Contract Cnc Programming Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Engineering Technician

Job Description

The Engineering Technician supports CNC programmers and the broader manufacturing engineering team by developing and refining machining processes, creating detailed documentation, and driving continuous improvement in an industrial environment. This role offers a clear growth path beyond traditional machinist or intern positions and serves as a strong stepping stone toward an NC programmer role.

Responsibilities

• Support CNC programmers by developing and refining machining processes, setup strategies, and tooling selections to ensure efficient and accurate production.
• Create and maintain setup sheets, work instructions, and process documentation to enable repeatable, high-quality manufacturing.
• Identify process gaps, errors, and inefficiencies in existing machining and manufacturing workflows, and implement corrective actions to improve product quality and consistency.
• Create and update 2D facility layouts to support effective use of space, equipment placement, and workflow optimization.
• Design and implement 3D-printed tooling, fixturing, and masking solutions to support production and improve manufacturability.
• Interpret and apply Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) from engineering drawings and CAD models to ensure parts meet specifications.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies to enhance quality, throughput, and delivery performance.
• Collaborate closely with machinists, engineers, and NC programmers to troubleshoot issues on the shop floor and refine processes.
• Contribute to CAD design work, including creating and updating engineering drawings, layouts, and models for production use.
• Support non-programming CNC-related tasks such as part setup, process improvement, and documentation to free up NC programmers for more complex work.

Essential Skills

• 2+ years of experience in machining, manufacturing engineering, or CNC programming support in an industrial environment.
• 2+ years of machining, including experience with machine setup for parts, CAD drawings, and process improvement.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical systems and machine setup in a production setting.
• Ability to operate and support manual and CNC lathes and mills in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of machining fundamentals, including tooling, workholding, feeds and speeds, and materials.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and applying GD&T principles.
• Experience creating and working with CAD designs, including engineering drawings and layouts.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar AutoDesk tools for creating layouts and design work.
• Experience working in an ITAR-regulated environment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to identify and resolve process issues.
• Effective communication and organizational skills to coordinate with cross-functional teams and maintain accurate documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for supporting CNC programming and process development.
• Exposure to Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives, including participation in quality and throughput improvement projects.
• Experience creating and updating 2D facility layouts to support efficient manufacturing operations.
• Experience designing or implementing 3D-printed tooling, fixturing, or masking solutions in a production environment.
• Familiarity with blueprint reading and interpretation in a manufacturing setting.
• Interest in growing into an NC programmer role and developing advanced CNC programming skills over time.

Work Environment

This position operates in an engineering and manufacturing setting governed by ITAR requirements. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with potential additional hours as needed to support production demands and project deadlines. The role involves regular interaction with CNC machines, manual lathes and mills, and engineering tools such as CAD and AutoCAD software. The environment is collaborative and focused on continuous improvement, with close partnership between machinists, engineering technicians, and NC programmers to enhance quality, throughput, and on-time delivery.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Springdale, AR.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Springdale,AR.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 6, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.