Senior CNC Machinist

Location:

Chattanooga, TN

Type:

Full-time, Exempt

Reports To:

Production Manager

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Branch Technology exists to create a beautiful built world, impacting a wide variety of industries including construction, aerospace, logistics, and more. Its patented technology utilizes the power of creative design, software, robotic automation, and lean manufacturing to provide solutions to our diverse customer base. Branch is the world leader in large-scale 3D printing. We’re growing rapidly and are continuing to build a team of high-caliber Branchers. Our team includes seasoned leaders from 3D printing, advanced manufacturing, software, robotics, design, architecture, material science, and product development.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Senior CNC Programmer (SCP) is the primary lead for high quality and efficient use of our milling machinery for cutting simple and complex geometric composite shapes. The SCP will utilize CAD/CAM software to program and/or operate our 7-axis Kuka robotic mills and other CNC machinery, trouble-shooting issues as needed in coordination with the milling team and the software / digital production team. The best candidate will take ownership in finding the best solutions to maximize efficiency and also have humility to be an advocate for continuous improvement and challenging the status quo. This person will promote an environment that achieves optimal levels of safety, quality, and productivity that ensure internal and external customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate thrives in a performance-driven environment and has a passion for manufacturing with a sustained attention to detail. Relational, attentive, punctual, responsible, reliable, and calm under pressure, the SCP is able to think through how best to resolve unexpected issues. Most importantly, this person lives out the company’s six core values of humble genius, other centered, relentless execution, designed beauty, intense collaboration, and wise stewardship.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Milling Duties

• Accompany robots during production cycles and perform ongoing quality control inspections, both structural and aesthetic.
• Develop and maintain documentation, including CNC programs, setup sheets, tooling lists, and process instructions.
• Maintain all tooling and equipment in proper operational condition.
• Employ proper calibration and registration techniques to process large parts on a machining platform according to specifications.
• Understand the functionality of the robot teach pendant.
• Ensure work cells always function safely and that safety devices are operational.

Programming Duties

• Interpret engineering drawings, models, and specs to develop CNC programs for machining operations, including milling and drilling.
• Program and simulate robotic milling toolpaths using Powermill or other CAD/CAM software as appropriate.
• Optimize CNC programs for efficiency, accuracy, and surface finish quality, including through best tool selection, speeds, feeds, and cutting strategies.
• Conduct simulations and test runs to verify program accuracy, identify potential issues, and optimize machining parameters.
• Troubleshoot and debug CNC programs, machine tooling, and equipment to resolve milling problems and minimize downtime.

General Duties

• Stay informed of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in CNC machining and programming.
• Adhere to safety protocols and procedures at all times, including proper handling and operation of CNC machines and equipment, and appropriate use of PPE.
• Report and seek resolution to any safety, quality, productivity, or maintenance issues promptly through upline supervisors and online information management tools.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Train and mentor junior milling technicians and CNC programmers on advanced programming techniques, best practices, and safety protocols.
• Meet with leadership and other coworkers as appropriate to proactively provide relevant data useful for decision-making, including improving accuracy & efficiency.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCES:

• 7+ years programming/operating CNC machines in a manufacturing environment, including strong knowledge of machining process and tooling
• 5+ years with multi-axis machining, 5- or 7-axis machining, and complex geometries
• 5+ years with CAD/CAM software such as Powermill
• Fundamental understanding of CNC programming languages (e.g. G-code, M-code)
• Ability to interpret shop drawings, 3D models, and technical specifications
• Knowledge of safety regulations and practices relating to CNC machining/programming
• Familiarity with office software applications (e.g. Google Workplace)