CNC Programmer/Engineer II
Honda · Santa Clarita, CA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Degree
- Required
- Industry
- Automotive
- Posted
- 21 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level manufacturing role at Honda (automotive) in Santa Clarita, CA.
- They ask for
- degree required
- Tools it names
- Lean, GD&T, Robotics, CNC, Machining, Tooling
- Openings
- 2 with this title at this site
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $111k–$173k.
Median of the low and high ends of 165 live postings that list pay, out of 436 manufacturing engineer openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 435 other live manufacturing postings in California.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $109k–$159k, from 144 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Tooling 50%
- New product launch 44%
- Root cause 37%
- Automation 35%
- ✓ Machining 27%
- ✓ CATIA / NX 26%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for CNC, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with 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 Honda
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.
This plant: Honda in Santa Clarita
1 other open role at this site.
- Supplier Quality Engineer · Quality
Full description from HondaAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
requirements
into safe, accurate, and efficient machining processes.
The ideal candidate combines advanced CNC programming expertise with hands-on machining, fixture and tooling design, process improvement, and strong problem-solving capabilities.
Qualifications, Experience, and Skills
- ✓Two-year technical degree in CNC Programming with at least five years of relevant experience, or at least seven years of experience programming in a multi-axis CNC milling environment.
- ✓Minimum of five years of CAD/CAM and CNC programming experience involving complex, close-tolerance components.
- ✓Advanced experience using Mastercam to develop CNC programs, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing processes.
- ✓Demonstrated experience with 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining methods.
- ✓Strong knowledge of CNC machine setup, cutting tools, speeds and feeds, workholding, offsets, and compensation.
- ✓Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, 3D models, and GD&T.
- ✓Experience using precision measuring and inspection equipment.
- ✓Experience with CNC verification software such as VERICUT .
- ✓Ability to troubleshoot programs, tooling, machining processes, and equipment-related issues.
- ✓Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet demanding quality and delivery
requirements
with minimal supervision.
- ✓Effective written, verbal, and cross-functional communication skills.
- ✓Experience supporting motorsports, aerospace, prototype, or other high-performance manufacturing environments.
- ✓Experience with CATIA V5, AMG software, and Fanuc controls.
- ✓Experience designing or modifying CAD models for machining applications.
- ✓Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous-improvement methods.
- ✓Experience generating technical reports and presenting manufacturing recommendations.
Requirements
- ✓Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist while working.
- ✓Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees to work on close to the groundwork.
- ✓Crawling.
- ✓Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet to work underneath suspended vehicles/engines/equipment to diagnosis problems and or remove replace parts.
- ✓Standing for sustained periods during work or events.
- ✓Sitting.
- ✓Walking. Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks (particularly walking long distances at the track to pit lane and around shop)
- ✓Lifting. Raising objects of 25 pounds from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position.
- ✓Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers while servicing / maintaining a race engine, vehicles and equipment.
- ✓The worker is subject to hazards. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, exposure to high heat and exposure to chemicals.
Emotional
Requirements
- ✓Make quick decisions
- ✓Hazard awareness, aware of surroundings
- ✓Planning and problem-solving Coping with change and other people
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Job Purpose
CNC Programmer/Engineer II - develop advanced multi-axis CNC programs and manufacturing processes for complex, close-tolerance components supporting high-performance racing engine programs. This position uses CAD/CAM technology, engineering drawings, and 3D models to translate design
Complex Component NC Programming
- •Develop and maintain advanced Mastercam multi-axis CNC programs for complex, close-tolerance components.
- •Translate engineering drawings, 2D/3D models, and specifications into accurate machining processes.
- •Develop tooling, fixtures, cutting strategies, setup documentation, and manufacturing standards.
- •Support program prove-out, machine setup, inspection, and component conformance.
- •Optimize machining processes, cycle times, and workflow to improve quality and reduce scrap, waste, and cost.
- •Partner with Design, Quality, and Manufacturing to resolve machining issues and implement continuous improvements.
Design Fixtures/Tooling
- •Design fixtures, tooling, and gauges based on engineering drawings and manufacturing requirements.
- •Develop CNC programs and processes to manufacture and implement tooling and fixtures.
- •Evaluate cutting tools and coordinate with suppliers to optimize machining performance.
CNC Set-Up Machinist / Operator
- •Set up and operate CNC machines, including fixtures, tooling, feeds, speeds, offsets, and compensation.
- •Perform first-article and finished-part inspections using precision measuring equipment and engineering drawings.
- •Prove out and edit CNC programs, replace tooling, and monitor machining of prototype and production components.
- •Troubleshoot machine, tooling, and program issues and implement corrective solutions.
- •Maintain CNC equipment and ensure machines and work areas are clean and properly maintained.
Decisions Expected
- •Determine appropriate machining strategies, manufacturing sequences, tooling, and fixture designs.
- •Identify and implement countermeasures for programming, machining, quality, and manufacturing issues.
- •Evaluate completed components and recommend approval, correction, rework, or rejection based on drawings and inspection results.
Working Conditions
Physical Demands