CNC Programmer
Location: Auburn, Washington
Type: Non-Exempt
Work Schedule: Full-Time - Day Shift, 6:00 am – 2:30 pm
Compensation: $30.00 - $55.00 per hour (Dependent on Experience)
Benefits: Tessera is proud to offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to our eligible part-time and full-time employees.
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance
Elective 401(k) retirement plan, Tessera will match 0.5% for every 1% up to 6% after 90-days of employment. Funds are subject to vesting.
Flexible Spending Accounts for both medical and dependent care
11 paid holidays, accrual of 10 paid days of vacation at the start of employment, paid sick leave
Potential shared earning bonus
Tuition assistance is available after 1 year of employment and potential scholarships for qualified dependents
Professional development, certifications, and training opportunities
Verizon wireless discount
Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and an engaging wellness program
Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees
Tessera is dedicated to “Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities” by hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities as well as veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our purpose-driven culture, our core values - Inclusion, Partnerships, Integrity - and our commitment to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.
Tessera is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer to join our growing Aerospace facility in Auburn, Washington. Tessera CNC Programmers are responsible for developing, optimizing, and verifying high-precision multi-axis CNC programs for complex aerospace components. Mastercam for toolpath generation, and Vericut for digital manufacturing simulation, this role translates engineering models into efficient, collision-free machining workflows. CNC Programmers ideally have extensive experience processing tight-tolerance aerospace materials (e.g., Titanium, Inconel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel) on multi-axis vertical and horizontal machining centers.
Typical duties include but are not limited to:
Program Development: Create efficient 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC programs utilizing Mastercam based on engineering drawings, solid models, and manufacturing datasets.
Model Interrogation: Utilize CATIA and NX to import, analyze, and manipulate complex, customer-supplied aerospace geometries and native models. compare derivative models to source authority data.
Simulation & Verification: Perform rigorous digital simulation and optimization of all CNC programs using Vericut to guarantee zero machine collisions, correct tool paths, and minimized cycle times prior to floor release.
Process Engineering: Design and model specialized work-holding fixtures, tooling configurations, and setup parameters to optimize machining efficiency and part stability.
Technical Planning: Generate complete and accurate manufacturing setup sheets, tool lists (including feeds, speeds, and inserts), and structural operator instructions to support First-Time Right manufacturing goals
Quality & AS9100 Compliance: Ensure all program files, revisions, and engineering data adhere strictly to AS9100 Rev D configuration management standards and DPD requirements. Actively support First Article Inspection optimization.
Continuous Improvement: Review actual cycle times against initial estimates. Redesign existing programs and tooling strategies to eliminate scrap, improve tool life, and increase throughput on active product lines
Shop Floor Support: Collaborate directly with CNC Machinists during initial setup and first-run prove-outs to troubleshoot code, resolve technical floor issues, and capture operational feedback.
Qualifications:
High School Diploma or GED is required, Technical degree or certification in Machine Tool Technology or Manufacturing Engineering is preferred.
Minimum of 3 – 5 years of dedicated CNC programming experience within an active Aerospace or defense manufacturing environment.
3 years of previous experience as a machinist working on horizontals and hard metals is preferred.
Previous experience working within a team environment.
Must be proficient in Mastercam (Advanced Multi-Axis Mill preferred), proficient in Vericut for machine simulation and NC verification, and proficient in CATIA V5/V6 and NX for model translation
Must have deep understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) per ASME Y14.5.
Must have expert knowledge of cutting tool selection, speed/feed optimization, and machining methodologies for exotic aerospace alloys.
Must have an understanding of inspection processes to verify parts to customer engineering and specification requirements.
Physical Requirements:
Employees must have the ability to perform the following physical demands for extended periods of time with or without assistance. The physical demands of this position may be reasonably accommodated for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions on a case-by-case basis.
Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
May be required to reach, kneel, walk, stand, and use repetitive motion for several hours at a time based on position duties.
Work may require repetitive motion, reaching, lifting, kneeling, and walking. Standing or sitting for several hours at a time, climbing in and out of a vehicle, and up and down stairs may also be required.
Must have the perseverance to work effectively under pressure for extended periods of time.
Requirements:
A valid state driver’s license is preferred with the ability to obtain and maintain coverage by Tessera’s insurance.
Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) due to the handling of export-controlled data under ITAR/EAR regulations.
Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act. Please visit this website for more information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances and installation access. A background check and E-Verify will be conducted for this position.
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Date Posted: 10/13/2026
*** Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act.
Please visit this website for more information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
To Apply: Visit our website at www.tessera.org to complete an application.
Current Employees: need to log into their Workday to apply through the Jobs Hub. Please reach out to your Recruiter if you need assistance.
Tessera is a national non-profit, government contractor that is dedicated to “Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities” through hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our mission-focused culture, our Core Values, Diversity, Partnership, Commitment, Integrity, and Quality, and our dedication to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Tessera is here to help you with the recruitment process.
If you require an accommodation or support, please contact us at
(360) 475-0756 or email recruiting@tessera.org.
Tessera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled - Tessera participates in E-Verify