Senior CAM Programmer
About the Company
BPA is a leading precision engineering specialist based in Daventry, providing complete turnkey solutions across the design, manufacture, and assembly of high-precision components and complex assemblies for the Motorsport, Automotive, Aerospace and Defence sectors.
With over 10 years’ experience and driven by innovation, quality, and engineering excellence, BPA combines advanced manufacturing capabilities with a highly skilled team to deliver exceptional results for some of the world’s most demanding industries. As a rapidly growing business operating at the forefront of precision engineering, we are committed to continuous improvement, investment in technology, and developing talented people who share our passion for performance and precision.
What You Will Be Doing
As a Senior CAM Programmer, you will be a technical expert within the manufacturing engineering team, taking ownership of complex programming activities while helping to shape machining strategies across the business. You will programme highly complex precision components using Siemens NX CAM, support the introduction of new technologies and manufacturing methods, and mentor junior programmers to ensure best practice is maintained throughout the department.
Working closely with Production, Quality, Engineering and the Machine Shop, you will play a key role in improving productivity, reducing cycle times and ensuring components are manufactured to the highest possible standards for customers operating in the Motorsport, Automotive, Aerospace and Defence sectors.
Principal Responsibilities
- Create, develop and optimise complex CNC programs using Siemens NX CAM.
- Lead the programming of advanced 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining operations.
- Develop robust machining strategies for low-volume, high-precision components.
- Provide technical leadership and mentoring to CAM Programmers and CNC Machinists.
- Review engineering drawings, CAD models and customer specifications to determine the most efficient manufacturing methods.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cycle times, improve tool life and maximise machine utilisation.
- Support new product introduction (NPI), proving out new programs and validating manufacturing processes.
- Generate and verify CNC programs using simulation software prior to release to production.
- Select cutting tools, workholding and machining techniques to achieve optimum quality and efficiency.
- Produce comprehensive setup sheets, tooling lists and technical documentation.
- Work closely with machinists during first-off manufacture and resolve technical machining challenges.
- Investigate manufacturing issues and implement corrective actions to improve repeatability and process capability.
- Support investment projects, machine commissioning and implementation of new manufacturing technologies.
- Ensure all programming activities comply with quality standards, customer requirements and health & safety procedures.
What We’re Looking For
Experience
- Significant experience as a CAM Programmer within a precision engineering, motorsport or automotive manufacturing environment.
- Extensive experience programming complex 5-axis CNC machining centres.
- Expert user of Siemens NX CAM (NX10 or above preferred).
- Strong understanding of CAD modelling and manufacturing workflows.
- Experience programming both Heidenhain and Fanuc controlled CNC machines.
- Excellent understanding of cutting tool technology, machining dynamics and advanced machining strategies.
- Experience machining Titanium, Inconel, Aluminium, Stainless Steel and other high-performance alloys.
- Proven ability to optimise machining processes to improve productivity and reduce manufacturing costs.
- Experience supporting prototype, development and low-volume production environments.
- Ability to mentor and develop junior programmers and provide technical guidance across the manufacturing team.
- Strong understanding of Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles.
- Experience working to tight tolerances within Motorsport, Aerospace, Defence or Medical sectors.
- Good understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Excellent analytical, communication and problem-solving skills.
Desirable
- Experience with Mill-Turn machining technologies.
- Knowledge of post processor development and optimisation.
- Experience introducing new manufacturing technologies or automation.
- Previous involvement in tooling strategy, fixture design or manufacturing engineering projects.
- Leadership or supervisory experience within a CAM programming function.
What BPA Offers
- Free onsite parking
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays and your Birthday off
- Company Pension Contribution
- Competitive salary package.
- Opportunity to work with cutting-edge manufacturing technology.
- Collaborative and innovative working environment.
- Exposure to prestigious projects across multiple high-performance industries.
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