Head of Programming

Location: Austin, TX
Work Arrangement: On-site, 5 days/week
Compensation: $160,000-$220,000 + equity
Employment Type: Full-time

About the Company

An early-stage manufacturing technology company building the next generation of automated manufacturing. Our technology combines CNC machining, robotics, inspection, and software to enable lights-out production of complex aerospace and defense components.

We are looking for an expert Siemens NX CAM programmer and technical leader to build and lead our programming function as we scale our automated 5-axis CNC cells.

This is a highly hands-on role. You'll lead the programming team while continuing to personally program, simulate, prove out, and optimize complex parts at the machine.

What You'll Do

Lead the Programming Team

• Lead and coach our CNC programming team, currently two programmers and scaling to 5+.

• Establish standards for NX CAM templates, tool libraries, machining operations, program review, and release.

• Train programmers and establish rigorous programming practices that ensure programs are production-ready and capable of running unattended.

• Build the programming organization and technical standards from the ground up.

Build the Programming Process

• Define the complete CAD-to-CAM workflow, from programming and simulation through sign-off, first-run verification, and production release.

• Establish how programs are reviewed, verified, and introduced into production.

• Work closely with the COO to manage the programming pipeline and appropriately sequence work as new orders arrive.

• Develop repeatable processes that allow the programming team to scale without sacrificing quality or reliability.

Program Complex Parts

• Personally program complex aerospace and defense components in Siemens NX CAM.

• Program 3+2 and simultaneous 5-axis machining operations.

• Work with challenging materials including titanium, Inconel, and aluminum.

• Prove out programs directly at the machine and troubleshoot issues during first runs.

• Apply strong knowledge of tooling, feeds and speeds, fixturing, workholding, and machining strategy.

Build the Probing & Lights-Out Strategy

• Own the CNC probing strategy required for reliable lights-out production.

• Develop systems for in-process inspection, work offset probing, and tool offset probing.

• Develop and maintain the macro logic required for programs to respond to in-process measurements and make appropriate corrections.

• Define inspection and verification processes that allow automated cells to operate reliably with minimal intervention.

Own Post Processors

• Write, edit, maintain, and troubleshoot CNC post processors.

• Ensure NX output accurately translates to the machine controls and produces reliable, production-ready code.

• Hands-on experience with NX Post Builder and/or NX Post Configurator is highly valued.

Collaborate Across Engineering

• Partner with the Automation Engineer on tooling, workholding, pallet strategy, and automated cell design.

• Work with software engineers to automate repetitive CAM and programming workflows.

• Help connect the programming process with the broader automation and manufacturing systems being developed at Even.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of hands-on Siemens NX CAM experience.

• Deep expertise in CNC programming and 5-axis machining.

• Experience programming complex aerospace, defense, or other high-precision components.

• Strong hands-on experience with 3+2 and simultaneous 5-axis machining.

• Experience machining materials such as titanium, Inconel, and aluminum.

• Experience proving out complex programs directly at the machine.

• Strong understanding of CNC tooling, workholding, fixturing, feeds and speeds, and machining strategy.

• Experience with CNC simulation and verification.

• Experience with CNC probing, in-process inspection, work/tool offset probing, and macro programming.

• Experience developing, editing, or maintaining CNC post processors.

• Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, or training CNC programmers.

Ideal Background

We are particularly interested in candidates who have worked as:

• NX Applications Engineer

• NX CAM Applications Engineer

• CNC Programming Lead

• CNC Programming Manager

• Senior CNC Programmer

• Machining Engineer

• Manufacturing Engineer with deep CNC programming expertise

• Applications Engineer at a machine-tool builder or CAM/CNC reseller

Experience with a large aerospace manufacturing operation, machine-tool builder, CNC/CAM reseller, or advanced manufacturing environment is especially relevant.

Experience with NX Post Builder, NX Post Configurator, probing systems, macro programming, and lights-out machining is a significant advantage.

A background in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or another relevant STEM discipline is preferred.

Why This Role

This is an opportunity to build a programming organization and manufacturing process from the ground up.

You won't simply inherit an established CAM process. You'll help determine how Even programs, simulates, verifies, inspects, and releases parts into an automated 5-axis production environment.

The ideal candidate is someone who is equally comfortable at the NX workstation, on the CNC machine, and leading a team of programmers.

Location & Compensation

This position is based in Austin, TX and is on-site five days per week.

Compensation: $160,000-$220,000 base salary + equity.

Relocation assistance is available for candidates moving to Austin.

U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency is required due to ITAR-related work. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Oscar Associates Limited (US) is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.