13610 Immanuel Rd, Pflugerville, TX 78660 - PH: 512-284-7106 - ApeAmerican.com
Exhibit A
CNC Programmer/Machinist - Job Description Position Summary The CNC Machinist / Tool Maker is a senior hands-on production role responsible for programming, setting up, and operating CNC milling and turning equipment to produce precision components for aerospace, defense, and robotics customers. The position also encompasses fixture design, tooling selection, first-article inspection, and production queue management. This individual is expected to work independently with minimal supervision and to serve as a technical resource and mentor to less experienced machinists on the shop floor.
Essential Functions
CNC Programming & Operation (40%)
• Program 3-axis and 5-axis CNC mills and lathes from STEP models and engineering drawings using MasterCAM; develop efficient toolpaths, select appropriate tooling, and optimize feeds, speeds, and cycle times
• Set up, operate, and run CNC mills and lathes across a range of materials including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, and engineering plastics
• Perform tool changes, work offsets, and mid-run adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy throughout production runs
• Manage CAM files and programs with revision discipline.
Fixture Design & Tooling (20%)
• Design and fabricate custom fixtures, jigs, and work-holding solutions for complex or non- standard parts
• Evaluate and select cutting tools, inserts, and consumables for each job based on material, geometry, and tolerance requirements
• Maintain an organized tooling inventory and recommend tooling purchases to support current and future production needs
Quality & Inspection (15%)
• Perform first-article and in-process inspections using precision measuring instruments: calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, surface plates, and CMM.
• Document inspection results per AS9100 quality system requirements; complete FAI reports, in- process records, and material traceability documentation
• Identify and disposition non-conforming material in accordance with company procedures
Production Management (15%)
• Manage your own queue of work orders, prioritizing across multiple concurrent jobs to meet production schedules and delivery commitments
13610 Immanuel Rd, Pflugerville, TX 78660 - PH: 512-284-7106 - ApeAmerican.com
Exhibit A
• Participate in daily morning production meetings to align on priorities, communicate status, and flag risks or blockers
• Coordinate with manufacturing engineering on process planning, drawing interpretation, and manufacturability feedback
Training & Continuous Improvement (10%)
• Mentor and train less experienced machinists through hands-on instruction in setup, programming, and machining techniques
• Identify opportunities to improve machining processes, reduce cycle times, and increase first- pass yield
• Contribute to the maintenance and improvement of shop equipment through routine cleaning, calibration verification, and coordination with maintenance personnel
• Support 5S and lean manufacturing initiatives on the shop floor
Minimum Qualifications
• 5+ years of experience operating CNC milling and/or turning equipment in a prototype manufacturing environment
• High professional level of skill in MasterCAM or equivalent CAM software for 3-axis (minimum) programming from solid models
• Journeyman-level machining skills across multiple materials, setups, and machine configurations
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings including GD&T
• Demonstrated skill with precision measuring instruments and inspection techniques
• Experience designing and fabricating fixtures and work-holding devices
• Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR regulations (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident)
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with Mazak and Haas CNC mills and lathes specifically
• Familiarity with SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD for model review and fixture design
• Prior work in an AS9100 or ISO 9001 certified facility
• Experience in defense or aerospace manufacturing with associated documentation and traceability requirements
• 3-axis or 5-axis CNC programming and operation experience
Core Competencies
• Technical Expertise: Deep, applied knowledge of machining processes, materials, and tooling; recognized by peers as a subject matter expert
• Independent Judgment: Makes sound decisions on setup, programming, and process without requiring constant direction
• Precision & Quality Orientation: Maintains tight tolerances consistently; treats quality as a personal standard, not an external requirement
• Process Discipline: Follows established procedures methodically; understands the purpose behind the system
• Communication: Documents work clearly; raises issues factually and early; provides constructive technical guidance to others
• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeks to optimize programs, setups, and workflows based on production data and experience/