Senior Programmer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Location: Hillsboro, Oregon (On Site)

StenTech's Pentagon location in Hillsboro, Oregon is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior CAM Programmer to join our manufacturing team. This position is ideal for an experienced manufacturing professional with extensive CAM programming and CNC machining knowledge who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges and is passionate about developing efficient, repeatable machining processes.

The successful candidate will be responsible for programming complex components utilizing 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC machining centers while serving as a technical resource for machining strategy, tooling implementation, manufacturing process development, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This position offers the opportunity to significantly influence manufacturing standards and help drive the evolution of our programming and machining capabilities as we continue expanding Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays

and Primary Responsibilities

• Develop complete CNC programs for complex machined components utilizing GibbsCAM. 
• Program and optimize 3, 4, and 5-axis machining centers. 
• Develop machining strategies from engineering drawings and CAD models. 
• Create setup documentation and manufacturing instructions. 
• Determine efficient machining sequences and operations. 
• Select and implement optimal cutting tools, tool holders, work holding, and machining strategies. 
• Research and evaluate new tooling technologies, coatings, cutting geometries, and machining methods. 
• Optimize feeds, speeds, tool engagement, cycle time, and tool life. 
• Troubleshoot production machining issues and provide technical support to machinists. 
• Analyze existing machining processes and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements. 
• Assist Engineering with Design for Manufacturability (DFM) recommendations. 
• Develop standardized programming methods and best practices. 
• Support fixture design and manufacturing process development. 
• Mentor junior programmers and machinists. 
• Participate in continuous improvement projects utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles. 
• Assist in establishing departmental standards for programming, tooling, documentation, and manufacturing processes. 

Required Qualifications

• Candidates should possess:
• 7+ years of CNC machining and CAM programming experience, or equivalent demonstrated expertise. 
• Extensive experience programming complex 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC machining centers. 
• Strong understanding of machining theory and metal cutting fundamentals. 
• Proven experience with CNC setup and machining operations. 
• Advanced blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation. 
• Experience machining a variety of materials, including aluminum, steels, stainless steels, exotic alloys, plastics, and composite materials. 
• Experience independently selecting tooling and machining strategies. 
• Ability to troubleshoot machining, tooling, and manufacturing process issues. 
• Experience creating setup documentation and process instructions. 
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills. 

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with one or more of the following is preferred:

• GibbsCAM 
• Mastercam 
• HyperMill 
• NX CAM 
• Esprit 
• Fusion 360 
• SolidWorks 
• Inventor 
• Vericut 

Experience with one or more of the following is also preferred:

• Fixture design 
• CAD modeling 
• High-Efficiency Machining (HEM) 
• Dynamic milling 
• High-feed milling 
• Tool life optimization 
• Multi-axis machining 
• Probe programming 
• Automation 
• ERP/MRP manufacturing systems 

Tooling & Manufacturing Development

The ideal candidate has experience with:

• Cutting tool research and implementation 
• Evaluating new tooling technologies 
• Vendor collaboration 
• Tool life analysis 
• Cost reduction through tooling optimization 
• Standardization of cutting tools and holders 
• Speeds and feeds optimization 
• Continuous improvement of machining processes 
• Manufacturing process development from prototype through production 

What We Are Looking For

We're looking for someone who is eager to learn, enjoys solving technical challenges, and takes pride in producing quality work. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Ownership and accountability 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Curiosity and a continuous improvement mindset 
• Adaptability to changing priorities and new technologies 
• Respect for established manufacturing standards while identifying opportunities for improvement 
• Effective communication with machinists, engineers, quality personnel, and management 
• Leadership through mentoring and collaboration 
• Attention to detail and a commitment to quality 

Career Growth

This position is designed for individuals who want to build a long-term career in manufacturing.

As you grow in this role, you'll have opportunities to develop skills in:

• Influence manufacturing standards and best practices 
• Lead machining strategy development 
• Expand expertise in advanced multi-axis programming 
• Drive tooling optimization and manufacturing process improvements 
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives 
• Mentor and develop junior programmers and machinists 
• Help shape the future direction of our CAM programming department 

What Success Looks Like within your first year, you'll work toward

• Independently developing complex machining processes 
• Improving machining efficiency and process reliability 
• Introducing meaningful tooling and process improvements 
• Helping establish programming standards and best practices 
• Becoming a trusted technical resource throughout the manufacturing department 
• Contributing to Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives 

Why Join Our Team

Our programming department values technical curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning. We encourage employees to contribute ideas, explore new manufacturing technologies, and help build efficient, repeatable manufacturing processes.

As a Senior CAM Programmer, you'll have the opportunity to work on challenging precision-machined components, influence manufacturing standards and best practices, mentor the next generation of programmers, and grow alongside a team committed to quality, innovation, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement.