CNC PROGRAMMER

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The CNC Programmer is responsible for developing, testing, optimizing, and maintaining CNC programs used to manufacture precision components. This position works closely with Engineering, Production, and Quality to create efficient machining processes, select appropriate tooling and work holding, support new product introduction, and continuously improve manufacturing performance. The CNC Programmer also assists with machine setup, program prove-outs, troubleshooting, and process optimization to ensure quality, safety, and production goals are achieved.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop,      write, edit, and optimize CNC programs for milling, turning, and other      machining operations using machine controls and/or CAD/CAM software.
• Interpret      engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, CAD models, process sheets,      and customer specifications to determine machining requirements.
• Develop      machining strategies including operation sequencing, tooling selection,      cutting parameters, work holding, and machine setup requirements.
• Create      and maintain setup sheets, tooling lists, work instructions, and      manufacturing documentation.
• Perform      program prove-outs, first-piece verification, and machine trials to      validate machining processes before production.
• Troubleshoot      programming, tooling, machine, and quality issues; implement corrective      actions to improve production efficiency and part quality.
• Optimize      CNC programs to reduce cycle times, improve tool life, minimize scrap, and      maximize machine utilization.
• Collaborate      with Engineering to support new product development, prototype machining,      and manufacturing process improvements.
• Recommend      or design fixtures, work holding solutions, tooling, and machining methods      to improve manufacturability and productivity.
• Verify      program accuracy through simulation, dry runs, and machine testing before      production release.
• Maintain      program revisions and document engineering changes using established      revision control procedures.
• Provide      technical support to CNC machinists during machine setup, program      execution, and troubleshooting.
• Train      machinists and operators on new programs, setup procedures, tooling      requirements, and process improvements.
• Assist      in evaluating new tooling, cutting technologies, and manufacturing      equipment.
• Maintain      accurate programming records and documentation within the company's      manufacturing systems.
• Follow      all company quality standards, safety procedures, and continuous      improvement initiatives.
• Perform      additional duties as assigned by the Machine Shop Supervisor.

Qualifications Required

• High      school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate      degree in CNC Programming, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical      Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred, or equivalent work      experience.
• Minimum      of three (3) years of CNC programming experience in a manufacturing      environment.
• Demonstrated      experience programming CNC mills and/or lathes.
• Strong      understanding of G-code, M-code, machining principles, tooling, feeds,      speeds, and work holding methods.
• Ability      to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T, and      technical specifications.
• Experience      setting up, proving out, and troubleshooting CNC machining processes.
• Strong      mechanical aptitude and manufacturing problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency      using precision measuring instruments and quality inspection techniques.
• Strong      computer skills, including manufacturing software and Microsoft Office      applications.
• Excellent      written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience      with CAD/CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, SolidCAM, GibbsCAM,      ESPRIT, or similar systems.
• Multi-axis      machining experience (4-axis and/or 5-axis).
• Experience      programming multiple CNC control platforms such as Fanuc, Haas, Mazak,      Okuma, Siemens, or Mitsubishi.
• Knowledge      of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience      supporting prototype development and first-article inspections.

Core Competencies

• Advanced      CNC programming.
• Process      development and optimization.
• Analytical      thinking and problem-solving.
• Blueprint      and GD&T interpretation.
• Technical      documentation.
• Planning      and organization.
• Attention      to detail.
• Innovation      and continuous improvement.
• Communication      and collaboration.
• Time      management.
• Commitment      to quality and workplace safety.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Employees must be able to safely perform the essential functions of this position, which include:

• Standing      and walking for extended periods while supporting machine setups and      production.
• Frequently      lifting and carrying materials, tooling, or components weighing up to 50      pounds.
• Frequent      bending, reaching, stooping, and repetitive use of hands and wrists.
• Manual      dexterity sufficient to operate CNC controls, computers, hand tools, and      precision measuring instruments.
• Ability      to work in both an office and manufacturing environment with exposure to      moving machinery, metal chips, coolants, lubricants, noise, and varying      temperatures.
• Required      use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in      production areas.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as business needs require.

Employee Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the responsibilities and requirements outlined in this job description.

Employee Signature: ___________________________

Date: ___________________