Master CNC Programmer/Machinist

About Us

Since 1936, Helander has manufactured precision metal components for aerospace, defense, energy, medical, and OEM markets. Using metal spinning, hydroforming, and CNC machining, we form components from 1″ to 100″ in diameter—across every alloy and to the highest performance standards.

We're 40+ skilled professionals—small enough to know each other, big enough to build complex, high-stakes parts destined for space, flight, and defense. We've grown from $10M to $17M in recent years because we get the hard stuff right.

AS9100D | ISO 9001:2015 | ITAR | NADCAP

Overview
Helander Metal Spinning Company is hiring a Master CNC Programmer/Machinist who thrives on complexity, loves figuring things out, and knows how to program, set up, and machine big and unusual aerospace components.

If "large-format prototype machining with constant problem-solving" sounds like a good time, you're our kind of person.

Key Responsibilities

Programming, Setup, and Machining

• Write, read, prove-out, and edit CNC programs (at the control and CAM).
• Program, set up, and operate a Shibaura Tue-200(S) Vertical Boring & Turning Mill with Fanuc Series 0i T Model F CNC Controller.
• Prototype one-off aerospace parts from scratch — trial, error, adjust, refine, repeat.
• Apply advanced GD&T knowledge to ensure dimensional accuracy on tight-tolerance parts.

Large-Part & Special Process Work

• Work with large, heavy, or awkward-shaped metal parts (up to 100"+ diameter).
• Rig, lift, and safely move parts using hoists, cranes, and other material handling equipment.
• Solve real manufacturing problems on the fly — not from behind a desk.

Continuous Improvement

• Spot process issues, fix them, document them, and make them repeatable.
• Collaborate directly with engineers, quality, and production to streamline workflows.

Ownership and adaptability

• Work in a fast-changing environment where plans shift daily.
• Thrive in a shop that wears many hats: machinist, programmer, problem-solver, innovator.

Required Skills & Experience

Required

• 7+ years of CNC machining and programming experience (Fanuc, Haas, Fusion, Mastercam, or similar).
• Major experience with large or complex aerospace components (prototype and production).
• Proven ability to read/interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience setting up/operating large CNC equipment, horizontal mills, or vertical lathes (VTL).
• Strong understanding of tooling, feeds/speeds, fixturing, and material behavior.
• Hands-on experience with rigging, cranes, and lifting equipment in a shop environment.

Preferred

• Experience with trial-and-error prototype development, short-run CNC builds, and R&D environments.
• Background in aerospace, defense, or precision metal forming (NADCAP and AS9100 a plus).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80, $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 4% Match
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• How many years of hands-on CNC programming experience do you have?

(Writing programs, not just loading or editing them.)

A. No experience
B. Less than 1 year
C. 1–3 years
D. 4–7 years
E. 8–12 years
F. 13+ years

• Which best describes your CNC programming responsibility?

A. Edit existing programs only
B. Program simple parts with supervision
C. Independently program complex parts
D. Lead programmer / establish standards
E. Own programming strategy across machines

• Which CNC controls and machines have you programmed? (List all that apply)

A. Fanuc
B. Haas
C. Siemens
D. Mazak / Mazatrol
E. Heidenhain
F. Okuma
G. Other (specify)

• Which CAM software have you used to create CNC programs?

A. Mastercam
B. NX / UG
C. Fusion 360
D. GibbsCAM
E. Esprit
F. FeatureCAM
G. None (manual programming only)

• What level of multi-axis CNC programming experience do you have?

A. 2–3 axis only
B. 4-axis indexing
C. Simultaneous 5-axis
D. Mill/turn or multi-task machines
E. Large-part / long-cycle programs

• What is your experience with post processors and prove-out?

A. Run programs written by others
B. Debug feeds, speeds, and minor issues
C. Modify post processors
D. Develop or maintain post processors
E. Lead machine prove-out and first article

• Briefly describe the most complex part you've programmed.

(Material, size, axis count, and challenges.)

Experience:

• CNC programming: 2 years (Required)

Location:

• Lombard, IL Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Lombard, IL Required)

Work Location: In person