A CNC specialist is a machinist responsible for the maintenance and operation of a computer numeric controlled (CNC) machine. A CNC machine is a precision machine that requires computer software to be able to perform with the necessary level of accuracy. As a CNC specialist, your job duties include programming the CNC machine to ensure optimal functionality, maintaining the CNC machine itself, and evaluating the need for additional CNC machine capabilities. The qualifications needed for a career as a CNC specialist include a bachelor’s degree in engineering, experience with computer-aided design software, and a CNC machinist certification.