Job Ref: # 7012133
Date Posted: 10/22/2025
Location: Bristol, CT
Salary (USD): $36 - $42
Description
CNC Engineer / Programmer / Machinist
SSI Manufacturing
Bristol, CT
Description
SSI Manufacturing is seeking a highly skilled CNC Engineer/Programmer/Machinist to join our Engineering team. This hybrid role combines engineering, programming, and hands-on
machining expertise to support precision manufacturing in an AS9100-certified aerospace and defense environment. You will analyze customer blueprints, drawings, and models to determine optimal manufacturing processes, develop CNC programs, design and build fixtures, and support production from first setup through final inspection. This is a shop-floor focused position where you will directly impact quality, efficiency, and throughput while collaborating closely with Engineering, Quality,
and Manufacturing teams.
About the Role
This position blends technical programming ownership with hands-on machining execution. You will take parts from concept to production — planning processes, creating toolpaths, designing
work holding, setting up machines, and troubleshooting issues in real time. The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex machining challenges, improving processes,
mentoring others, and being a technical resource on the shop floor.
What You’ll Do
Programming & Engineering
- Analyze blueprints, drawings, and solid models to determine customer specifications and critical features
- Create CNC programs using Mastercam to define toolpaths, feeds/speeds, and operation sequences
- Develop solid models when customer models are not provided
- Design and build custom work holding fixtures
- Optimize processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and reduce costs
- Maintain tooling databases and setup/operation worksheets for repeatability
- Support quoting activities by estimating setup time, cycle times, and tooling costs
Machining & Setup
- Set up CNC machines (mills and/or lathes), load programs, install tooling and fixtures
- Run and inspect first pieces for quality approval
- Operate CNC machines to manufacture complex parts
- Monitor production and make offsets/edits to maintain tolerances
- Perform First Piece and In-Process inspections
- Troubleshoot process and mechanical issues to minimize downtime
- Train and mentor machine operators
- Follow safety policies and maintain excellent housekeeping
- Comply with AS9100 Quality Management System and ITAR/Export requirements
Must-Have Skills and Experience
- 10+ years of CNC machining and programming experience
- Strong proficiency in Mastercam using recent versions
- Experience working with solid models
- Expertise in machine setup, tooling, and fixturing
- Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and GD&T
- Proficiency with precision measurement tools (micrometers, calipers, indicators, pins/gages)
- Ability to edit programs to improve quality and productivity
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Nice-to-Have Skills
- Experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing environments
- Knowledge of AS9100 quality systems and documentation practices
- Experience mentoring or training operators
- Background in quoting or estimating
- Continuous improvement or process optimization experience
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing practices
Who You Are
- A hands-on technical professional who enjoys working directly on the shop floor
- A strong communicator who collaborates well with Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing teams
- Detail-oriented and committed to precision and quality
- A proactive problem solver who takes ownership of results
- Reliable, accountable, and professional
- Someone who treats coworkers with respect and integrity
Benefits:
- Flexible work hours (can begin work between 5 and 7 am
- Paid weekly
- Bonus Program - Based upon company and individual performance
- Paid Time Off - Vacation (5 - 15 days depending upon experience)/ 9 Paid company Holidays
- Medical, Dental, Life, Vision, Disability, 401K (With Company Matching)
- Air conditioned shop and office working environment
- Four strategic markets served providing greater stability when specific markets have
Job Posting
