5-Axis CNC Programmer / Machinist - Prototype & Defense Work (SolidCAM / Fanuc)

About the role

At a Glance Company: Empire Group Location: Attleboro, MA (on-site) Job Type: Full-Time Compensation: $100,000 - $140,000 per year (based on experience) Shift: Day Shift Typical start time of 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM Schedule: Standard 8-hour shifts with common half-days on Fridays Overtime: Available as needed Experience Level: Mid to Senior Level (5+ years preferred) Industry: Prototype Machining / Defense Manufacturing / Advanced Manufacturing Relocation Assistance: Not available - local candidates preferred CAM Software: SolidCAM (Mastercam experience highly transferable) Why This Role Exists Empire Group is expanding its advanced machining capabilities and preparing to bring additional 5-axis machining capacity online to support complex defense and prototype manufacturing programs. This role will play a key part in producing highly complex machined components for defense-related projects, including work tied to Black Hawk helicopter weaponization kits. The company is looking for a skilled CNC programmer/machinist who can help bridge current 3-axis and 4-axis operations into a more advanced 5-axis environment over the coming months. This is an opportunity to join a highly entrepreneurial manufacturing company with a "25-year-old startup" feel - minimal bureaucracy, direct access to ownership, and exposure to advanced machining, additive manufacturing, and cutting-edge defense projects. The Work You'll Be Doing In this role, you will: Program and set up CNC milling machines for complex prototype and low-volume work Initially focus on 3-axis and 4-axis machining while helping transition into dedicated 5-axis production Create and optimize offline CNC programs using CAD models and blueprints Work closely with engineering and leadership on highly technical defense-related projects Set tooling, work offsets, fixtures, and verify setups at the machine Perform first-article and in-process inspections Troubleshoot machining issues and optimize programs for efficiency and quality Work on large, complex aluminum components and prototype-style parts Collaborate with a small, highly skilled team of programmers and machinists Long-term, this position is expected to evolve into a more programming-heavy role as additional 5-axis projects ramp up. Machines, Controls & Software You'll work with equipment and software such as: Machines Smart VMCs YCM vertical machining centers 3-axis and 4-axis milling platforms Upcoming dedicated 5-axis machining platform Controls Fanuc Hurco CAM Software SolidCAM Mastercam experience considered highly transferable Inspection & Technical Skills Blueprint reading GD&T interpretation Precision inspection tools CAD model-based programming workflows Materials You'll Work With Aluminum Stainless steel Alloy steels Exotic metals Prototype and defense-grade materials What We're Looking ForRequired 5+ years of CNC programming and machining experience Strong milling background in a metal machining environment Experience with setup, tooling, offsets, and troubleshooting Ability to read blueprints and understand GD&T Experience programming from CAD models Prototype, low-volume, or high-complexity machining experience Preferred 5-axis machining exposure SolidCAM experience Mastercam programming experience Defense, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing background Experience with Haas, Fanuc, or Hurco environments Not a Fit This role is likely not a fit for candidates coming primarily from: Plastics machining High-volume production machining environments Repetitive production-only work Why Machinists Like Working Here Machinists choose Empire Group because of the combination of advanced work, clean environment, and growth potential. Highlights include: Extremely clean, climate-controlled shop Heated floors throughout the facility Small, highly skilled team environment Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies Defense and drone-related projects Opportunity to rapidly grow into advanced 5-axis machining Minimal red tape and approachable ownership Future expansion into a newer, larger facility This is the type of shop where skilled machinists can have direct impact on projects, processes, and future capabilities. Pay, Benefits & ScheduleCompensation $100,000 - $140,000 per year (DOE) Salary or hourly structure possible depending on candidate background Benefits Blue Cross Blue Shield medical coverage Dental Vision Benefits begin after 30 days 401(k) with 4% company match after 12 months Short-term disability Life insurance PTO starts at 2 weeks and increases with seniority Paid company holidays Schedule Day shift Typical start times of 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM Standard 8-hour shifts Half-days on Fridays are common Overtime available as needed Apply Interested CNC programmers and machinists can apply directly through hireCNC. Apply Now or Save This Job to learn more about this opportunity with Empire Group.