CNC Programmer

Want to work and play in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains? Cascade Designs, home to Therm-a-Rest, MSR, Platypus, SealLine, Packtowl and Varilite, is now headquartered in Reno, NV. Just over an hour from Lake Tahoe with 300 days of sunshine each year, this is the perfect work and play destination for outdoor adventurers at every level. We are seeking passionate, driven, curious people who not only love the outdoors but strive to bring the same passion and curiosity into their work with them every day.

Our Brands:

Therm-a-Rest, MSR, Platypus, SealLine, PackTowl, VariLite

Cascade Designs is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer to support our manufacturing operations through CNC programming, machine setup, process optimization, and precision machining.

This is a hands-on position for someone who understands the machining process from program development through setup, first-piece verification, production, and finished-part inspection. The CNC Programmer will develop and modify CNC programs, establish tooling and machining parameters, perform complex setups and changeovers, troubleshoot machining issues, and help ensure components are manufactured safely, efficiently, and to specification.

The ideal candidate combines strong CNC programming knowledge with practical machining experience and enjoys solving problems on the manufacturing floor.

Essential Responsibilities

CNC Programming & Process Development

• Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs for production components.
• Translate engineering drawings, specifications, and dimensional requirements into effective machining processes and CNC programs.
• Determine appropriate machining sequences, tooling, workholding, speeds, feeds, offsets, and cutting parameters.
• Modify existing programs to improve quality, repeatability, cycle time, tool life, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Troubleshoot CNC programs and machining processes when dimensional, tooling, finish, or production issues occur.
• Maintain and revise existing programs as products, tooling, equipment, or manufacturing requirements change.
• Support program prove-out and first-piece production before releasing work for routine manufacturing.

CNC Setup & Machining

• Independently perform CNC machine setups, changeovers, and tooling changes.
• Establish and adjust work offsets and tool offsets.
• Select and properly use cutting tools, tool holders, fixtures, inserts, boring bars, and other machining accessories.
• Operate CNC equipment to verify programs, establish processes, troubleshoot problems, and support production.
• Monitor machining performance and make appropriate adjustments to maintain quality and throughput.
• Support operators with complex setups and machining issues.

Quality & Precision

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, GD&T, dimensions, and tolerances.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using precision measuring equipment.
• Use calipers, ID/OD micrometers, depth gauges, indicators, scales, and other precision measuring tools.
• Identify dimensional variation and determine whether corrections should be made through tooling, offsets, setup, programming, or other machining adjustments.
• Produce components that consistently meet established quality specifications.

Continuous Improvement & Technical Support

• Work collaboratively with manufacturing leadership, engineering, quality, and production employees to resolve machining and manufacturability issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve machining processes, setup efficiency, tool life, cycle times, quality, and equipment utilization.
• Provide technical guidance to CNC operators on established programs, setups, tooling, offsets, and machining practices.
• Help develop consistent setup and machining practices that improve repeatability.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient machining environment and follow established safety, quality, and work procedures.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3–5+ years of CNC machining experience, including significant hands-on setup and programming experience.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop, modify, and troubleshoot CNC programs.
• Strong CNC machine setup and changeover experience.
• Strong understanding of cutting tools, tool holders, fixtures, inserts, workholding, feeds, speeds, and machining fundamentals.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and dimensional tolerances.
• Strong proficiency using precision measuring equipment, including calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, and indicators.
• Ability to troubleshoot dimensional, tooling, setup, and machining problems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and practical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with production, engineering, and quality teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience programming CNC mills and/or lathes.
• Experience developing programs from engineering drawings or models.
• Experience optimizing existing CNC programs for cycle time, quality, tool life, and repeatability.
• Experience with complex setups and workholding.
• Experience proving out new or revised programs.
• Experience supporting or training CNC machine operators.
• Experience working in a high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Formal CNC machining, programming, or manufacturing technology education/certification.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods during the work shift.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work safely around operating manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment where noise and temperatures may vary.
• Flexibility to respond to changing production priorities and occasional extended hours.

This is intended to describe the general nature and level of work done by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the duties or requirements. All employees are expected to follow the direction of their supervisors.

Cascade Designs Inc.

Cascade Designs began in 1972 with the simple desire to provide a more comfortable night outdoors. Since then, we have grown to become the parent company of some of the most respected brands in the outdoor industry. Though much has changed over the years, our methods for achieving excellence have not. We believe that manufacturing many of our products in our own U.S. and European facilities is an essential element in maintaining the quality users deserve, and that by striving to exceed our customers’ expectations of service, we will be successful for many years to come.

Our core purpose is to provide innovative, useful and long-lasting products that improve the adventures and wellbeing of our customers.

Cascade Designs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.