CNC Programmer and Mold Maker Expert

William Groves

Rialto, CA

*****************@*****.***

Experienced CNC Programmer & Mold Maker with Expertise in CAD/CAM and High-Tolerance Machining

Highly skilled and experienced CNC programmer and mold maker with a comprehensive background in toolroom operations, mold design, and CAD/CAM expertise. Proficient in working with various materials and machining processes, including plastic injection, silicone injection, mold repair, and prototype machining. Adept at utilizing various equipment and software to achieve precise tolerances and meet project requirements. Proven track record in designing, building, and repairing molds for diverse industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer goods. Strong educational background with degrees and certifications in machine tool techniques, mechanical drafting, and manufacturing engineering.

Skill Areas: Toolroom Start-ups and Management Conventional Shop Operation Manual Shop Equipment Setup and Operations and Machine Building Mold Design CAD/CAM Software Proficiency (SolidWorks, MasterCAM, Unigraphics, CADkey, SurfCAM) CNC Programming to Precise Tolerances (.0002) 2 to 5 Axis Cutter Path Generation CNC Equipment Operation (Vertical Mills, Horizontal Mills, Wire EDM, Ram EDM) Hard Milling an Graphite Milling High-Tolerance Machining Industry Experience (Aerospace, Automotive, Medical, Consumer Goods) Prototyping ISO 9001 Standards Familiarity CMM Equipment Utilization (Brown and Sharp 555, Zeiss) Quality Control and Inspection

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Aura systems LLC lake forest, CA

Director of manufacturing March 2025

Start up company, Fusion 360 3 to 5 axis CNC mill turn ona edm with fikus software. 3d printers Bambu X1 carbon and CreateBot, using PLA and CF materials software createware

Mold Precision engineering inc

Mold maker/cnc programmer

Oct 2023 march 2025

Cimitron 2025, deckle, program core cavity and mold bases

Americanmaid (Apr2022 - Sep2023)

Director of Manufacturing

Directed manufacturing operations, overseeing new mold projects, repairs, and 3-5-axis programming.

Managed a team of professionals, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to project timelines.

Demonstrated expertise in 3-5 axis programming, wire EDM, and ram EDM to optimize mold manufacturing processes.

Implemented rigorous quality control measures to uphold industry standards and ensure precision in manufacturing.

Fostered collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams to streamline production processes and meet project goals.

Applied innovative problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues and optimize manufacturing efficiency.

Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously, balancing priorities and resources to achieve organizational objectives.

Spearheaded initiatives to drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes, resulting in increased productivity and cost savings.

SMP Engineering, Glendale, CA (Nov2021 - Apr2022)

Mold Builder/Repairer

Built and repaired molds according to specifications and project requirements.

Conducted maintenance and troubleshooting on molds to ensure optimal performance.

Collaborated with engineering and production teams to address mold-related issues and implement solutions.

Utilized various tools and equipment for mold building and repair, including CNC machinery and EDM.

Adhered to safety protocols and quality standards throughout the mold building and repair.

Maintained detailed documentation of mold specifications, repairs, and maintenance activities.

Contributed to process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and productivity in mold operations.

Participated in training sessions to stay updated on new technologies and techniques in mold building and repair.

TNT Plastic Molding, Corona, CA (Jan2020 - Apr2021)

CNC Programmer/Mold Maker

Programmed CNC equipment for mold making and machining operations to meet project specifications.

Utilized CAD/CAM software to design and develop molds for plastic molding processes.

Operated CNC machinery including ROKU, Haas, and Mits EDM to fabricate molds precisely.

Conducted mold repairs and modifications as needed to ensure optimal performance and functionality.

Collaborated with engineering and design teams to troubleshoot issues and refine mold designs.

Implemented quality control measures to verify the accuracy and integrity of finished molds.

Maintained a clean and organized work area, adhering to safety protocols and best practices.

Contributed to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in mold making processes.

WET Design, Sun Valley, CA (Jul2019 - Feb2020)

Prototype Plastic Injection CNC Programmer/Mold Maker

Programmed CNC equipment to create prototype plastic injection molds according to design specifications.

Utilized CAD/CAM software to develop precise toolpaths and machining instructions for mold fabrication.

Operated CNC machinery including Makino U6 wire, Makino v5 mill, and Haas lathe to produce molds with high accuracy.

Collaborated with design and engineering teams to refine mold designs and troubleshoot manufacturing issues.

Conducted mold assembly, testing, and evaluation to ensure functionality and quality standards.

Implemented process improvements to optimize production efficiency and reduce lead times for prototype molds.

