Description:
Job Title: CNC Programmer
Department: Production
Reports To: Machining Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
CNC Programmer- LEVEL I (Programmer I/Entry Programmer)
Position Summary:
The CNC Programmer I supports CNC programming and manufacturing operations by maintaining accurate programs, setup sheets, and documentation while learning standard CNC programming practices. This level builds foundational knowledge of machining processes, revision control, and shop-floor interaction, with emphasis on accuracy, discipline, and understanding process impact.
Core Responsibilities:
· Perform minor edits to existing CNC programs under supervision using GibbsCAM.
· Load, verify, and release approved program revisions to production equipment.
· Maintain organized program storage, backups, and revision history.
· Create and update setup sheets, tool lists, and work instructions.
· Verify alignment between programs, setup sheets, tools, and offsets.
· Assist during machine setup, prove-out, and startup activities.
· Support basic troubleshooting of documentation or programming issues.
· Follow defined escalation paths for quality, safety, or process deviations.
· Execute all work within established standards and approvals.
Skills & Knowledge:
· Basic CNC machining fundamentals (milling or turning).
· Introductory CAM exposure; GibbsCAM strongly preferred.
· Basic blueprint interpretation.
· Introductory GD&T awareness.
· Familiarity with tooling, feeds, and speeds.
Qualifications:
· Technical certificate, associate degree, or equivalent machining experience.
· 0-2 years of CNC machining or programming exposure.
· Demonstrated attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
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CNC Programmer – LEVEL II (Programmer II)
Position Summary:
The CNC Programmer II independently develops and supports CNC programs for standard parts and repeatable processes. This role owns program accuracy, setup documentation, and basic process stability while contributing to setup efficiency and waste reduction.
Core Responsibilities:
· Create CNC programs from prints and models using GibbsCAM.
· Program standard milling and turning operations independently.
· Select tooling, holders, feeds, speeds, and work-holding strategies.
· Author and maintain complete, repeatable setup sheets.
· Support machine prove-outs and first-piece validation.
· Troubleshoot program-related issues at the machine.
· Apply SMED principles to reduce setup time.
· Ensure all program and documentation revisions are controlled.
· Escalate complex or non-standard conditions.
Skills & Knowledge:
· Proficient CAM operation; GibbsCAM strongly preferred.
· Intermediate blueprint reading and tolerancing.
· Practical GD&T application.
· Understanding of offsets and cutter compensation.
· Awareness of process variation and scrap risk.
Qualifications:
· 2-4 years of CNC programming or equivalent machining experience.
· Milling or turning specialization preferred.
· Ability to support production independently.
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CNC Programmer– LEVEL III (Senior Programmer/Process Programmer)
Position Summary:
The CNC Programmer III owns complex CNC programming and machining processes end-to-end, from process design through stable production. This role is accountable for capability, setup optimization, cycle-time efficiency, and measurable cost savings.
Core Responsibilities:
· Develop multi-axis and multi-operation programs using GibbsCAM.
· Program and optimize Swiss and CNC multi-spindle machines.
· Define datum schemes, probing routines, and safe toolpaths.
· Lead machine prove-outs and stabilize production processes.
· Optimize cycle time, tool life, and machine utilization.
· Leas first-article inspections (FAI) and Cp/Cpk studies.
· Redesign setup sheets to reduce changeover time and risk.
· Eliminate sources of variation, scrap, and rework.
· Lead CI and SMED projects with documented savings.
· Make technical decisions impacting quality, cost, and throughput.
Skills & Knowledge:
· Advanced GD&T interpretation and intent-based application.
· Strong understanding of cutting mechanics and materials.
· Ability to manually read and edit CNC programs.
· Working knowledge of SPC and capability analysis.
· Advanced GibbsCam experience strongly preferred.
Qualifications:
· 4-7 years of CNC programming experience.
· Multi-axis, Swiss, mill-turn, or multi-spindle experience preferred.
· Demonstrated ownership of complex processes.
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CNC Operator – LEVEL IV (Lead Programmer/Advanced Manufacturing Programmer)
Position Summary:
The CNC Programmer IV provides technical leadership by defining programming standards, mentoring staff, and leading cross-cell CI and SMED initiatives with sustained cost savings.
Core Responsibilities:
· Establish CNC programming standards, templates, and best practices.
· Develop and govern GibbsCAM libraries, posts, and workflows.
· Design advanced probing, macro, and automation strategies.
· Lead complex new product introductions and transfers.
· Mentor programmers, setup technicians, and operators.
· Lead large-scale SMED initiatives.
· Drive cost reduction through tooling standardization.
· Standardize setup sheets and revision-control practices.
· Review and approve complex programming strategies.
· Track and communicate CI and cost-savings results.
Skills & Knowledge:
· Expert-level CAM proficiency; GibbsCAM strongly preferred.
· Advanced CNC control logic and automation.
· Strong DFM/DTC capability.
· Lean manufacturing leadership and value-stream thinking.
· High-level coaching and communication skills.
Qualifications:
· 7-10 years of advanced CNC programming experience.
· Demonstrated leadership in CI and cost reduction.
· Broad experience across CNC technologies.
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CNC Operator – LEVEL V (Principal Programmer/Technical Authority)
Position Summary:
The CNC Programmer V serves as the enterprise-level technical authority for CNC programming and machining strategy, accountable for long-term standards, scalability, and cost competitiveness.
Core Responsibilities:
· Define plant-wide or enterprise CNC programming standards.
· Establish governance for documentation and revision control.
· Lead adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies.
· Serve as escalation point for systemic quality or cost issues.
· Define enterprise CI and SMED strategy.
· Quantify and report enterprise cost savings.
· Influence capital, tooling, and equipment strategy.
· Develop and mentor senior technical leaders.
· Set long-term technical vision aligned to business objectives.
Skills & Knowledge:
· Expert-level machining and programming knowledge.
· Deep understanding of manufacturing economics and capability.
· Experience across milling, turning, Swiss, and multi-spindle systems.
· Strong technical leadership and change influence.
· Master-level GibbsCAM expertise strongly preferred.
Qualifications:
· 10+ years of CNC programming experience.
· Recognized enterprise-level technical authority.
Requirements: