5-Axis CNC Programmer / Machinist - Prototype & Defense Work (SolidCAM / Fanuc)

At a Glance

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• Company: Empire Group
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• Location: Attleboro, MA (on-site)
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• Job Type: Full-Time
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• Compensation: $100,000 – $140,000 per year (based on experience)
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• Shift: Day Shift | Typical start time of 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM
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• Schedule: Standard 8-hour shifts with common half-days on Fridays
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• Overtime: Available as needed
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• Experience Level: Mid to Senior Level (5+ years preferred)
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• Industry: Prototype Machining / Defense Manufacturing / Advanced Manufacturing
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• Relocation Assistance: Not available — local candidates preferred
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• CAM Software: SolidCAM (Mastercam experience highly transferable)
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Why This Role Exists

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Empire Group is expanding its advanced machining capabilities and preparing to bring additional 5-axis machining capacity online to support complex defense and prototype manufacturing programs.

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This role will play a key part in producing highly complex machined components for defense-related projects, including work tied to Black Hawk helicopter weaponization kits. The company is looking for a skilled CNC programmer/machinist who can help bridge current 3-axis and 4-axis operations into a more advanced 5-axis environment over the coming months.

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This is an opportunity to join a highly entrepreneurial manufacturing company with a “25-year-old startup” feel — minimal bureaucracy, direct access to ownership, and exposure to advanced machining, additive manufacturing, and cutting-edge defense projects.

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The Work You’ll Be Doing

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In this role, you will:

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• Program and set up CNC milling machines for complex prototype and low-volume work
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• Initially focus on 3-axis and 4-axis machining while helping transition into dedicated 5-axis production
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• Create and optimize offline CNC programs using CAD models and blueprints
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• Work closely with engineering and leadership on highly technical defense-related projects
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• Set tooling, work offsets, fixtures, and verify setups at the machine
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• Perform first-article and in-process inspections
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• Troubleshoot machining issues and optimize programs for efficiency and quality
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• Work on large, complex aluminum components and prototype-style parts
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• Collaborate with a small, highly skilled team of programmers and machinists
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Long-term, this position is expected to evolve into a more programming-heavy role as additional 5-axis projects ramp up.

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Machines, Controls & Software

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You’ll work with equipment and software such as:

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Machines

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• Smart VMCs
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• YCM vertical machining centers
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• 3-axis and 4-axis milling platforms
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• Upcoming dedicated 5-axis machining platform
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Controls

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• Fanuc
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• Hurco
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CAM Software

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• SolidCAM
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• Mastercam experience considered highly transferable
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Inspection & Technical Skills

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• Blueprint reading
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• GD&T interpretation
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• Precision inspection tools
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• CAD model-based programming workflows
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Materials You’ll Work With

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• Aluminum
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• Stainless steel
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• Alloy steels
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• Exotic metals
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• Prototype and defense-grade materials
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What We’re Looking ForRequired

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• 5+ years of CNC programming and machining experience
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• Strong milling background in a metal machining environment
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• Experience with setup, tooling, offsets, and troubleshooting
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• Ability to read blueprints and understand GD&T
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• Experience programming from CAD models
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• Prototype, low-volume, or high-complexity machining experience
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Preferred

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• 5-axis machining exposure
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• SolidCAM experience
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• Mastercam programming experience
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• Defense, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing background
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• Experience with Haas, Fanuc, or Hurco environments
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Not a Fit

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This role is likely not a fit for candidates coming primarily from:

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• Plastics machining
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• High-volume production machining environments
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• Repetitive production-only work
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Why Machinists Like Working Here

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Machinists choose Empire Group because of the combination of advanced work, clean environment, and growth potential.

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Highlights include:

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• Extremely clean, climate-controlled shop
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• Heated floors throughout the facility
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• Small, highly skilled team environment
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• Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies
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• Defense and drone-related projects
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• Opportunity to rapidly grow into advanced 5-axis machining
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• Minimal red tape and approachable ownership
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• Future expansion into a newer, larger facility
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This is the type of shop where skilled machinists can have direct impact on projects, processes, and future capabilities.

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Pay, Benefits & ScheduleCompensation

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• $100,000 – $140,000 per year (DOE)
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• Salary or hourly structure possible depending on candidate background
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Benefits

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• Blue Cross Blue Shield medical coverage
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• Dental
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• Vision
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• Benefits begin after 30 days
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• 401(k) with 4% company match after 12 months
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• Short-term disability
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• Life insurance
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• PTO starts at 2 weeks and increases with seniority
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• Paid company holidays
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Schedule

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• Day shift
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• Typical start times of 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM
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• Standard 8-hour shifts
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• Half-days on Fridays are common
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• Overtime available as needed
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Apply

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Interested CNC programmers and machinists can apply directly through hireCNC.

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Apply Now or Save This Job to learn more about this opportunity with Empire Group.