Senior Cnc Programmer Jobs in Reading, MA (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a Subtractive Manufacturing Senior Engineer — a recognized subject matter expert who designs and delivers scalable manufacturing processes built for production. You will own the most complex CNC programming and manufacturing process challenges, translating technical expertise into production-ready solutions that drive quality and consistency across the organization. In this role, you will develop the standards that take processes from concept to the floor, build meaningful relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and serve as the critical bridge between customer requirements and repeatable, scalable execution.

This is a thought leadership role for someone who solves hard problems, develops the people around them, and is passionate about engineering manufacturing processes that don't just work in theory — they work at scale, in production, every time.

• Technical Leadership & Problem Solving
  • Serve as the go-to subject matter expert in CNC manufacturing process development and multi-axis programming on the organization's most critical technical issues and strategic initiatives.
  • Lead the most complex CNC programming and manufacturing process assignments independently, using sound judgment, creativity, and initiative to develop effective, long-term solutions.
  • Identify and address systemic manufacturing and programming issues spanning multiple teams or functions, influencing process improvements and establishing best practices at the departmental or organizational level.
• Standards, Frameworks & Documentation
  • Develop and implement comprehensive standards, frameworks, methodologies, and technical guidelines for CNC programming, tooling, fixturing, and process development.
  • Define and govern setup documentation standards within ProShop ERP at the departmental level, including structure, content requirements, and quality criteria for tooling lists, work-holding instructions, program references, and run notes.
  • Ensure documentation systems serve as a reliable, auditable record of manufacturing process knowledge.
• Quality & Safety
  • Drive measurable improvement through systematic quality management, including advanced metrology strategies, in-process verification frameworks, and statistical process controls.
  • Establish safety, security, and integrity best practices for multi-axis machining domains and define quality strategy and standards that align with stakeholder expectations and industry best practices.
• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Build formal networks with key internal and external stakeholders; serve as a thought leader who bridges customer needs with technical solutions.
  • Translate customer quality expectations, delivery requirements, and technical specifications into manufacturing process and quality strategy, positioning technical decisions in terms of their measurable impact on customer outcomes and organizational reputation.
• Mentorship & Talent Development
  • Develop technical talent through high-impact mentorship, systematic knowledge sharing, and consultation.
  • Own resolution of enterprise-level manufacturing challenges and share problem-solving expertise broadly across the organization.
  • Consistently model the highest standards of technical excellence in CNC manufacturing process development.
• Innovation & Execution
  • Deliver breakthrough technical solutions within committed timeframes, managing multiple enterprise-level technical programs and complex manufacturing initiatives simultaneously.
  • Create innovative CNC programming techniques, machining methodologies, and manufacturing solutions that transform organizational capabilities and begin to influence industry direction through thought leadership and external engagement.
  • Support other projects and assignments as needed.

• Education & Experience
  • We recognize that expertise is built through many paths. Candidates should meet one of the following combinations of education and relevant experience:
    • High School Diploma with at least 14 years of relevant experience
    • Associate's degree with at least 12 years of relevant experience
    • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related discipline with at least 7 years of relevant experience
    • Master's degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience
    • Ph.D. with no prior experience required
    • A certification or degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline is a plus.
  • Proven ability to scale manufacturing operations from prototype (1–10 parts) through full production (100–1,000+ parts), including the development, documentation, and transfer of processes to operators and technicians.
  • Expert-level proficiency in the operation and programming of multi-axis CNC machines, with demonstrated success establishing organization-wide process standards and leading cross-functional technical initiatives.
  • Prior contract manufacturing experience with direct customer-facing responsibility in a regulated manufacturing environment (AS9100, ISO 13485, or equivalent) is a plus.
  • Expert-level experience in Hypermill and/or ESPRIT is preferred; deep knowledge of Haas, Okuma, and/or Heidenhain CNC controllers at a diagnostic and parameter level is a plus.
  • External engagement in technical communities — publications, conference presentations, industry working groups, or patents — is an asset at this level.

• You are a recognized subject matter expert with deep, applied knowledge in CNC manufacturing process development, multi-axis programming, and advanced machining strategies.
• You have a demonstrated ability to develop and implement organizational standards, frameworks, and methodologies that improve quality and scalability across work streams.
• You have a proven record of influencing manufacturing decisions at the departmental or organizational level and the ability to see organizational and customer challenges through multiple lenses.
• You have a strong mentorship and talent development track record and consistently elevate the technical capability of the teams around you.
• You possess expert-level understanding of GD&T, advanced metrology, and dimensional quality management.
• You communicate exceptionally well — translating complex technical content into clear business value for diverse audiences.
• You bring demonstrated expertise in risk identification and mitigation across complex, multi-function technical domains, and you design quality, safety, and integrity into new work from the outset.
• You are recognized for delivering transformational work with flawless reliability on the most visible and high-stakes organizational commitments, operating with a high degree of autonomy and self-direction to meet demanding deadlines without sacrificing quality.
• You have a deep, demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and technical mastery — actively monitoring industry trends, emerging technologies, and external best practices and translating findings into organizational capability advances and thought leadership.

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role.

• Regularly stands, walks, and moves throughout the manufacturing facility for extended periods during machine setup, prove-out, and floor support activities.
• Frequently bends, stoops, kneels, and reaches to inspect equipment, tooling, workholding, and machined components at machine level.
• Occasionally lifts and carries materials, tooling, fixturing, and raw stock weighing up to 50 lbs; team lifts are required for heavier loads.
• Regularly operates a computer workstation for extended periods for CNC programming, ERP documentation, and technical communication.
• Works in an active manufacturing environment subject to noise, vibration, metal chips, cutting fluids, and industrial equipment; required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times on the shop floor, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toed footwear.
• Manual dexterity required for operating CNC equipment, hand tools, and precision metrology instruments including calipers, micrometers, and indicators; may perform repetitive hand, wrist, and finger motions.
• Visual acuity required to read technical drawings and GD&T callouts, inspect machined surfaces and features, and work with precision measurement tools.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with others to exchange information in a manufacturing environment.