CNC Programmer – 5-Axis
Location: St Catharines, ON
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Pay Rate: $40–$50/hour, based on experience
Our client is a growing precision manufacturing company specializing in complex, high-precision CNC machining. We are looking for an experienced CNC Programmer with strong 5-axis programming and hands-on machining experience to join their team.
This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled programmer who understands how CAM programming decisions impact setup time, tooling, machine performance, part quality, and repeatability.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay of $40–$50/hour
- Stable, full-time employment
- Complex and technically challenging machining projects
- Modern CNC equipment and advanced manufacturing technology
- Opportunity to influence programming and manufacturing processes
- Collaborative team environment
- Long-term career growth
Position Overview
As a CNC Programmer, you will develop efficient and reliable programs for complex 5-axis CNC milling equipment, while supporting jobs from initial programming through setup, prove-out, first-off inspection, and production.
Key Responsibilities
- Create CNC programs for complex, tight-tolerance 5-axis components
- Develop machining strategies, toolpaths, workholding concepts, and setup plans
- Select cutting tools, speeds, feeds, and machining parameters
- Interpret engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, tolerances, and GD&T
- Program parts using aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and high-temperature alloys
- Support machinists during setup, prove-out, and production
- Troubleshoot programming, tooling, workholding, dimensional, and surface-finish issues
- Optimize programs to improve cycle time, tool life, quality, and reliability
- Verify programs using simulation and collision-detection software
- Maintain setup documentation, tooling information, and program revisions
- Collaborate with machining, engineering, quality, and production teams
- Apply lessons learned to improve repeat jobs and programming standards
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years of experience programming 5-axis CNC mills
- 5+ years of hands-on CNC setup and operating experience
- Strong experience machining complex, tight-tolerance components
- Strong knowledge of machining fundamentals, tooling, workholding, speeds, feeds, and tool wear
- Experience with aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and high-temperature alloys
- Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
- Proven ability to take programs from initial setup through successful production
- Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications
- PowerMill or similar advanced CAM experience
- Experience with DMG MORI or comparable 5-axis machining centres
- Heidenhain control experience
- Aerospace, nuclear, defence, energy, or other high-precision manufacturing experience
- Knowledge of probing, in-process inspection, and process verification
- Experience reducing setup and cycle times and improving repeatability
The Ideal Candidate
You are a hands-on CNC Programmer who understands what works on the shop floor, not just on the computer. You can develop safe, accurate, efficient programs, support machinists through prove-out, troubleshoot issues quickly, and continuously improve machining processes.
Apply today through Express Employment Professionals – St. Catharines to be considered for this opportunity.
