Helander Metal Spinning Company
Principal CNC Programmer / Master Machinist
Helander Metal Spinning Company, Lombard, Illinois, United States, 60148
Principal CNC Programmer / Master Machinist
Since 1936, Helander has manufactured precision metal components. We specialize in aerospace, defense, energy, and OEM markets. Using metal spinning, hydroforming, and CNC machining, we form components from 1″ to 100″ in diameter—across every alloy and to the highest performance standards. AS9100D | ISO 9001:2015 | ITAR | NADCAP
This role is primarily shop‑floor based and requires daily hands‑on machine setup, prove‑out, and live troubleshooting. This is the person who designs the cut and stands there while it happens.
Key Responsibilities
Develop end‑to‑end machining strategies for prototype and low‑volume R&D parts
Develop advanced CAM programs & probing subroutines to optimize machine utilization
Select tooling, feeds/speeds, work‑holding, and probing strategies
Optimize for risk, tool life, cycle time, and part stability
Program using SolidWorks CAM; support post development and optimization as required
Partner with engineering and quality during early part development
Iterate machining strategies rapidly using real cutting data and in‑process feedback
Support first‑article success on tight‑tolerance, high‑value parts
Design and specify custom fixtures and work‑holding for large VTL components
Setup and prove programs at the machine
Troubleshoot chatter, distortion, thermal growth, and alignment issues in real time to achieve conformance
Develop setup sheets, tool lists, and proven process documentation
Establish program standards and best practices
Support configuration control and revision management
Drive process improvements that reduce risk, scrap, and iteration time
Minimum Qualifications
10+ years of hands‑on manufacturing experience, 5+ years CNC programming
Experience using Vertical Turning Lathes to machine large, complex, and flight‑critical components
Experience machining Inconel, Monel, Copper, Aluminum and Titanium
Excellent blueprint reading & GD&T
Set‑up sheet and tool list creation
Strong fixture design & work‑holding experience
Excellent communication and project management skills
Must be able to lift 50 lbs
Comfortable working on the shop floor in a forging environment
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
Proactive approach to quality, with a track record of accuracy, thoroughness, and process enhancements
CMM knowledge
Experience operating heavy lifting equipment such as cranes and forklifts
Experience transitioning parts from prototype to production
Compensation
Principal CNC Programmer / Master Machinist – Level V: $70.00 – $84.00/hour
Principal Machining Technologist – Level VI: $85.00 – $95.00/hour
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Engineering and Information Technology
Industries Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, Manufacturing, and Fabricated Metal Products
Benefits
Medical insurance
Vision insurance
401(k)
Paid maternity leave
Paid paternity leave
Tuition assistance
Disability insurance
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This role is primarily shop‑floor based and requires daily hands‑on machine setup, prove‑out, and live troubleshooting. This is the person who designs the cut and stands there while it happens.
Key Responsibilities
Develop end‑to‑end machining strategies for prototype and low‑volume R&D parts
Develop advanced CAM programs & probing subroutines to optimize machine utilization
Select tooling, feeds/speeds, work‑holding, and probing strategies
Optimize for risk, tool life, cycle time, and part stability
Program using SolidWorks CAM; support post development and optimization as required
Partner with engineering and quality during early part development
Iterate machining strategies rapidly using real cutting data and in‑process feedback
Support first‑article success on tight‑tolerance, high‑value parts
Design and specify custom fixtures and work‑holding for large VTL components
Setup and prove programs at the machine
Troubleshoot chatter, distortion, thermal growth, and alignment issues in real time to achieve conformance
Develop setup sheets, tool lists, and proven process documentation
Establish program standards and best practices
Support configuration control and revision management
Drive process improvements that reduce risk, scrap, and iteration time
Minimum Qualifications
10+ years of hands‑on manufacturing experience, 5+ years CNC programming
Experience using Vertical Turning Lathes to machine large, complex, and flight‑critical components
Experience machining Inconel, Monel, Copper, Aluminum and Titanium
Excellent blueprint reading & GD&T
Set‑up sheet and tool list creation
Strong fixture design & work‑holding experience
Excellent communication and project management skills
Must be able to lift 50 lbs
Comfortable working on the shop floor in a forging environment
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
Proactive approach to quality, with a track record of accuracy, thoroughness, and process enhancements
CMM knowledge
Experience operating heavy lifting equipment such as cranes and forklifts
Experience transitioning parts from prototype to production
Compensation
Principal CNC Programmer / Master Machinist – Level V: $70.00 – $84.00/hour
Principal Machining Technologist – Level VI: $85.00 – $95.00/hour
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Engineering and Information Technology
Industries Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, Manufacturing, and Fabricated Metal Products
Benefits
Medical insurance
Vision insurance
401(k)
Paid maternity leave
Paid paternity leave
Tuition assistance
Disability insurance
#J-18808-Ljbffr