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

• US-based, remote
• Work will be performed inside Lightsout CNC’s controlled environment via secure remote desktop / VPN.
• Lightsout CNC will provide required software access, including Mastercam Multiaxis, VERICUT with machine simulation, SOLIDWORKS, validated post-processors, machine / fixture models, and tool libraries.
• 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.
• Long-term contract potential if the engagement is successful.

Responsibilities

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

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

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.