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Contract Cnc Programmer Jobs in Three Rivers, MI

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk Fusion 360 Tutor

Kalamazoo, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... engineering, and digital fabrication careers. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled at ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Jet Technologies

Buyer Purchasing Agent

Elkhart, IN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

JET Technologies, a multi-faceted corporation focused on plastic CNC fabrication and Thermoforming ... Contract Management o Negotiate pricing, volume discounts, payment terms, and supply agreements. o ...

All JobsContract Cnc Programmer JobsContract Cnc Programmer Jobs in Three Rivers, MI

Contract Cnc Programmer information

See Three Rivers, MI salary details

$15

$28

$41

How much do contract cnc programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cnc programmer in Three Rivers, MI is $28.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.51 and $32.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract CNC programmer?

Contract CNC Programmers are skilled professionals who create and optimize computer numerical control (CNC) machine programs for manufacturers on a contract or temporary basis. They use specialized software to convert engineering drawings and blueprints into code that CNC machines use to produce precision parts. Unlike full-time employees, contract CNC programmers are typically hired for specific projects or periods of high demand, providing flexibility to both the employer and the programmer.

What does a contract CNC programmer do?

A computer numerical control (CNC) programmer develops software programs that direct machines to cut and shape the material into parts and tools. A contract CNC programmer is a freelance position; companies hire you on a short- or long-term contract. As a contract CNC programmer, you work with 3D computer designs, computer-aided manufacturing, and blueprint software. Your responsibilities are to review job orders, design models, perform calculations, determine appropriate tools and speed, generate program code, and run tests. Additional job duties may include operating the machines and checking for compliance with all safety standards. Once the materials are complete, you work with quality control to ensure the products are cut to specifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract CNC programmer?

To thrive as a Contract CNC Programmer, you need expertise in CNC programming, machining processes, and blueprint reading, usually supported by relevant technical education or experience. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software (such as Mastercam or SolidWorks), G-code, and CNC machine operation is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in client-driven, project-based environments. These competencies ensure precise, efficient production and successful collaboration with engineers and machinists on custom manufacturing projects.

What are some common challenges faced by contract CNC programmers when working with new clients or unfamiliar machines?

Contract CNC Programmers often need to quickly adapt to different client environments, which can include learning new software, interpreting unfamiliar design standards, and troubleshooting various CNC machines. One common challenge is ensuring compatibility between the client's CAD/CAM files and the machines on site, as well as understanding unique workflow processes. Effective communication with shop floor staff and engineers is essential to clarify project specifications and resolve production issues efficiently. Flexibility and strong problem-solving skills are key to overcoming these challenges and delivering high-quality programs under tight deadlines.

What is the difference between Contract Cnc Programmer vs Cnc Machinist?

AspectContract Cnc ProgrammerCnc Machinist
CredentialsTypically requires programming certifications, technical degrees, or CNC trainingRequires machining experience, technical skills, and often certifications in CNC operation
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in offices or programming stations, sometimes on-site at manufacturing facilitiesOperates CNC machines directly on shop floors
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance or temporary roles in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industriesFull-time or shift-based roles in manufacturing plants and machine shops

While both roles involve CNC technology, Contract Cnc Programmers focus on creating and optimizing CNC programs, often remotely or on a project basis. Cnc Machinists operate the machines directly, executing the programs and ensuring quality. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

More about Contract Cnc Programmer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Cnc Programmer jobs in Three Rivers, MI?

The most popular types of Cnc Programmer jobs in Three Rivers, MI are:

What cities near Three Rivers, MI are hiring for Contract Cnc Programmer jobs?

Cities near Three Rivers, MI with the most Contract Cnc Programmer job openings:

Contract Cnc Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cnc Programmer job openings in Three Rivers, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,384 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer

Third Party International Inc.

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Hybrid Work
  • Competitive salary
  • Flexible schedule

Manufacturing Engineer, Aerospace Machining and New Product Introduction
Location: West Michigan or Upper Midwest
Company: Third Party International
Schedule: Full time contract and contract to hire options available
Pay: Competitive based on experience
Third Party International is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with a strong aerospace machining background. We are looking for candidates with a similar experience level and skill set to a senior process engineer in a precision aerospace shop environment. This role supports CNC machining, new product introduction, and supplier qualification for tight tolerance components and assemblies.
About the Role
You will lead and support manufacturing process development for complex machined parts and help qualify new sources of supply. The work includes process planning, CNC programming support, tooling and fixturing strategy, prove outs, supplier capability evaluation, and continuous improvement. You will partner closely with engineering, quality, supply chain, and production to launch new work, stabilize existing processes, reduce cost and cycle time, and build a capable supplier base.
Key Responsibilities
  •  Develop and document manufacturing processes for new and existing aerospace components 
  •  Create and maintain routings, operation sheets, setup documentation, and standard work for the shop floor 
  •  Support CNC programming and prove out activities for milling and turning, including first article readiness 
  •  Lead tooling and fixturing development including cutter selection, workholding strategy, and process capability planning 
  •  Optimize cycle time and improve part quality through process changes, tooling upgrades, and program improvements 
  •  Troubleshoot manufacturing issues on the floor and drive corrective actions to prevent recurrence 
  •  Collaborate with quality on inspection planning, GD and T interpretation, and first article documentation support 
  •  Support qualifying new sources of supply for machined parts, including supplier capability reviews, process validation, and first article readiness 
  •  Partner with supply chain and suppliers to define technical requirements, flowdowns, and inspection expectations 
  •  Work cross functionally with engineering and production to ensure smooth transitions from design to manufacturing and from supplier qualification to stable production 
  •  Support continuous improvement initiatives using lean methods and structured problem solving 
Qualifications
  •  Significant manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace machining or other regulated precision machining environments 
  •  Strong knowledge of CNC milling and turning processes, cutting tools, workholding, and process development 
  •  Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings with a working knowledge of GD and T 
  •  Experience supporting new product introduction including process development, prove out, and transition to production 
  •  Experience working with suppliers or supplier qualification activities for machined components 
  •  Comfortable working directly on the shop floor with machinists, programmers, inspectors, and supervisors 
  •  Proficiency with common manufacturing engineering tools and systems such as ERP, Microsoft Excel, and technical documentation workflows 
Preferred Skills
  •  Experience with CAD and CAM tools commonly used in aerospace machining such as Mastercam, Vericut, SolidWorks, NX, or similar 
  •  Background in fixture design, tool crib management, and cutter path optimization 
  •  Familiarity with AS9100 quality system expectations, supplier controls, and first article practices 
  •  Experience driving measurable cycle time reduction, cost down projects, and supplier performance improvements 
About Third Party International
Third Party International thirdparty.biz provides engineering, quality, and supply chain consultants to aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing companies across the United States. We deploy experienced professionals to support urgent manufacturing needs, long term capability building, and high impact improvement projects.
If you are a manufacturing engineer in West Michigan or the Upper Midwest with deep aerospace machining experience and you enjoy hands on process development, supplier qualification, and shop floor problem solving, we invite you to apply.

Flexible work from home options available.