At a Glance
Company: Ricaurte Precision, Inc.
Location: Santa Ana, California
Job Type: Full-Time Exempt
Pay Range: $90,000 - $150,000 per year (DOE)
Experience Level: Leadership / Senior
Industries: Aerospace, Medical, Defense, Advanced Manufacturing
Machining: 3-Axis, 4-Axis, 5-Axis CNC Mills Multi-Axis Lathes Live Tooling
Why This Role Exists
Ricaurte Precision continues to expand its advanced multi-axis machining capabilities, lights-out automation, and complex program mix. This role exists to provide senior-level CNC programming leadership across challenging parts, tight tolerances, and demanding materials.
This is not a button-pushing or desk-only role. The CNC Programmer plays a key technical leadership position, influencing manufacturability, tooling strategy, fixturing, automation, and digital workflow adoption across the shop.
The Work You'll Be Doing
In this role, you will:
- Program complex, tight-tolerance parts using Esprit, Mastercam, or related CAM software
- Develop and optimize toolpaths for 3-, 4-, and 5-Axis CNC mills and multi-axis live-tooling lathes
- Define tooling strategies, workholding, zero-point systems, and automated fixturing
- Interpret and apply GD&T requirements directly into machining and inspection strategies
- Create detailed setup sheets, tool lists, and visual work instructions
- Collaborate with machinists, Leads, Supervisors, Engineering, and Quality teams
- Support shop-floor execution through troubleshooting, optimization, and setup guidance
- Mentor and develop junior programmers and machinists
- Participate in job planning, machine capacity reviews, and tooling decisions
- Maintain program documentation, revisions, and digital workflows within ERP systems
- Support AS9100 and ISO quality systems, including root-cause analysis and corrective actions
This role is hands-on, collaborative, and deeply tied to real production outcomes.
Machines, Controls & Software
You'll work in a technology-forward environment that includes:
Machining Platforms
- Multi-Axis CNC Mills (3-, 4-, and 5-Axis)
- Live-Tooling CNC Lathes
- Automated and zero-point fixturing systems
- Wire EDM (preferred experience)
Software & Systems
- CAM: Esprit, Mastercam
- ERP / Digital Workflow: Fulcrum ERP
- AS9100 & ISO-driven quality systems
What We're Looking For
Required
- 7+ years of CNC machining & programming experience
- 5+ years of Esprit programming experience
- Advanced experience with multi-axis machining and complex setups
- Strong expertise in GD&T and tight-tolerance machining
- Deep knowledge of tooling technology, workholding, and fixturing
- Ability to mentor, lead, and collaborate across departments
- Strong communication skills and a team-first mindset
Preferred (Not Required)
- Wire EDM programming experience
- Experience with automated or lights-out machining environments
- ERP-driven manufacturing experience
Materials You'll Work With
- Aluminum
- Stainless Steel
- Titanium
- Inconel
- Hastelloy
- Engineering Plastics
Programmer Levels (Internal Progression)
While this role is hired at a senior level, RPI supports structured growth:
- Programmer I: 1-3 yrs Entry CAM & setup support
- Programmer II: 3-7 yrs Complex 3-/4-axis programming
- Senior Programmer: 7+ yrs Multi-axis leadership & mentoring
Why Programmers Choose Ricaurte Precision
Senior programmers choose RPI because of:
- Challenging, non-commodity work
- Advanced CNC machines and automation
- Respect for programming as a craft-not an afterthought
- Strong collaboration between programming, machining, and quality
- Investment in tools, software, and continuous improvement
- A culture built on quality, communication, and growth
Compensation & Benefits
- $90,000 - $150,000 annually, based on experience and impact
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off & paid holidays
- 401(k) with company match
- Stable, long-term career opportunity in a growing shop
Apply
Experienced CNC Programmers can apply directly through hireCNC.
Apply now or save this job to review later.