. Provides high complexity assistance and training to level 1 and 2 employees.

COMPETENCIES:

• Team Oriented – Ability to get along with others and to work well in a team environment.
• Customer Focus - Knows who internal customers are. Identifies opportunities that benefit the customer (internal and external). Establishes and maintains effective relationships. Delivers products that meet customer expectations.
• Results Oriented - Works as a productive and cooperative member of a cohesive group. Persists in accomplishing objectives despite obstacles and setbacks. Pushes self and helps others achieve results. Solution vs. problem oriented. Demonstrates ability to adjust when obstacles arise.
• Communicates Effectively - Communicates proactively and with purpose and professionally, in a concise and straightforward manner. Attentively listens to others. Communicates to those involved, especially if agreements cannot be kept.
• Accountability - Takes personal responsibility for decisions, behaviors, actions and failures, and commits to necessary corrective action. Able to admit limitations of knowledge, yet demonstrate a willingness to do what is needed to improve. Proactively seeks feedback without being defensive. Does what is right because it is the right thing to do. Leaves personal circumstances outside of work in order to remain engaged in the task at hand. Maintains a positive attitude despite adversity.
• Reliability - Demonstrates reliable and predictable attendance and punctuality.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience: Associate's Degree (two-year college or technical school), a thorough understanding of G&M codes and five to seven years as a CNC Machinist with job shop or related experience is required. Manual machining, lathe and mill background, experience with Fadal VMC and Thermwood CNC Router machines is a plus.

Computer Skills: Experience working in MasterCam CNC programming software, Experience with CAD drafting / drawings is required. Experience working in Solidworks is a plus. Knowledge of Microsoft Office with the ability to learn new software applications.