Cam Programmer Jobs in Edmonds, WA (NOW HIRING)

About Lichen Precision

Lichen Precision is a small precision machine shop running high-mix job shop work. We produce parts for outdoor sports and consumer goods brands, aerospace, science and technology companies, and prototyping clients. The work varies considerably: production runs for a consumer product one week, one-off tooling and aerospace development parts held to tight tolerances the next. We run late-model Brother and Takisawa machines and are actively investing in robotic automation. Our team is small and moves quickly, with minimal bureaucracy and a clear expectation that everyone on the floor thinks through the work rather than simply running it. For the past four years we have been on a mission to apply Lean Manufacturing principles to a job shop environment, and this has heavily influenced the way we manage production. The shop is located in Poulsbo, approximately ten minutes from the Kingston ferry terminal. For candidates on the Edmonds side of the Sound, the ferry and a short drive make the commute practical, and our Tuesday-through-Friday schedule avoids Monday travel entirely.

About the Role

We are hiring one person, and we are intentionally open on level. Candidates who can program, set up, and run work independently will be considered at the upper end of the range. Candidates earlier in their careers who are mechanically capable and committed to learning the trade will be trained as a machinist helper, with responsibility and pay increasing as skills develop.

If you are joining as a Machinist

• Program parts in Fusion 360 CAM.

• Set up and operate Brother and Takisawa machines: work holding, tool setup, offsets, and first-article verification. Optimize cutting parameter and strategy, and resolve dimensional or finish issues at the machine.

• Inspect work using hand inspection tools, and our Mitutoyo CMM; read and apply GD&T.

• Contribute to the development of our automation systems and lights-out capability.

• Support the development of less experienced team members.

If you are joining as a Helper

• Load and unload parts, deburr, and perform secondary operations to a consistent standard.

• Learn setups alongside an experienced machinist and assume them as readiness allows.

• Perform basic inspection and record measurements accurately.

• Maintain organization of tooling, fixtures, and raw material, and handle routine machine care: coolant, chip management, way lube, and filters.

• Identify and build up Mill and Lathe tooling.

• Develop toward CAM programming and independent setup work, which we will actively support.

What We Are Looking For

• Careful, consistent work habits. Attention to detail, multi-tasking ability, and an ability to push your boundaries but knowing when to ask for help is a critical skill in our workplace.

• Comfort with variety and frequent change; high-mix work means new setups and priorities on a regular basis.

• Ability to work from drawings and 3D models, together with basic shop math and confidence using precision measuring instruments, or a clear willingness to learn them quickly.

• Clear communication and a collaborative approach. On a team of this size, individual work is highly visible.

• Reliable attendance on our Tuesday-through-Friday schedule.

Preferred Experience

None of the following are required, but each will weigh toward the upper end of the range:

• CAM programming experience, particularly Fusion 360.

• CMM programming and inspection experience. • Hands-on experience with Brother machines and/or Fanuc controls.

• 3-axis and 4/5-axis milling; CNC turning with live tooling or sub-spindle work and Mill/Turn.

• Prior work in a high-mix, low-volume or prototype environment.

• Fixture and work-holding design.

• Experience with pallet systems, bar feeders, robotic load/unload, or comparable automation.

• Familiarity with aerospace or other quality-documented work. We are not AS9100 certified but are working toward certification, and there is opportunity to help build that system.

• Manual mill and lathe capability for one-off or support work.

• Recent trade school and apprenticeship graduates are encouraged to apply.

Compensation and Benefits

• $25.00 – $40.00 per hour, based on experience and demonstrated skill level. Pay is reviewed as capability grows rather than on a fixed annual schedule.

• Employee healthcare coverage paid in full by Lichen Precision after 90 days of employment.

• Two weeks of accrued paid time off, administered flexibly, plus standard paid holidays and paid sick leave.

• A four-day workweek. Hours worked beyond 40 in a calendar week are paid at the overtime rate.

• All tooling and measuring equipment is supplied by the shop. Personal tool sets are not required and are discouraged; standardized, calibrated instruments keep measurement consistent across the team. • Funded training. Formal GD&T and CAM coursework is covered, up to an agreed level.

• Late-model equipment, an organized shop, and meaningful input into equipment and automation decisions.

Physical Requirements

Standing and walking for most of a ten-hour shift; frequent bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50 lbs., with assistance available for heavier items. Exposure to coolant, chips, and machine noise; safety glasses and closed-toe footwear are required on the shop floor at all times. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.