Maintained documentation of mold specifications, programming codes, and machining processes for reference and future use.

Adhered to safety protocols and workplace regulations to promote a safe working environment.

Self-employed (Contract Work) (May 2018 -2019)

CNC Programmer/Mold Maker/Designer

Independently operated as a CNC programmer, mold maker, and designer, providing services to various clients.

Programmed CNC equipment to create molds and machined parts to precise specifications.

Designed molds and mechanical components using CAD software, ensuring functionality and manufacturability.

Utilized CAM software to generate toolpaths and optimize machining processes for efficiency.

Fabricated molds and machined components using various equipment, including CNC mills, lathes, and EDM machines.

Conducted mold repairs, modifications, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

Collaborated with clients to understand project requirements and deliver solutions that meet their needs.

Maintained accurate records of projects, including design files, programming codes, and project documentation.

N2 Imaging Systems/UTC Aerospace, Irvine, CA (May 2014 - May 2018)

CNC Programmer/Mold Maker

Programmed CNC equipment for precision machining operations to manufacture molds and components.

Utilized CAD/CAM software to design molds and generate toolpaths for CNC machining.

Operated CNC mills, lathes, and EDM machines to fabricate molds and machined parts with high accuracy.

Conducted mold assembly, fitting, and testing to ensure functionality and quality standards.

Collaborated with engineering and design teams to refine mold designs and troubleshoot manufacturing issues.

Implemented process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce lead times in mold production.

Performed mold maintenance, repairs, and modifications as needed to support production operations.

Adhered to safety protocols and quality standards to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.

Farrar Aerospace, Ontario, CA (Contract) (Sep2012 -2018)

CNC Programmer/ Designer

Independently contracted as a CNC programmer and designer for Farrar Aerospace, providing services remotely.

Programmed CNC equipment to create toolpaths for machining aerospace components to precise specifications.

Designed mechanical components and fixtures using CAD software, ensuring adherence to project requirements.

Generated detailed engineering drawings and documentation for manufacturing and assembly purposes.

Collaborated with engineering teams to optimize designs for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

Utilized CAM software to simulate machining processes and optimize toolpaths for efficiency.

Conducted feasibility studies and cost analyses to support decision-making in project planning.

Maintained communication with clients to understand project needs and deliver timely solutions.

C. Brewer Co., Ontario, CA (Jan2007 - Sep2012)

Mold maker/Programmer

Operated as a mold maker and programmer, responsible for designing, building, and programming molds.

Utilized CAD/CAM software to design molds and generate toolpaths for CNC machining.

Programmed CNC equipment to fabricate molds and machined parts to precise specifications.

Conducted mold assembly, fitting, and testing to ensure functionality and quality standards.

Collaborated with engineering teams to refine mold designs and troubleshoot manufacturing issues.

Participated in mold maintenance, repairs, and modifications as needed to support production operations.

Adhered to safety protocols and quality standards to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.

Contributed to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in mold-making processes.

ATM, Clearwater, FL (Jun2005 - Jan2007)

Programmer

Served as a programmer, responsible for programming CNC equipment for plastic injection stack molds and two-shot tooling.

Utilized CAD/CAM software to generate toolpaths and optimize machining processes.

Programmed CNC machinery to fabricate molds and machined parts to precise specifications.

Collaborated with engineering and design teams to ensure the accuracy and integrity of mold designs.

Conducted mold assembly, fitting, and testing to verify functionality and quality standards.

Participated in troubleshooting and resolving issues related to mold manufacturing and programming.

Maintained documentation of programming codes, machining processes, and project specifications.

Adhered to safety protocols and quality standards to ensure a safe and compliant work environment.

Quashnick Tool, Lodi, CA (Sep2004 - Jun2005)

Mold maker/CNC Programmer

Held dual responsibilities as a mold maker and CNC programmer, specializing in mold fabrication and CNC machining.

Utilized CAD/CAM software to design molds and generate toolpaths for CNC machining operations.

Programmed CNC equipment to produce molds and machined components to precise specifications.

Conducted mold assembly, fitting, and testing to ensure functionality and quality standards.

Collaborated with engineering teams to refine mold designs and troubleshoot manufacturing issues.

Participated in mold maintenance, repairs, and modifications as needed to support production operations.

Adhered to safety protocols and quality standards to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.

Contributed to process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in mold-making and CNC machining processes.

CCS Composites, Benicia, CA (Jan2004 - Sep2004)

Tool Engineer

Served as a Tool Engineer, responsible for designing and engineering composite tooling for aerospace industries.

