Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. PraesiDM is building a modern, digital-first manufacturing company for the next era of defense and space. The CAD/CAM Programmer role involves developing and optimizing CNC programs and toolpaths for complex components, supporting various manufacturing processes, and delivering technical training while traveling frequently to customer sites.
Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize CNC programs for complex aerospace, defense, and space components
- Create and validate CAM toolpaths for 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis, mill-turn, and multi-function machining operations
- Review CAD models, drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing requirements to determine the best machining approach
- Support setup planning, tooling selection, workholding strategy, feeds and speeds, and machining process development
- Use CAD/CAM software, preferably Siemens NX CAM, to create efficient and reliable manufacturing processes
- Support machine simulation, toolpath verification, and post processor validation
- Support tool management workflows, including tool libraries, tool assemblies, presetting data, and Zoller TMS integration
- Assist with Zoller products, tool presetting workflows, and tool crib organization as part of the broader digital manufacturing process
- Develop and deliver technical training for customers, machinists, programmers, and internal teams on CAD/CAM workflows, machining processes, tool management, simulation, multi-function machine workflows, and digital manufacturing best practices
- Create training documentation, process guides, and workflow instructions to support customer adoption and long-term sustainment
- Troubleshoot programming, setup, tooling, and machining issues with machinists and engineering teams
- Support first-article machining, process prove-out, and customer on-site implementation
- Work with cross-functional teams to reduce cycle time, improve first-pass yield, and increase manufacturing repeatability
- Contribute to digital manufacturing workflows, including tool management, process documentation, simulation, inspection planning, training, and manufacturing standardization
- Travel frequently to customer sites, primarily on the West Coast, to support implementation, validation, training, and production improvement efforts
Skills
- Strong ability to read and interpret technical drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and manufacturing requirements
- Hands-on experience with milling, turning, mill-turn, multi-axis, and/or multi-function machining operations, including tooling selection, feeds and speeds, workholding, setup planning, and process optimization
- Demonstrated experience creating, simulating, and verifying CNC programs for 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis, mill-turn, and/or multi-function machine platforms
- Experience with CAD/CAM software, preferably Siemens NX CAM, or similar advanced manufacturing software
- Understanding of precision manufacturing practices, inspection requirements, and quality control methods for aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability components
- Ability to troubleshoot programming, machining, tooling, and setup issues directly with machinists and production teams
- Ability to develop and deliver technical training, process documentation, and workflow instructions for manufacturing teams
- Familiarity with Siemens PLM, machine simulation, post processors, digital work instructions, or motion control environments is beneficial
- Familiarity with Zoller products, tool presetters, and TMS tool management systems is beneficial
- Basic understanding of programming logic, automation, process control, or digital manufacturing workflows is a plus
- Ability to communicate clearly with engineering, manufacturing, customer, and leadership teams
- Comfortable working remotely while also traveling frequently to support customer sites and manufacturing operations
- Relevant technical education, apprenticeship, or hands-on experience in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, CNC machining, or a related field
- Strong attention to detail, commitment to safety, and a continuous improvement mindset
- Experience supporting aerospace, defense, space, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments
- Experience with Siemens NX CAM, Teamcenter, VNCK, machine simulation, or Siemens-controlled machine tools
- Experience with Zoller products, tool presetting, tool crib workflows, and Zoller TMS for digital tool management
- Experience delivering technical training to machinists, programmers, engineers, or manufacturing teams
- Experience working directly with machinists on the shop floor during first article, prove-out, or production support
- Experience with multi-axis machining, mill-turn equipment, multi-function machines, complex fixturing, and advanced tooling strategies
- Experience developing or supporting standardized manufacturing processes across multiple machines or facilities
Company Overview