Computer Engineering Entry Level Jobs in Madison, WI

The CNC Programmer operates and programs manual and CNC machines to produce high-precision aerospace components. This role focuses on advanced equipment setup and maintenance, precise machining, and consistent adherence to shop safety and best practices. The CNC Programmer contributes to process improvement, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives while supporting critical aerospace programs and projects.

Responsibilities

• Operate and program CNC machines to produce high-precision aerospace components that meet stringent tolerance requirements.
• Set up CNC and manual mills and lathes, including tooling selection, fixture setup, and verification of machine readiness.
• Perform advanced equipment setup and routine maintenance activities to ensure reliable and consistent machine performance.
• Deburr and clean machined parts to meet quality, safety, and aesthetic standards.
• Use precision measurement tools to verify that components meet specified tolerances, including tight aerospace tolerances such as true positions of 0.002 and OD/ID tolerances of ±0.0005.
• Fabricate fixtures for flight and non-flight assemblies to support efficient and repeatable machining operations.
• Adhere to general best shop practices, including proper use of PPE and compliance with all shop safety requirements.
• Implement and maintain 5S, FOD, and ESD awareness protocols to promote a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Collaborate with team members to improve machining processes, enhance productivity, and achieve production goals.
• Assist in the development, optimization, and refinement of CNC programs using Mastercam, NX, and/or G-code.
• Maintain accurate records of machining operations, setups, and part inspections to support traceability and quality documentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve machining issues, including dimensional, surface finish, and tooling problems.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including lean manufacturing activities and process standardization.
• Train and mentor entry-level machinists and apprentices in machining practices, setup, programming, and safety.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities to address nonconformances and recurring issues.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Work with a variety of materials such as Delrin, Nylon, Aluminum, Inconel, Titanium, and Stainless Steel, adjusting machining strategies as needed.
• Set up machines and run production jobs, balancing approximately 30% setup work and 70% production running, depending on part requirements.

• Typically 2+ years of related CNC machining and programming experience.
• Hands-on CNC machining experience with manual mills and lathes.
• CNC setup experience, including tooling, workholding, and program verification.
• Experience programming and operating CNC equipment using Mastercam, NX, and/or G-code.
• Familiarity with CNC controls such as Haas and Fanuc, including 3-axis and 4-axis machines (with experience beyond 3-axis considered a plus).
• Ability to use precision measurement instruments such as micrometers and calipers to verify tight aerospace tolerances.
• Basic understanding of general best shop practices, including PPE usage and shop safety requirements.
• Ability to perform basic equipment setup and maintenance and demonstrate general mechanical aptitude and hand tool competency.
• Capability to fabricate fixtures for flight and non-flight assemblies.
• Demonstrated experience implementing 5S, FOD, and ESD awareness practices.
• Familiarity with CNC programming languages such as G-code and M-code.
• Basic understanding of CAD/CAM software for designing and programming CNC operations.
• Basic proficiency with manual mill and manual lathe tooling machines.
• Knowledge of material properties and machining characteristics of aerospace-grade alloys, including Delrin, Nylon, Aluminum, Inconel, Titanium, and Stainless Steel.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and blueprints and apply GD&T principles.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in a precision manufacturing environment.

• Programming certification or related machining certification.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or machining environment, particularly in aerospace applications.
• Experience with Mastercam programming and NX programming for multi-axis CNC operations.
• Familiarity with 3-axis CNC machining, with experience on 4-axis or 5-axis equipment considered a plus.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and other quality control methodologies.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and practices, including continuous improvement and waste reduction.
• Ability to set up and operate manual lathes and manual mills in addition to CNC equipment.
• Experience programming CNC machines and setting up machines for production runs.
• Ability to interpret and work from detailed blueprints and machining drawings.
• Comfort working on programs and projects that support complex aerospace applications such as propulsion and environmental systems.
• Interest in ongoing career development and willingness to grow into roles with greater responsibility as performance allows.

This role operates in a precision aerospace machining environment with a strong focus on quality, safety, and continuous improvement. The typical work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., five days per week, with flexibility to start at 7:00 a.m. when needed. Work involves approximately 30% machine setup and 70% production running, depending on part and program requirements. The facility uses Haas and Fanuc CNC equipment with a variety of 3- to 5-axis machines, requiring familiarity with tight aerospace tolerances such as true positions of 0.002 and OD/ID tolerances of ±0.0005. Team members follow 5S, FOD, and ESD protocols and consistently use appropriate PPE to maintain a safe and organized shop. The environment emphasizes growth, stability, and the adoption of cutting-edge technology, with opportunities to work directly on aerospace programs and government-supported projects, including propulsion and environmental systems. Employees benefit from upward mobility based on performance and have access to ongoing career development in a collaborative, technically challenging setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 11, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.