Sheet Metal Programmer

Human Bees • Full-time • Union City, California, United States • $25 - $30 / hour • 5d ago

Location: Fremont, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: Competitive, based on experience
Schedule: Monday–Friday

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Sheet Metal Programmer to support a precision manufacturing operation in Fremont, CA.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience programming sheet metal fabrication equipment and be proficient with AP100 and SolidWorks.

This role requires a strong understanding of the sheet metal manufacturing process, including CNC laser cutting, turret punching, nesting, tooling, materials, tolerances, bending, and blueprint interpretation.

Key Responsibilities

Create, modify, and optimize CNC programs for sheet metal fabrication equipment.
Develop production-ready programs, nests, and tooling layouts using AP100.
Use SolidWorks to review, modify, and prepare part files and drawings for manufacturing.
Program CNC laser, turret punch, and other sheet metal fabrication equipment.
Create efficient nesting layouts to maximize material utilization and minimize scrap.
Review blueprints, engineering drawings, CAD files, specifications, and work instructions.
Translate engineering drawings and 3D models into accurate production programs.
Determine appropriate tooling, cutting parameters, machine sequences, and fabrication methods.
Verify dimensions, tolerances, bend allowances, material types, and material thicknesses.
Troubleshoot programming, tooling, and manufacturing issues.
Make programming adjustments based on production feedback and inspection results.
Work closely with machine operators, press brake operators, engineering, quality, and production teams.
Support prototype, first-article, and new product introduction activities.
Maintain accurate program revisions, setup documentation, and manufacturing records.
Identify opportunities to improve cycle time, material utilization, quality, and production efficiency.

Required Qualifications

3+ years of CNC sheet metal programming experience in a manufacturing environment.
AP100 programming experience required.
SolidWorks experience required.
Strong knowledge of precision sheet metal fabrication processes.
Experience programming CNC laser and/or turret punch equipment.
Strong understanding of nesting, tooling, and material optimization.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints.
Knowledge of GD&T, tolerances, bend allowances, and sheet metal design principles.
Understanding of sheet metal materials, gauges, and manufacturing requirements.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Strong attention to detail and organization.
Ability to communicate effectively with engineering and production teams.

Preferred Experience

Experience with the following is a plus:

Amada laser or turret punch equipment
Press brake operations
AutoCAD
SigmaNEST
Metalix
Radan
Mastercam
ERP/MRP manufacturing systems
High-mix, low-volume precision manufacturing

Experience in precision sheet metal, semiconductor, electronics, aerospace, medical device, or other high-tolerance manufacturing environments is highly desirable.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate understands both the programming and practical manufacturing sides of sheet metal fabrication.

You should be able to take an engineering drawing or SolidWorks model, develop an efficient production program using AP100, and understand how the part will move through the fabrication process from raw material to finished product.

Candidates with strong AP100, SolidWorks, CNC programming, and precision sheet metal fabrication experience are encouraged to apply.

Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits: