Senior CNC Programmer - 5-Axis/Mastercam/VERICUT (US-Remote)

About the Role

Lightsout CNC is a precision CNC machine shop building an automated, software-enabled, lights-out 5-axis production model. We are seeking a senior CNC programmer to support RFQ capability screening, DFM feedback, and production-ready 5-axis programming for tight-tolerance aluminum components.

This is a remote, hourly contract role with recurring project-based work. The ideal candidate is a highly experienced 5-axis programmer who can work independently, communicate clearly, and deliver reliable programs and documentation suitable for operator handoff and eventual lights-out production.

While aerospace experience is helpful, the core requirement is deep experience with tight-tolerance aluminum parts, 5-axis simultaneous machining, Mastercam, SOLIDWORKS/GD&T, and verification/simulation workflows.

Engagement Details

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• US-based, remote
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• Work will be performed inside Lightsout CNC’s controlled environment via secure remote desktop / VPN.
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• Lightsout CNC will provide required software access, including Mastercam Multiaxis, VERICUT with machine simulation, SOLIDWORKS, validated post-processors, machine / fixture models, and tool libraries.
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• Initial workload is expected to be approximately 10 hours/week, with potential to ramp toward 20–25 hours/week as quoting and awarded work volume increases.
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• Long-term contract potential if the engagement is successful.
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Responsibilities

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• Review incoming RFQs, models, and drawings to assess machinability, capability, and production feasibility.
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• Provide clear DFM feedback to support accurate, competitive quoting.
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• Estimate machining strategy, cycle-time assumptions, tooling needs, and fixture/workholding considerations.
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• Develop efficient, robust 5-axis simultaneous toolpaths in Mastercam for tight-tolerance aluminum components.
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• Verify programs using VERICUT or comparable machine simulation / collision-detection workflows before release.
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• Post-process and deliver production-ready NC code, tool lists, setup sheets, and operator handoff documentation.
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• Collaborate with the shop on tooling selection, workholding / fixturing strategy, and process refinement.
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• Provide responsive RFQ / DFM support during business hours as quoting volume scales.
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Required Qualifications

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• 7+ years of CNC programming experience, including significant 5-axis simultaneous machining experience.
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• Expert-level Mastercam multiaxis programming experience.
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• Strong experience programming tight-tolerance aluminum components, including materials such as 6061-T6, 7075-T6, or similar high-precision alloys.
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• Proficiency reading SOLIDWORKS models and interpreting GD&T on engineering drawings.
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• Experience with machine simulation, verification, and collision detection; VERICUT experience strongly preferred.
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• Ability to produce clean setup sheets, tool lists, NC code, and program documentation for reliable operator handoff.
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• Ability to support RFQ review, manufacturability assessment, cycle-time assumptions, and DFM feedback.
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• Comfortable working remotely inside a secure customer-provided software environment.
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Preferred Qualifications

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• Direct aerospace or defense manufacturing experience.
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• Hands-on VERICUT machine simulation experience.
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• Experience programming for lights-out or unattended production environments.
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• Experience with in-process probing, tool-breakage detection routines, or automated machining workflows.
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• Familiarity with pallet-pool or automation-cell workflows.
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• Post-processor development, tuning, or troubleshooting experience.
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• Prior remote contract programming or consulting experience.
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Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a senior 5-axis CNC programmer who has deep Mastercam experience, understands tight-tolerance aluminum machining, can review RFQs quickly, and can deliver clean, production-ready programs and documentation.

They should be comfortable working remotely, communicating clearly, and supporting a fast-moving precision manufacturing environment where responsiveness and accuracy are both critical.