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Contract Cnc Programming Jobs in Kitchener, ON (NOW HIRING)

Conduct periodic operational audits to ensure compliance with customer contracts and quality ... CNC machining, wire drawing, or shape memory alloys is a plus. * Bachelor's degree in Engineering ...

Contract Cnc Programming information

See Kitchener, ON salary details

$25.2K

$62.1K

$107.3K

How much do contract cnc programming jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract cnc programming in Kitchener, ON is $62,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,649.00 and $69,973.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract CNC programming?

Contract CNC programming involves hiring a specialist or company on a contractual basis to create, optimize, or modify CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine code. These professionals develop programs that guide machines like mills, lathes, and routers to produce precise parts according to engineering drawings or CAD files. Contract CNC programmers are often brought in for specific projects, to handle overflow work, or to provide expertise in complex machining tasks. This flexible arrangement helps manufacturers access skilled programmers without committing to a full-time hire.

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

To thrive as a Contract CNC Programmer, you need strong proficiency in CNC machine operation, G-code programming, and a background in mechanical engineering or machining. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software such as Mastercam, SolidWorks, or Fusion 360, as well as knowledge of various CNC controllers, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help ensure precise production and collaboration with manufacturing teams. These capabilities are crucial for delivering high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective machining solutions in a dynamic contract environment.

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

AspectContract Cnc ProgrammingCnc Machinist
CredentialsTypically requires CNC programming certifications or experience with CAD/CAM softwareRequires CNC machine operation experience, often with certifications in machine operation
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based for programming, on-site for setup and testingPrimarily on the shop floor operating machines
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, aerospace, automotive for designing and programming partsUsed in manufacturing plants for producing parts directly on CNC machines

Contract Cnc Programmers focus on creating and optimizing CNC programs, often working remotely or on a project basis, while Cnc Machinists operate and set up CNC machines to produce parts. Both roles require technical skills, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by contract CNC programmers when joining new client projects?

Contract CNC programmers often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to unfamiliar machines, software, or shop floor processes used by different clients. They may need to rapidly interpret varying technical drawings and specifications, while also aligning with each shop's unique workflow and safety standards. Building rapport with permanent team members and understanding client expectations are crucial for delivering effective solutions on tight timelines. Flexibility, clear communication, and a solid foundation in CNC programming principles help contract professionals overcome these hurdles.
What are popular job titles related to Contract Cnc Programming jobs in Kitchener, ON? For Contract Cnc Programming jobs in Kitchener, ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Cnc Programming jobs in Kitchener, ON look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Cnc Programming jobs in Kitchener, ON are:
Infographic showing various Contract Cnc Programming job openings in Kitchener, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,132 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Senior Mechatronics Developer

Voltera, Inc.

Waterloo, ON • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

About Voltera

Voltera is a rapidly scaling and profitable Canadian tech company that has been driving change in the additive electronics industry since 2013. Our customers span 92 countries and use our products to improve quality of life and push the boundaries of what electronics can do. From developing electronics skin to exploring space, our products support some of the world's most exciting engineering endeavors.


Our first product, the V-One PCB printer, integrates drilling through-holes, printing conductive materials, dispensing solder paste, and reflowing circuits to enable fast iteration of circuit board designs. Our second product, the NOVA materials dispensing system, offers precision dispensing of functional materials on both flexible and rigid substrates for flexible hybrid electronics prototyping and materials research.


As we continue to tackle new challenges, we are looking for ambitious, talented individuals to join the adventure. We are a tight-knit, mission-driven team. You will be supported by people who care, challenged to grow, and trusted to make a real impact.


