CNC Programmer
Develop and optimize CNC programs for precision components in a fast-paced startup focused on advanced nuclear energy technology.
Posted by employer 5 days ago
First seen on Joblaze 4 days ago
Last verified on the company career page 6 hours ago
Skills & Technologies
What you'll build
- Develop CNC programs for mills and lathes
- Translate CAD models into toolpaths
- Select tooling and work-holding strategies
- Partner with machinists to debug programs
- Support first-article inspection
Must have
- 5+ years of CNC programming experience
- Proficiency with CAM software
- Strong ability to read engineering drawings
- Solid understanding of machining fundamentals
- Experience programming for tight-tolerance parts
Nice to have
- 5-axis programming experience
- Experience with In-Machine Probing
- Experience with Automation and lights out programming
- Hands-on machining experience
- Experience programming Graphite Material
Practical constraints
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Requirements
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Visa
- No sponsorship (stated in posting)
Not disclosed in this posting: work arrangement.
Benefits
Joblaze summary
In this role, the CNC Programmer at Valar Atomics focuses on developing and optimizing CNC programs for precision components used in modular nuclear reactor systems. Proficiency in CAM software like ESPRIT EDGE or Fusion 360, along with a solid understanding of machining fundamentals and tight-tolerance specifications, is essential. This position is well-suited for experienced professionals with a background in manufacturing or aerospace who thrive in a fast-paced startup environment. The role offers significant ownership and collaboration with engineers and machinists to translate designs into high-quality hardware.
Joblaze insights
Quick facts
- What's the salary range?
- Valar Atomics lists $40–$60 for this role.
- How much experience is required?
- At least 5 years of relevant experience for this CNC Programmer role.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: CAM, CNC, ESPRIT EDGE, Fusion 360.
- What seniority level is this role?
- Valar Atomics targets mid-level candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this CNC Programmer role at Valar Atomics.
From the original posting
The Team
As part of the Manufacturing organization, the Machine Shop manufactures precision components that meet exacting engineering and quality standards. The team supports rapid development, prototyping, and production through advanced machining capabilities.
The Role
Valar Atomics is looking for a CNC Programmer to develop and optimize CNC programs for precision components used in our modular nuclear reactor systems. You will translate engineering drawings and CAD models into efficient, repeatable toolpaths, working closely with machinists and engineering to hit tight tolerances on a wide range of materials. This role has high ownership over process and directly shapes how our shop turns designs into hardware.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop CNC programs for mills and lathes using CAM software (ESPRIT EDGE and/or Fusion 360).
- Translate CAD models and engineering drawings into efficient, repeatable toolpaths and setups.
- Select appropriate tooling, feeds, speeds, and work-holding strategies for a range of materials including stainless steel, nickel alloy and Graphite.
- Partner with machinists to debug and refine programs at the machine; troubleshoot cycle time and quality issues.
- Provide design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback to engineering during part design.
- Maintain and organize program libraries, post-processors, and documentation.
- Support first-article inspection and process validation for new parts.
Basic Qualifications
- 5+ years of CNC programming experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, or precision machining environment.
- Proficiency with CAM software (ESPRIT EDGE, Fusion 360, or similar) for mills and/or lathes.
- Strong ability to read and work from complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and CAD models.
- Solid understanding of machining fundamentals, tooling, and material properties.
- Experience programming for tight-tolerance parts (ASME Y14.5, aerospace or nuclear-grade specs preferred).
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup manufacturing environment with evolving processes.
- Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with machinists and engineering.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- 5-axis programming experience.
- Experience setting up In-Machine Probing to verify parts without removing parts
- Experience with Automation and lights out programming
- Experience programming Graphite Material or similar abrasive material
- Hands-on machining experience (able to run/debug programs at the machine).
- Experience standing up CNC programs and processes for a new manufacturing line.
What We Offer
- Competitive base salary
- Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
- Comprehensive medical benefits
- Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite
- Generous PPE stipend
- High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy
- Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement
- Direct collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, and industry leaders
- The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up
Standard company text repeated across Valar Atomics's postings is omitted here.