CNC Programmer (Aerospace Industry)

PCX Aerostructures · Newington, VA

Level: Technician
Team: Manufacturing
Degree: Preferred
Industry: Industrial
Posted: Recently

The role in 30 seconds

A technician-level manufacturing role at PCX Aerostructures (industrial) in Newington, VA. 3D modeling sketcher, assemblies, lathe, and drafting capability in Siemens PLM (NX 8.5) or later version, and Mastercam.

They ask for: degree preferred
Tools it names: Lean, Robotics, CNC, Machining, Tooling, CATIA / NX

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Manufacturing Technician roles in the US: typical posted base $60k–$90k.

Median of the low and high ends of 45 live postings that list pay, out of 782 manufacturing technician openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Virginia plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 7 other live manufacturing postings in Virginia.

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ CNC 50%
✓ Machining 50%
Team leadership 50%
✓ Tooling 38%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

At a glance

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at PCX Aerostructures
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

Full description from PCX AerostructuresAs posted on their careers site.Show

Essential Functions and Duties

◆Prepare computer programs to control CNC machine operations using CAD/CAM terminal.
◆Prepare flow charts, documents and sequence logic and write complete sequence of machine operations necessary to complete cycle.
◆Analyze engineering drawings for materials, process fabrication and design elements.
◆Specify patterns on programming sheet for way part is to be machined.
◆Assure program meets target cycle time and program generates geometry to customer requirements.
◆Select appropriate cutting tools, speeds and feeds, tool path application necessary to perform the operation.
◆Assist in the concept design of required tools and gages, support changes to existing tools and fixture as improvements are identified.
◆Support lean activities both within the Engineering group and across the organization.
◆Must work safely at all times. Participate in safety improvement initiatives by raising any safety concerns and helping to come up with corrective actions.
◆May be assigned to carry out tasks, not specifically listed, within the scope and skill level of this job description in support of department or cell objectives and to develop individuals' skills.

Qualifications

✓Ability to program in appropriate programming language using either a CAD/CAM terminal and/or manually generated.
✓3D modeling sketcher, assemblies, lathe, and drafting capability in Siemens PLM (NX 8.5) or later version, and Mastercam.
✓Full multi-axis (5+) or partial (3+2) and general CNC machining/programming experience with lathes, milling machines, and mill/turns. Grinding experience preferred.
✓CG Tech Vericut experience required.
✓Part probing (Renishaw) experience. Not required but preferred.
✓Knowledge of Fanuc and Siemens 840D controls preferred but not required.
✓In depth knowledge of cutting Titanium's, Inconel's, Steels and Aluminum.
✓Must be able to select proper cutting tool and holders without assistance.
✓Apply proper speeds and feeds based on cutting conditions and workpiece materials.
✓Knowledge of Sandvik Capto systems a plus.
✓Capable of debugging programs and working closely with shop floor and inspection personnel.
✓Some tool design experience preferred.
✓Proper application and knowledge of various cutting tools and holders to efficiently complete program operations.
✓Must be a team player and have the ability to work closely in a shop environment.
✓Seek ideas for continuous improvement; suggest and encourages innovative ideas to improve current systems and processes.
✓Working knowledge of Microsoft office application software to include Word, Excel and PowerPoint required.

Education & Experience

✓Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline preferred and/or equivalent experience.
✓Ten or more years direct experience in multi-axis programming of Aerospace machining operations and materials.

Position

Show full description ↓

Title

CNC Programmer (Aerospace Industry)

About the Organization

Applied Aerospace & Defense (Applied) is a premier provider of advanced design, engineering, and vertically integrated manufacturing solutions for leading and next-generation space and defense technology companies. Applied builds complex hardware for extreme operating environments and is focused on three core markets: Space and Launch Systems, Defense Aviation and Airborne Systems, and C5ISR and Precision Strike Systems. With decades of space and defense manufacturing heritage, Applied combines deep material science and IP-enabled process expertise with the ability to enable rapid prototyping, enhance new product development, and responsively scale production. Across its nationwide infrastructure of advanced manufacturing facilities, Applied continuously supports a balanced mix of next-generation technology and platform development, large scale production programs, and aftermarket sustainment for enduring platforms.

EOE Statement

Description

Accountability

Develop, implement, and troubleshoot CNC program designs. Provide technical expertise in collaboration with functions across the organization to achieve project goals. Work closely with production to solve problems. Use strong analytical design and project management skills along with product expertise to meet customer requirements.

Complexity of Tasks

Requires strong verbal and written communication skills along with advanced interpersonal skills. Strong project management skills are essential. Must be able to collaborate with other departments and functions in achieving project goals. Use available resources to support customer needs and expectations on both a national and international level.

Shift

•not applicable-

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

Location

Applied Aerospace & Defense, Newington

Eng-26-00010

Position

Cnc programmer

Close Date

Post Internal Days

Number of Openings

Exempt/Non-Exempt

Exempt

Hiring Manager(s)

This position is currently accepting applications.

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