About the Job

  • Design and integrate gantries, actuators, sensors, calibration systems, and precision mechanisms.
  • Translate product needs into motion, sensing, accuracy, repeatability, reliability, serviceability, and manufacturability requirements.
  • Help define acceptance criteria for machine capability, validation, production readiness, and field reliability.
  • Make design decisions for motors, transmissions, rails, belts, lead screws, bearings, encoders, endstops, homing, cable routing, stiffness, and mechanical constraints.
  • Develop calibration and alignment approaches, including tolerance stack-ups, error budgets, compensation methods, factory workflows, and field-service considerations.
  • Work with mechanical, electrical, firmware, software, manufacturing, and UX teams to make practical technical trade-offs.
  • Build and execute validation plans for motion performance, repeatability, robustness, calibration, reliability, and manufacturing yield.
  • Support prototype builds, first articles, pilot builds, and production ramp.
  • Participate in design reviews covering DFM, DFA, tolerance stack-ups, assembly sequence, serviceability, reliability, and integration risk.
  • Debug issues across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software boundaries, including vibration, missed steps, backlash, compliance, resonance, drift, thermal effects, and sensor noise.
  • Create and review CAD, drawings, BOMs, interface documents, test plans, design notes, and production documentation.
  • Share technical knowledge with teammates and help improve motion design, debugging, and documentation practices.


Working conditions

  • Working from the office in Waterloo at least three days per week.


About You

  • Post-secondary education in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Systems Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Strong experience designing mechatronic systems involving motion, sensing, actuation, calibration, and controls.
  • Strong grounding in kinematics, dynamics, stiffness, compliance, friction, backlash, vibration, tolerance stack-ups, and error budgeting.
  • Hands-on experience with gantries, rails, belts, lead screws, bearings, motors, encoders, endstops, motor drivers, harnessing, and mechanical constraints.
  • Experience defining motion requirements, validation plans, calibration methods, and acceptance criteria.
  • Ability to debug issues across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software boundaries.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD such as Onshape, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or an equivalent tool.
  • Working knowledge of sensors, encoders, limit switches, grounding, shielding, cable routing, and signal integrity.
  • Ability to read schematics and PCB layouts for integration, debugging, and design review.
  • Strong technical communication, documentation, and collaboration skills.
  • Proven ability to independently deliver complex technical work from concept through production transfer.


Nice to haves

  • Experience with gantries, robotic platforms, pick-and-place systems, CNC machines, 3D printers, dispensers, or automation equipment.
  • Experience with precision systems where calibration, alignment, repeatability, and field reliability are important.
  • Familiarity with PID, motion profiles, stepper and servo behavior, feedback loops, compensation, and control-system limitations.
  • Basic Python, G-code, or scripting ability for testing, calibration, automation, or data analysis.
  • Experience diagnosing vibration, missed steps, backlash, compliance, drift, resonance, thermal effects, or sensor noise.
  • Exposure to machined parts, sheet metal, injection molding, harnessing, enclosures, and assembly constraints.
  • Experience working with suppliers, contract manufacturers, production teams, or service teams.
  • Experience supporting EVT, DVT, PVT, pilot builds, or production transfer.
  • Interest in full-stack electromechanical systems, from motion hardware through firmware, calibration, UX, diagnostics, and production.


Why We're Awesome

  • We're a scaling company - you're hired to have a voice, not to be a cog.
  • Three weeks' vacation to start, plus a paid end-of-year company shutdown.
  • Flexible work hours.
  • Family-friendly work culture.
  • Collaborative work environment.
  • Located in the growing tech hub of Waterloo, Ontario, close to restaurants and easily accessible by public transit.


If this sounds like a good fit, reach out! We'd love to hear from you.


Compensation

The expected base salary range for this role is CAD $100,000-$120,000. Final compensation will be based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications. This range reflects base pay only and does not include bonus eligibility or benefits.


Posting and application details

This posting is for an existing vacancy. Applications are reviewed by a member of our team; we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select candidates. Selected applicants will be contacted regarding next steps.


Voltera is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to inclusion and diversity. Voltera does not discriminate based on race, ancestry, place of origin, color, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offenses, marital status, family status, disability, or any other basis forbidden under federal, provincial, or local law.


Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the recruitment process. If you require accommodation or require recruitment documents in a different format, please contact us at accessibility@voltera.io.