Senior CNC Programmer

Position Overview

Join to apply for the Senior CNC Programmer role at Life Port in Woodland, WA. Life Port is a leading manufacturer of medical transportation, interior products, and ballistic armor protection systems for fixed and rotary wing aircraft. From large multi-aircraft projects to small custom projects, Life Port supplies the industry’s largest aerospace OEMs and end users with the finest aviation solutions today.

The Senior CNC Programmer will program aerospace components and fixturing using Mastercam, CAD models, and drawings. The Programmer is responsible for creating and revising CNC programs for a variety of multi-axis, horizontal and vertical machines, mills (3, 4, & 5 axis), lathes (single and dual spindle), routers (3 & 5 axis), and other equipment. The Senior Programmer supports current production and prototype projects while maintaining quality and safety standards.

The Senior Programmer will work with manufacturing engineers, operations, quality, and procurement to develop the most efficient manufacturing process possible. As the lead programmer, it is required to mentor and train less experienced programmers and maintain consistent programming practices across the team.

• Develop G‑code for 3, 4 & 5 axis, as well as single and dual spindle machines using Mastercam and Solid Works.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T requirements.
• Assemble quotations including required materials, tooling, fixtures, set‑up time, and run time of new parts and assemblies based on provided engineering data.
• Analyze work orders, drawings, specifications, and design data to determine order of operations, tool selections, machine speeds and feed rates.
• Program machines by entering instructions, including zero and reference points, setting tool registers, offsets, compensation, and conditional switches; calculate requirements, including basic math, geometry, and trigonometry; prove part programs.
• Develop accurate and efficient fixtures for complicated part production when required.
• Check completed programs, both own and those created by others, by running simulations or tests.
• Write set‑up sheets in specified format for a machine’s operator to guide setup.
• Enter and manage verified programs in Solid Works EPDM system per standard process for reuse.
• Follow and contribute to industry and AS9100 aerospace standard procedures maintenance and creation.
• Work with operators, programmers, and manufacturing engineering to revise programs to eliminate errors and re‑test programs to check that problems have been solved.
• Work with operators, programmers, and manufacturing engineering to revise programs to optimize efficiency.
• Maintain safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations.
• Lead and participate in LEAN manufacturing activities.
• Maintain knowledge of current industry trends, processes, and tool information.

• Technical Skills – pursue training and development opportunities; strive to continuously build knowledge and skills and share that expertise with others.
• Customer Service – respond promptly to customer needs and meet commitments.
• Organizational Support – follow policies and procedures and support the organization’s goals and values.
• Motivation – demonstrate persistence and overcome obstacles.
• Quality – demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness, while finding ways to improve and promote quality.
• Excellent organization skills with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent teamwork skills and high degree of initiative required.
• Excellent communication both written and verbal.
• Work independently and possess a high level of self‑motivation and initiative.
• Previous experience working in a manufacturing setting required.

• High school diploma or GED and ten+ years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Proficient with Mastercam, Outlook, ERP manufacturing software, and time and attendance payroll systems.