CNC Tech/Programmer

About the role

The CNC Technician/Programmer develops and maintains CNC programs, sets up and operates machining equipment, proves out processes, and inspects precision components used in Skyeton unmanned aerial systems and related assemblies. Working from engineering drawings, models, specifications, and work instructions, this position converts manufacturing requirements into safe, efficient, and repeatable machining processes. The role partners closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Production, and other machinists to improve tooling, fixtures, cycle time, process capability, and part quality while maintaining configuration control, traceability, and accurate production documentation. 

What you'll do

•  Create, modify, optimize, and maintain CNC programs using approved CAM software, G-code, conversational controls, and company programming standards. 

•  Program and support 3-axis, 4-axis, and multi-axis CNC milling and/or turning operations for prototype, low-rate initial production, and recurring production work. 

•  Review engineering drawings, solid models, GD&T requirements, specifications, bills of material, and work instructions to determine machining strategy, tooling, workholding, inspection points, and process sequence. 

•  Develop setup sheets, tool lists, operation instructions, program revision records, and other controlled manufacturing documentation needed for repeatable execution on the shop floor. 

•  Safely prove out new or revised programs using simulation, dry runs, single-block operation, feed overrides, and controlled first-piece verification. 

•  Operate CNC equipment as production needs require and monitor tool wear, chatter, dimensional drift, surface finish, cycle time, and other indicators of process performance. 

•  Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, indicators, thread gauges, and other approved measurement equipment. 

•  Support first-article inspection, including accurate documentation of dimensional results and coordination with Quality on AS9102 or customer-specific requirements when applicable. 

•  Design or support the development of fixtures, soft jaws, workholding, cutting-tool packages, and practical process improvements that improve safety, quality, throughput, and repeatability. 

•  Identify and document nonconforming conditions, programming errors, unclear requirements, or process risks; stop work and coordinate resolution with Quality and Engineering when necessary. 

•  Maintain program revision control, file integrity, backup practices, material and job traceability, tool-life records, labor reporting, travelers, and inspection documentation. 

•  Troubleshoot machining, setup, tooling, and program issues using data and structured problem-solving methods; verify corrective actions before returning work to production. 

•  Support preventive maintenance, coolant monitoring, machine checks, 5S, FOD prevention, lockout/tagout, PPE, and housekeeping requirements. 

•  Train and assist machinists and production employees on approved programs, setups, tooling, inspection steps, and safe operating practices within the employee’s demonstrated qualifications. 

•  Collaborate across Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production to improve manufacturability, reduce setup and cycle time, and support changing program priorities. 

•  Perform other related duties as assigned based on operational and program needs. 

Qualifications

•  High school diploma or GED equivalent. 

•  At least three years of CNC machining experience, including independent setup and operation in a production, prototype, toolroom, aerospace, automotive, medical-device, or similarly precise manufacturing environment. 

•  Demonstrated experience creating or substantially modifying CNC programs using CAM software, G-code, or conversational programming. 

•  Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, dimensions, tolerances, surface-finish requirements, bills of material, and written work instructions. 

•  Working knowledge of GD&T, machining fundamentals, cutting tools, workholding, speeds and feeds, tool offsets, and machine troubleshooting. 

•  Ability to select machining strategies and safely prove out new or revised programs with limited supervision. 

•  Experience inspecting precision parts using common metrology tools, including calipers, micrometers, indicators, height gauges, bore gauges, and thread gauges. 

•  Ability to maintain accurate programming, production, inspection, and quality records in a controlled manufacturing environment. 

•  Strong mathematical ability, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and commitment to safe work practices. 

•  Effective communication and the ability to work collaboratively with machinists, engineers, Quality, and Production employees. 

Preferred Qualifications 

•  Five or more years of CNC machining and programming experience involving close-tolerance or complex components. 

•  Machining diploma, certificate, apprenticeship, or associate degree in machining technology, manufacturing technology, or a related field. 

•  Aerospace or defense machining experience and familiarity with AS9100, AS9102 first-article inspection, configuration control, FOD prevention, and material traceability. 

•  Experience programming 4-axis or 5-axis mills, live-tooling lathes, or multi-axis mill-turn equipment. 

•  Experience with Powermill, Fusion 360, or comparable CAM software, including toolpath simulation and post-processor use. 

•  Experience designing fixtures, soft jaws, workholding, or cutting-tool packages using CAD/CAM tools. 

•  Experience machining aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, engineering plastics, and/or composite materials. 

•  Experience with probing systems, coordinate measuring machines, statistical process control, or other advanced inspection methods. 

•  Experience supporting prototype development, new-product introduction, and evolving designs under formal change control. 

Skills and Competencies 

Benefits 

•  Company-paid medical coverage for the employee. 

•  Dental and vision insurance options. 

•  401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions. 

•  Generous paid time off program and company holidays. 

•  Opportunities to contribute to a growing U.S. aerospace manufacturing operation and expand technical skills. 

Work Environment 

•  Regularly stand and walk for extended periods while programming, setting up, operating, or monitoring machining equipment. 

•  Frequently reach, bend, grasp, and handle tools, fixtures, raw material, and finished components; maintain the visual acuity needed to evaluate dimensions, surface finish, and machine conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation. 

•  Frequently lift and carry tools, fixtures, materials, or parts weighing up to 35 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds with assistance or appropriate lifting equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation. 

•  Work primarily in a manufacturing environment with exposure to operating machinery, metal chips, cutting fluids, airborne particulates, vibration, and typical shop noise; required personal protective equipment must be worn. 

•  May occasionally work overtime or adjusted schedules to support production, program, or machine-recovery requirements. 

•  Travel is expected to be minimal but may be required based on business needs. 

Export Control and Security Requirements 

This position may require access to technology, technical data, or information controlled under U.S. export-control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment is contingent upon the individual’s ability to obtain lawful access to such information. The position may also require the ability to satisfy customer, facility-access, and security requirements, including obtaining and maintaining a security clearance when required by a contract or customer. 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Skyeton Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Skyeton provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious practices as required by law. 

About Skyeton, Inc

Skyeton is an aerospace and defense technology company focused on the design, production, and support of advanced unmanned aerial systems. At our growing Fayetteville, North Carolina operation, employees help establish and scale U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities that support demanding customer missions.

Company Culture

Skyeton combines the energy of a growing organization with the discipline required in aerospace manufacturing. We value teamwork, accountability, practical problem-solving, precise execution, and a willingness to improve. Our people make a difference, and every employee contributes directly to product quality, operational readiness, and customer success.