CNC Machinist III/Programmer

Sigma Design is a product development, engineering, and manufacturing firm. Based out of the Pacific Northwest, we offer innovative concept through production services to diverse clients around the globe. Sigma Design believes in hiring, developing, and recognizing the best. We offer competitive compensation, a 401(k) with up to 4% company match, quarterly bonus program, 15-days of accrued PTO and 9 company paid holidays. In addition, Sigma Design has multiple options for medical insurance and dental insurance. We also offer voluntary benefits: vision, long-term disability, and life insurance. 

Position Details:  

• This position will be In-Office 
• Monday – Friday, 7/8 am to 4/5 pm (somewhat flexible) 
• The hiring range for this role is typically between $37.00 and $47.00 an hour, with the full range extending to $56.00 an hour, based on experience, internal equity, and career progression 

Primary Function: 

The Machinist III is responsible for CNC setup and operation, including five-axis setups, to produce complex parts according to blueprint specifications and tight tolerances. This role combines seasoned machining skills with a foundation in three-axis CAM programming and the ability to make routine program edits at the machine. The machinist works with ongoing guidance and support from the Shop Floor Lead and primary CNC programmer while developing programming skills for straightforward parts. 

Essential Job Functions - Responsibilities: 

• Sets up, operates, and monitors CNC machines, including five-axis machining centers and wire EDM, to produce parts that meet drawing and quality requirements 

• Performs complex machining, repair, and fabrication using advanced machining techniques 

• Performs complex and prototype setups, coordinating machining strategy with the Shop Floor Lead and primary CNC programmer 

• Prepares, optimizes, and supports machine setups—including workholding, tooling, offsets, feeds/speeds, and machining strategies—to maximize cutting performance and process reliability. 

• Makes routine G&M code edits and adjustments at the machine to meet machining requirements 

• Applies basic to intermediate three-axis CAM programming skills while learning the shop’s Mastercam programming practices 

• Interprets complex engineering drawings, blueprints, 3D models, and GD&T requirements 

• Accurately measures and verifies dimensions using precision measuring instruments and available gauging equipment to ensure compliance with print tolerances 

• Troubleshoots machining, tooling, setup, and routine programming issues with guidance and support from the Shop Floor Lead and primary CNC programmer as needed 

• Follows and helps establish safe work practices and shop safety standards 

• Follows shop program verification, machine prove-out, inspection, and documentation practices 

• Learns new processes, applies feedback, and contributes to setup consistency, programming efficiency, and shop-wide process improvements 

• Communicates job progress, missing information, quality concerns, and potential delays to shop leadership and engineering 

• Follows Business Technology policies to protect sensitive data and reduce information security occurrences 

• Carries out other duties as required by the Shop Floor Lead 

Education and Experience: (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities) 

• Seasoned machinist with advanced knowledge of CNC machining, setup, and operation 

• Demonstrated five-axis CNC setup experience required, including workholding, tool preparation, offsets, and setup verification 

• Demonstrated three-axis CAM programming experience required; experience with any CAM software is acceptable 

• Mastercam programming experience strongly preferred, with the ability and willingness to learn the shop’s Mastercam workflow 

• Working knowledge of G&M code editing and machine adjustments 

• Advanced understanding of blueprint interpretation, GD&T requirements, and dimensional tolerances 

• Ability to follow established shop priorities and collaborate with the Shop Floor Lead, primary CNC programmer, engineering, and other team members 

• Receptiveness to instruction and feedback, with a demonstrated willingness to learn and develop programming capability 

• Strong written and verbal English language communication skills 

• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal, and technical communication skills 

• Demonstrated commitment and adherence to Sigma Design Core Values 

• Pass a post-offer background verification 

Work Environment: 

Standard machine shop environment with various types of machinery. Appropriate safety garments (PPE) must be worn. Must be able to stand and work as long as 12 hours in different positions. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.