Who We Are
Founded in 1959 by Ed Miller near Chicago, Prince Industries has grown from a one-man shop into a global manufacturing partner. With seven facilities across the U.S. and China, we serve industries from hydraulics to aerospace, handling everything from just-in-time components to high-volume assemblies.
At Prince, we don’t just make parts—we solve complex supply chain challenges. We are a strategic partner, focused on helping clients improve products, reduce costs, and simplify operations. Certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100 standards, we combine quality, innovation, and growth-minded thinking to deliver real value.
Position Summary
The Aerospace CNC Manufacturing Programmer / Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting CNC machining processes for precision aerospace components. This role ensures programs, tooling, and manufacturing methods meet aerospace quality and tolerance requirements while driving operational efficiency, repeatability, and cost reduction. The individual partners with production, quality, and operations to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions that support on-time, high-quality production.
CNC Programming & Process Development
- Develop, validate, and optimize CNC programs for lathes, mill-turn, 3-, 4-, and 5-axis mill equipment using industry-standard CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360).
- Create detailed machining processes, toolpaths, and cutting strategies tailored for aerospace alloys (e.g., Inconel, stainless steel, aluminum).
- Conduct simulation, verification, and prove-outs to ensure safe and efficient machine operation.
- Establish machining parameters, feeds/speeds, work holding setups, and tooling selections using best-practice principles.
Manufacturing Engineering
- Develop and maintain process documentation, including setup sheets, fixture drawings, and work instructions.
- Lead process improvements focused on cycle time reduction, tool life extension, and quality enhancement.
- Support new parts and ensure manufacturability of customer designs.
- Design or specify custom fixtures, tooling, and work holding to support complex aerospace geometries.
- Collaborate with Quality to resolve non-conformances and drive root-cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D).
Technical Support & Shop Floor Collaboration
- Support machinists during setups, first-article inspections, and program prove-outs.
- Participate in MRB and continuous improvement to address production challenges.
- Train operators and setup personnel on new processes, tooling, and programming methods.
Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure all machining processes comply with AS9100, customer specifications, and aerospace drawing requirements.
- Maintain revision-controlled documents and ensure alignment between programming data, job travelers, and quality records.
- Embrace and integrate 5S, lean manufacturing, and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke) initiatives.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- 3–7+ years of CNC programming or manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in aerospace machining.
- Proficiency in CAM software (Fusion 360, Mastercam preferred or equivalent).
- Strong knowledge of GD&T, blueprint interpretation, and aerospace documentation practices.
- Experience machining tight-tolerance components (±0.0005” typical) and complex 3D surfaces.
- Understanding of machining dynamics, tool selection, chip loads, and metal cutting theory.
- Hands-on experience with CNC mills and lathes for troubleshooting and program optimization.
- Working knowledge of AS9100, AS9102, and aerospace customer requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- Background with ERP/MRP systems (E2/JobBOSS, Epicor, etc.).
Core Competencies
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Ability to communicate clearly with machinists and leadership.
PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Regularly required to sit, stand, or walk the duration of the shift, 8-10 hours.
- Occasionally required to lift, push, or pull up to 30 lbs.
- Frequently required to sit, stoop, kneel reach or bend.
- Regularly exposed to moving machine parts when in plant.
Benefits
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance (PPO and HDHP with HSA) w/ Prescription Coverage
- Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Company Paid Life Insurance and AD & D – Including options to add on additional life insurance for yourself, spouse & children.
- Critical Illness Insurance
- 401(k) Fidelity Plan with strong employer match
- Personal Retirement Advisor
- Generous PTO Policy and 9 Paid Holidays per year
- 100% Tuition Reimbursement for Job-Related Classes
- Personal Protective Equipment reimbursement (safety glasses, shoes, etc.)
Compensation: $35-40 per hour
Due to ITAR regulations, only U.S. persons—defined as U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), and U.S. nationals—are eligible for this position.
*We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer. Applicants can learn more about Prince's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster ( https://www.eeoc.gov/employers )
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