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Programmer Machinist

Altek

Altek

Software Engineering
Liberty Lake, WA, USA
Posted on Aug 14, 2025

Job Title: Programmer Machinist Shifts: Day, Swing

Dept.: Machine Shop Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Reports to: Programming Manager/Trainer Class: Indirect/Direct

The following are tasks to be performed by the Programmer Machinist. The duties are not limited to this list. Any additional requirements, changes, or deletions will be at the discretion of Programming Manager/Trainer. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility and duty satisfactorily.

SUMMARY: The Programmer Machinist is responsible for troubleshooting programs, equipment, and tooling issues, interpreting CAD models, and designing fixtures; collaborating on design improvements, providing programming support, and maintaining production documentation; promoting teamwork; adhering to Altek's policies and goals, and working with urgency to meet quality, cost, and delivery standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Operates and controls shop-specific machines (Mazak, Fanuc, Fadal – Mills and Lathes)
  • Sets up equipment for production runs, following blueprints to ensure quality
  • Provides setup documentation and tooling information, making adjustments as needed
  • Develops machining strategies for production run
  • Troubleshoots and resolves issues with programs, equipment, and tooling
  • Programs and edits on the shop floor as needed
  • Develops and provides production-ready code for shop floor operations
  • Assists on shop floor with production as needed
  • Interprets and modifies CAD drawings/models across various formats
  • Solves geometric and trigonometric problems using CAD tools
  • Designs and builds fixtures and work-holding devices
  • Maintains and updates product/setup documentation
  • Suggests design improvements to ensure manufacturability when necessary
  • Builds prototypes with limited information (prints, customer input, CAD models)
  • Purchases raw materials, tooling, and supplies for production jobs
  • Creates/releases jobs to production, job routing, BOM for parts, and incorporates changes to BOM’s
  • Researches and provides lead times for operations and jobs
  • Manages MRP and creates/releases production jobs
  • Provides pertinent feedback to Programming Manager/Trainer and Machine Shop Assistant Managers
  • Inspects product according to Altek’s Quality Policies and Procedures
  • Builds and maintains positive rapport, communication and behavior with other Altek employees, customers and/or suppliers
  • Adapts and modifies as circumstances warrant
  • Demonstrates safe work habits
  • Embraces Altek's Quality Policy to ensure quality to internal and external customers
  • Embraces Altek's vision, core values, and expected behaviors

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Must be able to work on-site in the Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area
  • CNC Machining Certificate preferred
  • Minimum of 2 years in CNC Production as a highly skilled Machinist
  • Horizontal experience preferred
  • Quality conscious attitude and pride of ownership in designated responsibilities
  • Exceptional verbal, written and digital communication skills
  • Ability to adapt, problem-solve and prioritize
  • Must be highly dependable, independent and self-motivated
  • Ability to accurately read blueprints
  • Skilled with portable measuring devices used in the production processes at Altek
  • Must be able to read and comply with work instructions, quality documents, and other pertinent written materials
  • Working knowledge of GD&T and calculating
  • Working knowledge of mathematical formulas needed to calculate product dimensioning
  • Knowledge and skills to pre-stage raw material, perform setups, conduct tool changes, run product and make tool off-sets for proven processes
  • Proficient in CAM & CAD software (Gibss, SmartCam, MasterCam, Autodesk Inventor)
  • Knowledge and skills to program Mazak, Fanuc, Fadal
  • Experience with various machine tool controls (G-M Codes & Mazatrol a plus)
  • Knowledge of Mill, Lathe and Horizontal machine capabilities, capacities and limitations
  • Must have a reasonably complete set of personal tools to perform set-ups

PROCESSES UTILIZED:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Activity Yes No Comment

Sitting

X

Frequently

Standing

X

Frequently

Walking

X

Frequently

Pushing and/or pulling

X

Occasionally

Climbing

X

Occasionally

Bending or stooping

X

Occasionally

Squatting or kneeling

X

Occasionally

Twisting or turning

X

Occasionally

Handling, grasping with one or both hands

X

Occasionally

Typing

X

Frequently

Reaching or arm extension

X

Frequently

Lifting or carrying

X

Occasionally

Time Spend Indoors: 100%

Time Spend Outdoors: 0%

Never = 0% Occasionally = 25% Frequently = 75% Constantly = 100%