Head of Programming
- Compensation
- $160K–$220K base
- Work mode
- Hybrid/On-site
- Location
- Austin, TX
- Industry
- Advanced Manufacturing · CNC Automation · Aerospace & Defense
- Posted
- 12 Oct 2026
Your market value for this role
Compared with 17 live mandates (all Head of Function mandates).
Base salary only; excludes equity and bonus. Benchmark your own package →
The mandate
Lead a CAD/CAM programming function for automated precision-machining operations. Establish programming standards, develop probing and verification systems, personally program complex parts, and scale a team supporting lights-out CNC production.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and coach CNC programmers, establishing standards for templates, tool libraries, machining operations, and program reviews.
- Design the programming process, including simulation, sign-off, first-run validation, and production scheduling.
- Build the probing stack for lights-out production, including in-process inspection, work/tool offsets, and corrective macros.
- Program and prove out complex aerospace and defense components using 3+2 and simultaneous 5-axis machining.
- Write, edit, and maintain post-processors for machine tools and controls.
- Train programmers and formalize workflows from simulation through program release.
- Coordinate with automation, tooling, workholding, software, and operations teams.
What you bring
- 5–8 years of experience as a CNC programming lead or NX applications engineer, with leadership experience.
- Deep Siemens NX CAM expertise, ideally from an applications engineering, machine-tool, or aerospace manufacturing environment.
- Hands-on experience with complex materials such as titanium, Inconel, and aluminum, plus 3+2 and simultaneous 5-axis machining.
- Experience with post-processors, probing, macros, simulation, and verification.
- Ability to lead a team while remaining hands-on at the machine shop.
- Must work onsite in Austin; visa sponsorship is unavailable.
Location & engagement details
Austin, TX · On-site
Full-time, onsite in Austin, Texas. Base salary $160K–$220K plus equity; relocation support may be available. Core tools include Siemens NX CAM, NX Post Builder/Post Configurator, 5-axis CNC, machine controls, in-process probing, and CNC simulation. Interview stages include background, culture, and technical programming assessment.
About this mandate
This is a live head of function mandate I refer executives to directly. The role sits in advanced manufacturing · cnc automation · aerospace & defense and is located in Austin, TX on a hybrid/on-site basis, with compensation of $160K–$220K base.
This is a confidential search. Read the brief above, then apply below for this role. The company name is shared once there's a close match and mutual interest.
Most senior mandates are filled this way — privately, before any listing exists. Read how unadvertised executive roles actually get filled.
- This is a confidential search. The company name and full role details are only discussed on a call with one of our recruiters if there is a close match.
- We use your details — your LinkedIn profile URL and email address — to match you against this mandate and any other closely matched roles.
- A verifiable email address, LinkedIn profile and a recent PDF resume are required. Submissions from bots, spammers or unverifiable profiles are removed.
- There is no call booking at this stage. Calls are scheduled only after we identify a close match.
Who I consider
- C-suite, EVP/SVP, VP and Head of function leaders
- Proven scale-up, venture-backed or enterprise leadership experience
- Track record of building and leading teams in the relevant function
Final hiring decisions rest solely with the hiring company. Outcomes depend on role availability and decisions made by the hiring team.
Apply — Head of Programming
This application is for this role only. I review it against the brief above and contact you if there's a close match.
- This is a confidential search. The company name and full role details are only discussed on a call with one of our recruiters if there is a close match.
- We use your details — your LinkedIn profile URL and email address — to match you against this mandate and any other closely matched roles.
- Handled confidentially — your details are never shared without your consent.
- A referral is an introduction, not a guarantee of an interview or an offer.
- Final hiring decisions rest with the hiring company; outcomes depend on role availability and their decisions.