Assistant Computer Programmer Jobs in Lake Forest, IL

Position Summary:

Develop programs, processes, setup and in-process sheets for CNC metalworking and cutting equipment to perform one or more machining functions to produce a quality product per print. Must be able to setup, troubleshoot, and operate CNC machinery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, write and maintain CNC machine programs to perform various machining processes.
• Study sample parts, blue prints, drawings, engineering models, materials, specifications and other information including geometric dimensions & tolerances (GD&T) in order to determine machining methods and sequences of operations required.
• Make proper cutting tool selections, taking into consideration factors such as materials, speeds, type of cutters, feeds, control system limitations, and existing company tooling standards.
• Develop setup sheets; maintain the files and change control over these documents.
• Use knowledge of raw materials, tooling, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques to maximize the effective manufacturing of product.
• Optimize programs and processes (including documentation) to ensure safety, quality, and eliminate unnecessary scrap or downtime. Must be able to plan the machining process with a quality mindset, targeting a “get it right the first time and every time thereafter” goal.
• Participate in the contract review process and provide information on machining processes, and estimated setup and cycle times to support quotes and process routers.
• Communicate and confer with manufacturing, engineering, and production personnel to exchange technical information.
• Ability to setup and operate CNC machines to prove out programs and processes and make program adjustments as required.
• Select appropriate tools and machines to be used in preparation of machining work.
• Revise existing programs and documentation to reflect revision changes when required.
• Responsible for the storage and organization of all programs and information, including revision controls in controlled files.
• Partner with engineering in the design of fixturing for the CNC machines.
• Conduct thorough interviews with candidates for the machining department.
• Work and confer will all necessary departments to exchange required technical and customer information, as well as to proactively address issues.
• Act as resource for all machining departments, team leaders, and employees.
• Develop strong and productive working relationships with all shifts and levels of the organization.
• Problem solve machining issues using Root Cause Analysis and offer solutions to resolve the problems.
• Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
• Review program or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, and numerical control sequences.
• Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.
• Calculate machine speed and feed ratios, and the size and position of the cuts.
• Monitor machine operations and control panel displays and compare readings to specifications to detect problems.
• Listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration and adjust machines to compensate for problems.
• Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when necessary.
• Set controls to regulate machining and enter commands or load control media into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.
• Perform part inspection and measure dimensions of in process and finished workpieces to ensure conformance to print specifications, using precision measuring instruments, optical comparator, CMM or vision machines, along with templates and fixtures.
• Communicate with manufacturing, engineering and production personnel from all departments to exchange pertinent information and problem solve issues.
• Assist with corrective and preventative actions as required.
• Complete all documentation per ISO 13485 and FDA requirements.
• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies:

• 5+ years of experience in CNC setup and advanced operation.
• 2+ years of CAM software programming experience required.
• Exhibit proficiency in CNC programming, comprehend G and M code language, and have a working knowledge of off-line programming software applications.
• Ability to program, setup and operate CNC machining centers as required.
• Must be able to read and understand drawings, engineering solid models, and be familiar with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of CNC equipment and tooling.
• Proficient in the use of all machine shop precision measuring equipment including micrometer, caliper, optical comparator, and vision machines.
• Proficient in machine shop math.
• Basic understanding of Solidworks preferred.
• Experience is ISO/FDA environment preferred.
• Knowledge of raw materials, production processes and quality control.
• Excellent manual dexterity, hand/eye coordination.
• Ability to be highly accurate with a high attention to detail.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve machining quality and other issues.
• Ability to read and comprehend work instructions.
• Ability to repeat the same physical and mental activities over and over.
• Ability to maintain a sense of urgency, handle stressful situations, multitask and ability to prioritize work.
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as autonomously.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively, professionally, and constructively.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership capabilities.

Milling Programming Requirements:

• Working knowledge and experience with PartMaker/PowerMill CAM software
• Working knowledge and experience with Mazak, DMG, and Haas 3, 4, & 5 axis Milling machines preferred.
• Working knowledge, experience and understanding of Mazak, Nexus 640, Haas and Heidenhain controls.
• Working knowledge and experience with Esprit CAM software is a plus, and Solidworks software is a plus.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Includes exposure to both office and shop floor environment.
• Includes exposure to sounds and noise levels that can be distracting or uncomfortable.
• Includes exposure to moving mechanical parts.
• Includes exposure to coolants and oils.
• Work environment is temperature controlled.

The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand or walk; use hands, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

• Ability to sit or stand for up to 12 hours per day.
• Requires repetitive movement.
• Requires bending and twisting.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

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​EXALTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect every employee as an individual, and we hire and promote based on qualifications, performance, and potential - without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.