CNC Programmer / Manager

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Job Description

This role combines hands-on CNC programming and machining with the opportunity to grow into a Machine Shop Manager. You will program complex parts using Esprit, support machinists on 5-axis CNC equipment, and help produce precision components for mechanical seals and pump applications in a true job shop environment. The position involves working with a wide range of materials and part sizes, contributing to both production and quality control while leading the shop toward best-in-class performance.

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Responsibilities

• Program CNC machines using Esprit software on a laptop to produce precision components for mechanical seals and pump-related applications.
• Support and guide machinists in setting up and running 5-axis CNC machines, including mill, lathe, and mill-turn equipment.
• Work with Okuma and Mazak CNC controls, using G and M code to create, modify, and optimize programs for efficiency and accuracy.
• Machine parts ranging from approximately 2" to 20" in diameter, including thin-wall components with extremely tight ID and OD tolerances.
• Operate and assist with manual machining on manual mills and manual lathes when needed to support production and prototype work.
• Perform or assist with quality control inspections to ensure all parts meet dimensional, tolerance, and surface finish requirements.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the CNC shop, including workflow, priorities, and support for machinists as you grow into a Machine Shop Manager role.
• Troubleshoot machining issues on both 1st and 2nd shifts, providing technical guidance and problem-solving support to machinists.
• Collaborate with team members using Microsoft Teams and other communication tools to coordinate work, resolve issues, and share information.
• Contribute to process improvement by organizing workstations, standardizing setups, and promoting best practices in a job shop environment.
• Work with a variety of materials, including 316 stainless steel, carbon steel, Inconel, titanium, and other exotic alloys.
• Assist with mill-turn operations and Okuma Multus-type equipment as needed to support complex part production.
• Maintain a safe and clean work area, adhering to all safety procedures, including the proper use of PPE and shop protocols.
• Demonstrate autonomy and self-direction by managing your workload, meeting deadlines, and proactively addressing production challenges.

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Essential Skills

• At least 10 years of CNC programming experience in a job shop environment.
• Strong proficiency in Esprit software for CNC programming.
• Proven ability to manage or lead a CNC shop, including coordinating machinists and overseeing daily operations.
• Hands-on experience with 5-axis CNC machining, including both mills and lathes.
• Experience with Okuma or similar CNC controls and related interfaces.
• Solid understanding and practical use of G and M code for CNC programming and editing.
• Strong CNC lathe programming and CNC mill programming skills, including 3-axis and 5-axis work.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings accurately.
• Proficiency in machining on vertical mills and horizontal lathes.
• Effective communication skills, including regular use of Microsoft Teams for coordination and collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and in a self-driven manner in a production environment.
• Hands-on CNC machining experience, including setup and operation of CNC mills, CNC lathes, and mill-turn machines.

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Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with CAM software beyond Esprit, such as Mastercam or similar tools.
• Familiarity with Okuma Multus or comparable multi-function mill-turn equipment.
• Manual machining experience on manual mills and manual lathes.
• Mill-turn machining experience, including complex, multi-axis operations.
• Knowledge of the mechanical seals industry and related components.
• Experience working with exotic alloys such as Inconel, titanium, and specialty stainless steels.
• Comfort working in a job shop environment where part types and requirements frequently change.
• Strong organizational skills to support a highly structured and process-focused shop.
• Ability to support multiple shifts and provide guidance to machinists on different schedules.

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Why Work Here?

You will join a nationally established organization with a strong and stable book of business, offering long-term security and continuous work. The company provides comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits and places a strong emphasis on professional growth and development, giving you opportunities to expand your skills and advance your career. Leadership is committed to empowering employees, providing support, resources, and trust so you can take ownership of your work and contribute meaningful improvements to the shop.

This is a Direct Hire role.

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Work Environment

New, medium-sized shop in south Houston, TX.

The shop is clean and mostly air-conditioned, with open bay doors used as needed.

The team consists of approximately 20 shop employees, including assemblers, warehouse staff, welders, CNC programmers, and machinists.

The shop runs multiple shifts. The primary schedule for this role is 1st shift, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the expectation of flexibility to support additional hours, including some evenings and weekends, especially when assisting 2nd shift with machining issues.

Typical workweeks range from about 40 to 60 hours, with an effort to keep hours reasonable while meeting production needs. For reference, 2nd shift generally runs Monday through Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with similar flexibility requirements based on workload.

In the machine shop there are 5-axis mills, lathes, and mill-turn machines.

The dress code includes steel-toe shoes, jeans, a work shirt, and safety glasses.

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Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX 77075.

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $50.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX 77075.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.