Utilized CAD software to design composite tooling molds and fixtures according to project specifications.

Collaborated with engineering teams to develop innovative solutions for composite tooling applications.

Conducted feasibility studies and cost analyses to support decision-making in tooling design and manufacturing.

Generated detailed engineering drawings and documentation for tooling fabrication and assembly purposes.

Participated in-mold assembly, fitting, and testing to verify functionality and quality standards.

Adhered to safety protocols and quality standards to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.

Contributed to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in composite tooling design and manufacturing processes.

Labcon North America, Petaluma, CA (Aug2002 - Jan2004)

Mold maker/CNC Programmer

Held dual responsibilities as a mold maker and CNC programmer, specializing in mold fabrication and CNC machining.

Utilized CAD/CAM software to design molds and generate toolpaths for CNC machining operations.

Programmed CNC equipment to produce molds and machined components to precise specifications.

Conducted mold assembly, fitting, and testing to ensure functionality and quality standards.

Collaborated with engineering teams to refine mold designs and troubleshoot manufacturing issues.

Participated in mold maintenance, repairs, and modifications as needed to support production operations.

Adhered to safety protocols and quality standards to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.

Contributed to process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in mold-making and CNC machining processes.

Bentec Medical, Woodland, CA (Jan2001 - Aug2002)

Mold maker/CNC Programmer

Undertook a multifaceted role encompassing mold making and CNC programming, specializing in the fabrication of molds and precision CNC machining.

Employed cutting-edge CAD/CAM software to craft intricate mold designs and generate meticulous toolpaths essential for CNC machining operations.

Proficiently programmed CNC equipment, ensuring the production of molds and machined components adhered to exacting specifications.

Executed meticulous mold assembly, fitting, and rigorous testing protocols to validate functionality and uphold stringent quality standards.

Collaborated seamlessly with cross-functional engineering teams, contributing to the refinement of mold designs and the resolution of manufacturing intricacies.

Played an integral role in ongoing mold maintenance, repair, and modification endeavors, essential for sustaining seamless production workflows.

Maintained unwavering compliance with safety regulations and quality benchmarks, fostering a secure and quality-driven work environment.

Actively engaged in driving continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing operational efficiency and refining mold-making and CNC machining processes.

Pro Tool, Butler, WI (Jun1995 - Dec2000)

Mold maker/CNC Programmer

Demonstrated proficiency in both mold making and CNC programming, serving as a key contributor to Pro Tool's manufacturing processes.

Employed advanced CAD/CAM software to meticulously design molds and develop precise toolpaths for CNC machining operations.

Leveraged programming expertise to operate CNC machinery, ensuring the accurate production of molds and machined components to exact specifications.

Conducted thorough testing and meticulous fitting during mold assembly, guaranteeing compliance with stringent quality standards and functional requirements.

Collaborated closely with cross-functional engineering teams to refine mold designs and proactively address any manufacturing challenges encountered.

Spearheaded ongoing maintenance, repair, and modification initiatives for molds, ensuring continuous operational efficiency and productivity.

Maintained unwavering commitment to upholding rigorous safety protocols and stringent quality standards throughout all operations.

Actively contributed to the implementation of process enhancement strategies, aiming to optimize manufacturing efficiency and effectiveness in mold fabrication and CNC machining processes.

Ironwood Plastics, Two Rivers, WI (Sep1992 - Jun1995)

Mold maker

Skillfully crafted molds according to precise specifications, enhancing Ironwood Plastics' manufacturing capabilities.

Played a pivotal role in the meticulous assembly of molds, ensuring they met rigorous quality standards and functional criteria.

Collaborated seamlessly with team members to troubleshoot and resolve any manufacturing challenges encountered during the process.

Contributed proactively to ongoing maintenance and repair tasks, ensuring uninterrupted production flow.

Maintained unwavering adherence to stringent safety protocols and quality standards at all stages of mold fabrication.

Actively engaged in collaborative efforts to drive process improvements and enhance operational efficiencies.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & CREDENTIALS

Associate Degree, Machine Tool Techniques Nicolet College, Rhinelander, WI

Diploma, Mechanical Drafting Nicolet College, Rhinelander, WI

Trainings:

SolidWorks 3D Mechanical Design Certificate

Certificate in CAD/CAM Software (MasterCAM, Unigraphics, SurfCAM)

ISO 9001 Standards Training

CMM Equipment Training (Brown and Sharp 555, Zeiss)

Various Continuing Education Courses in CAD/CAM Software

journeyman tool & diemaker state of Wisconsin certified 10,400 hours

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