Join the Sargent Legacy in Securing Our Future
With continual growth comes opportunity and Sargent has an immediate opening for an Advanced CNC Programmer III – MultiTasking Machines.
Position Summary
RBC Bearings’ Sargent Facility in Tucson, Arizona is seeking an Advanced CNC Programmer III with deep expertise in programming multitasking CNC machines (mill/turn, multiaxis, live tooling) using Mastercam.
This role is critical to driving production efficiency, machining excellence, and process capability for complex, tighttolerance aerospace and industrial bearing components. The ideal candidate is a technically elite CAM professional who takes ownership of their work, proves out processes on the shop floor, mentors’ others, and continuously raises performance standards through innovation and collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Program, optimize, standardize and maintain CNC programs for complex multitasking machines (multiaxis mills, lathes, mill/turn platforms) using Mastercam.
- Analyze engineering drawings, GD&T, and model-based definitions to determine optimal machining strategies and metal removal techniques.
- Develop efficient, repeatable machining processes that meet quality, cost, and delivery objectives with focus on spindle-up time and some aspects of lights-out machining during off-shifts.
- Create and maintain CNC programs, setup sheets, tooling lists, work instructions, and program standards.
- Design and optimize tooling and work-holding solutions in collaboration with Manufacturing Engineering and other stakeholders.
- Prove out new programs on the shop floor; troubleshoot machining, tooling, and process issues as they arise.
- Validate first-piece inspections using inspection equipment to ensure conformance to print.
- Optimize post processors to minimize and eliminate manual code edits and improve programming efficiency.
- Drive cycle time reduction, tool life improvements, scrap reduction, and overall throughput improvements.
- Support new product introductions (NPI), process validation activities, and engineering changes.
- Create and maintain tooling documentation, tooling libraries, and tool life management systems.
- Champion Lean and continuous improvement initiatives (setup reduction, waste elimination, variation reduction).
- Develop programming and setup standards; train Manufacturing Engineers and Machinists in best practices.
- Mentor less experienced programmers and machinists and provide technical leadership on the shop floor.
- Ensure all work complies with RBC Bearings’ quality, safety, and manufacturing standards.
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum High School Diploma or GED required, Engineering degree preferred.
- 5–10+ years of directly related CNC programming experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
- Proven expertise programming multitasking CNC machines (mill/turn, multiaxis platforms.)
- Advanced proficiency with Mastercam (mill, lathe, multiaxis, mill/turn modules).
- Strong practical knowledge of Gcode programming.
- Solid understanding of GD&T and ability to interpret complex engineering drawings.
- Experience in machining tighttolerance components in aerospace, defense, or highprecision industrial applications.
- Strong knowledge of cutting tools, fixturing, materials, and machining best practices.
- Competency in metrology; ability to validate first-piece runs and support gage studies.
- Excellent problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Strong communication and documentation skills (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Motivation, reliability, attendance, and punctuality are essential.
This role is subject to compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which requires the incumbent to be either a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident [“green card” holders] or have refugee or asylee status. Non-US Citizens may be restricted from certain programs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working within regulated quality systems (AS9100, ISO, or similar).
- Familiarity with bearing manufacturing or precision rotating components is a plus.
- Experience supporting automation-enabled or lights-out machining environments.
- Ability to customize and maintain Mastercam post processors for specific machine controls.
- Experience with Fanuc, Siemens, Okuma, and Mazatrol controllers is a plus.
- 2- or 4-year technical degree (Associate’s or Bachelor’s) from an accredited institution.
Key Competencies & Attributes
- Results-driven with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
- Self-motivated, dependable, and committed to world-class manufacturing execution
- Strong collaborator who works effectively across engineering, quality, and operations teams
- Passion for precision machining, process excellence, and continuous technical development
RBC Bearings Incorporated (NYSE: RBC/RBCP) is a leading international manufacturer of highly engineered precision bearings, components, and essential systems for the industrial, defense and aerospace industries. Founded in 1919, the Company is primarily focused on producing highly technical and/or regulated bearing products and components requiring sophisticated design, testing, and manufacturing capabilities for the diversified industrial, aerospace and defense markets. RBC currently has 56 facilities, of which 37 are manufacturing facilities in ten countries and the market capitalization is approximately $6.2 billion.
In 2015, RBC acquired Sargent Aerospace and Defense.
Founded in 1920, Sargent Aerospace & Defense leverages 100 years of expertise as a premier global supplier of precision engineered customized components that directly contributes to the safe operation of countless commercial and military aircraft, rotorcraft, submarines, and land-based vehicles.
At Sargent, our mission is to secure our future by making the challenging a reality. We achieve this by delivering high quality products and services that meet customer requirements and exceed customer expectations through employee development, customer focus and continual improvement.
Sargent’s continuing investment in people, assets, technology, and process quality ensures excellence and is integral to the company’s commitment to customers and their end-users.
Company Benefits Include:
- Competitive Compensation
- Bonus platforms
- Holidays/Vacation/Sick Time
- 401k Savings & Investment Plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Medical/Dental/Vision Plans
- HSA/FSA
- Life & Disability Insurance
- Accident/Hospital/Critical Care Plans
- Pet Insurance
- Gym & Rideshare Incentives
- Legal Insurance/Identity Theft
- ½ day Fridays