Senior CNC Programmer / Engineer

PPG's Aerospace Business is seeking a Senior CNC Programmer / Engineer to join our engineering team. You will play a critical role in CNC programming, process planning, tooling, machine tool selection, and continuous improvement for multi-axis CNC machining operations.

We are seeking a technically curious engineer who evaluates emerging technologies and applies innovative approaches to define and optimize machining strategies-including tooling, fixturing, machine selection, and coolant or lubrication delivery-driving efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective production of precision plastic transparencies in support of PPG's commitment to innovation and excellence.

This is an onsite position based out of our Sylmar, CA facility and reporting to the Senior Manager of Plant Operations Engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs for multi-axis (3, 4, 5-axis) milling machines to support manufacturing of plastic transparencies, composites, and aerospace tooling components.

• Utilize CAM software such as Mastercam, NX, CATIA, or similar.

• Design and qualify cutting tools, fixturing, and work holding for aerospace and precision plastic CNC machining applications.

• Establish and continuously refine machining parameters, coolant/lubrication delivery, and machining strategies to drive stable, repeatable production while meeting requirements for tool life, dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and AS9100 compliance.

• Apply CNC simulation and verification tools (e.g., VERICUT) for digital twin validation, collision avoidance, and process reliability.

• Interpret and create technical drawings, GD&T, and 3D CAD models to produce accurate and compliant toolpaths.

• Evaluate and implement emerging machining technologies, tooling solutions, and industry best practices by actively researching suppliers, attending trade shows, and benchmarking new techniques.

• Evaluate, qualify, and recommend new CNC machinery and equipment, supporting strategic capital investment decisions to enhance precision plastic manufacturing capability, process reliability, and compliance with AS9100 and industry standards.

Qualifications

• Only U.S. Citizens, Green Card holders, and political asylees or refugees are eligible to apply.

• Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering preferred

• 7+ years of progressive experience in CNC programming and machining in aerospace, defense, and high-precision industries, with experience in plastics machining

• Proficient in 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC machining, with experience on Zimmermann, CMS, Makino, DMG MORI, Mazak, Okuma, or Haas platforms, and skilled in Siemens SINUMERIK, Fanuc, and Mazatrol controls

• Experienced in CAD/CAM software (Siemens NX, CATIA, Mastercam) and G-/M-code programming

• Knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and blueprint interpretation, applied to aerospace and high-precision manufacturing tolerances.

• #LI-Onsite

The base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $150,000, with a possibility of an annual bonus up to 10% of base salary. PPG offers comprehensive benefits such as Health, Dental, Life, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation & Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Disability/Leave, and other Voluntary benefit offerings. Actual benefit offerings confirmed at the time of hire.

PPG /PPG