CNC Programmer Jobs 2026 at 5th Axis Inc San Diego California
Precision manufacturing roles that demand real machining knowledge rather than basic button-pushing are genuinely rare. 5th Axis Inc. is hiring a CNC Programmer in San Diego, California, and this company makes its expectations clear from the start. They build advanced machining solutions for some of the most demanding production environments in the industry. If you are a programmer who thinks like a machinist and takes cycle time, toolpaths, and production reliability seriously, this role is built for people like you.
Job Overview
5th Axis operates as a high-performance precision manufacturing company that moves fast and tackles complex machining challenges. This CNC Programmer role is deeply embedded in the production floor. You will not release programs and walk away. You will work directly alongside machinists, setup teams, engineers, and production leadership to develop machining strategies that actually run reliably in production.
The environment rewards accountability, technical ownership, and continuous improvement thinking. Programmers here are expected to troubleshoot real problems, optimize machine performance, and contribute to process improvements that get implemented rather than sitting in a suggestions folder. If that kind of hands-on involvement appeals to you, the culture here will suit you well.
Available Position
CNC Programmer – San Diego, CA
This is a full-time on-site position based in San Diego, California. The role involves programming and supporting advanced multi-axis machining operations across 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining centers in a fast-paced production environment. The position requires close collaboration with the manufacturing team throughout the entire process from programming through setup and production support.
Eligibility Criteria
Technical Skills Required
Multi-axis CNC programming experience covering 3-, 4-, and 5-axis operations is required. Strong Mastercam experience is preferred. Candidates should have hands-on setup and machining experience in addition to programming capability since floor-level understanding is central to how this team operates. Familiarity with controls including Haas, Fanuc, Okuma, Mazak, or similar platforms is expected.
A solid understanding of tooling, feeds and speeds, workholding, and GD&T is essential. Experience in aerospace, defense, medical, motorsports, or other precision manufacturing environments is strongly preferred. Vericut and Fusion 360 experience are listed as a plus and would strengthen any application.
Mindset and Work Style
5th Axis is specifically looking for programmers who understand the difference between a program that runs and a process that is genuinely production capable. Critical thinking under pressure, personal ownership of work quality, and genuine care for craftsmanship matter here as much as technical skill. Candidates who are comfortable only at a computer without floor experience are not the target profile for this position.
Age Requirement
No age restrictions apply. 5th Axis evaluates all candidates based entirely on technical capability and professional experience.
Salary and Benefits
Annual compensation is up to $135,000 based on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, paid holidays, and a 401(k) plan. The role also offers long-term growth potential within a rapidly expanding organization.
How to Apply
- Visit the official 5th Axis careers page: Apply Here – CNC Programmer at 5th Axis Inc.
- Find the CNC Programmer listing on their careers portal.
- Prepare a resume that clearly highlights your multi-axis programming experience, CAM software proficiency, and any precision manufacturing industry background.
- Include specific examples of complex parts you have programmed and any cycle time improvements you have delivered.
- Submit your application and monitor your email for follow-up from the 5th Axis hiring team.
Important Instructions
This is a strictly on-site role in San Diego, CA. Remote or hybrid arrangements are not available for a production floor-integrated position of this nature. Candidates should be honest about their hands-on machining experience since the company values floor-level practical knowledge alongside programming skills. Overstating CAM software experience without genuine setup and machining background would become apparent quickly in this environment.
Deadline
No official application closing date has been listed. 5th Axis is likely reviewing qualified candidates on a rolling basis. Precision manufacturing programmer roles at this compensation level attract strong competition. A focused and well-prepared application submitted promptly is always the better approach.
More Opportunities
If this role does not match your current profile, explore other professional career openings like Human Resources Manager Jobs 2026 for more opportunities across different industries and sectors.
Common Questions
Is Mastercam the only CAM software accepted for this role?
Mastercam is listed as the preferred CAM software, but the posting does not exclude candidates using other platforms. Strong multi-axis programming logic and the ability to develop production-ready machining strategies are the core competencies being evaluated. Candidates proficient in other professional CAM platforms who can demonstrate comparable capability should still apply, ideally noting their Mastercam familiarity level and any willingness to transition fully to it.
How much floor time is expected compared to desk programming time?
The role is described as deeply integrated with the production floor. You will be working alongside setup personnel and machinists regularly, troubleshooting real machining challenges and supporting production rather than programming in isolation. The exact split between desk and floor time would depend on active projects, but candidates should expect meaningful and regular floor involvement as a standard part of the position rather than an occasional task.
Is aerospace or defense experience strictly necessary to apply?
It is listed as strongly preferred rather than mandatory. Candidates with precision manufacturing backgrounds in medical devices, motorsports, or other tight-tolerance industries may be equally competitive depending on the complexity of work they have handled. What matters most to 5th Axis is demonstrated ability to program and support complex parts reliably in a production environment, regardless of the specific industry that experience came from.
Final Thoughts
5th Axis Inc. is offering a high-compensation CNC Programmer role in San Diego for precision manufacturing professionals who combine strong multi-axis programming skills with genuine floor-level machining knowledge. The salary, growth opportunity, and technically demanding work environment make this a standout opportunity in the California manufacturing sector. If your programming background, CAM software proficiency, and hands-on machining experience align with what has been described here, build a targeted application and submit it through the official 5th Axis careers portal.
