About this role
Job Title: CNC ProgrammerJob DescriptionThis role develops and writes programs for computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines using detailed engineering specifications and drawings. You review engineering drawings to define part configurations and determine the type and sequence of machine operations. You independently select appropriate cutters and machining parameters, contribute to solutions for complex technical problems, and ensure that machining programs support quality, efficiency, and schedule commitments in a demanding aerospace manufacturing environment. Responsibilities • Develop programs for machining parts, tools, and sheet metal on CNC machine tools using engineering specifications and drawings. • Review engineering drawings to define the configuration of parts and determine the type and sequence of machine operations required. • Independently determine proper cutter selections for each part, considering speeds, feeds, cutter types, and control system limitations. • Participate in determining program routines to achieve the most efficient computer calculation of dimensional and machining requirements for each part. • Test, debug, and modify existing CNC programs to incorporate engineering changes and improve program performance or manufacturability. • Contribute to the development of solutions for a range of difficult technical problems to ensure project deadlines and production schedules are met. • Participate in preparing department documentation, including operational instructions and standard procedures related to CNC programming and machining processes. • Serve as a primary contact with suppliers and vendors when required, supporting technical discussions related to CNC programming and machining. • Provide guidance and direction to less experienced professional staff, helping them understand CNC programming practices and departmental standards. • Organize, schedule, and coordinate work assignments to meet project milestones and established completion dates. • Identify issues in CNC applications, analyze and interpret data, and develop solutions to complex technical and manufacturing problems. • Accurately document, report, and present findings, recommendations, and program changes to stakeholders. • Initiate, plan, and manage programming-related projects, ensuring alignment with engineering and production requirements. • Represent the organization as a knowledgeable technical resource on external projects and in interactions with customers or partners. • Observe all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational obligations whenever conducting business on behalf of the company. • Work in a safe manner at all times, following established operating procedures and safety practices in the machining and production environment. • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, and quality, to support aerospace CNC programming needs. • Perform other related duties as assigned to support department and organizational objectives. Essential Skills • Bachelor’s degree in computer programming or a related field and five or more years of progressive experience in programming CNC machines, or approximately eleven years of professional CNC programming experience in lieu of a degree. • Aerospace CNC programming experience, including working with aerospace components and standards. • Experience programming complex parts, including multi-axis and intricate geometries. • Complete understanding of CNC application principles, theories, and concepts. • Demonstrated ability to organize, schedule, and coordinate work assignments to meet project milestones and completion dates. • Ability to contribute to the development of new processes and resolve a variety of difficult technical issues in CNC programming and machining. • Strong customer focus with the ability to understand and support customer requirements in an aerospace context. • Ability to identify issues, analyze and interpret data, and develop solutions to complex technical and manufacturing problems. • Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail in reviewing drawings, programs, and machining results. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to accurately document, report, and present findings and recommendations. • Strong interpersonal skills to guide and support employees, including less experienced team members. • Ability to initiate, plan, and manage projects related to CNC programming and process improvement. • Ability to represent the company as a knowledgeable resource on external projects and in customer-facing situations. • Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with CNC programming tools and related software. • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to contribute effectively in a team environment. • Willingness and ability to work extended hours and travel as required to support project and production needs. Additional Skills & Qualifications • Experience with aerospace manufacturing environments and associated quality and documentation requirements. • Proficiency or familiarity with NX or similar CNC programming software; training may be provided for candidates with strong CNC programming experience. • Experience working with complex parts, including tight tolerances and intricate machining strategies. • Experience preparing operational instructions and standard procedures for CNC programming and machining. • Experience acting as a primary contact with suppliers and vendors on technical matters related to CNC programming. • Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including mentoring and directing less experienced professional staff. • Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to develop efficient machining routines and optimize programs for productivity and quality. • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and support multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced production environment. • Willingness to relocate may be considered for the right candidate; local candidates are preferred. Work EnvironmentThis is a full-time, onsite role in a production environment operating CNC machine tools in support of aerospace manufacturing. Standard hours are approximately 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., five days per week, with the possibility of extended hours as needed to meet project and production demands. You work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams in a facility that uses advanced CNC equipment and programming software, including tools such as NX or comparable platforms. The environment emphasizes safety, adherence to established operating procedures, and compliance with applicable regulations. You may travel occasionally for project support, supplier or vendor interaction, or customer-related activities. The culture values technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement in CNC programming and machining processes. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Shannon, MS. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $120000.00/yr. 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.This position is fully onsite at a manufacturing facility in Tupelo and operates on a schedule of approximately 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., five days per week. The role is based in a hands-on CNC machining and aerospace manufacturing environment that involves working around machine tools, sheet metal, and complex parts. The work setting emphasizes strict adherence to safety procedures, established operating practices, and applicable regulations. Employees collaborate closely with engineering, production, and vendor partners and may be required to work extended hours and travel as needed to support project deadlines and customer requirements. Dress and attire are typical for an industrial manufacturing environment and must comply with safety and facility guidelines. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Shannon,MS. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 2026.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.
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.