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Nesting Programmer Jobs in Alden, IL (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer

Burlington, WI

$77K - $99K/yr

... or other engineering/economic objectives; Applies visual and auditable, manufacturing best ... of nesting software for material optimization preferred. · Must be able to collaborate and ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Burlington, WI · On-site

$77K - $99K/yr

... or other engineering/economic objectives; Applies visual and auditable, manufacturing best ... nesting software for material optimization preferred. • Must be able to collaborate and ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Burlington, WI · On-site

$77K - $99K/yr

... or other engineering/economic objectives; Applies visual and auditable, manufacturing best ... nesting software for material optimization preferred. • Must be able to collaborate and ...

Microsoft Excel Tutor

Dekalb, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... VBA programming. Ability to explain cell referencing, formula nesting, and data analysis workflows while preparing students for business, finance, and data analysis applications. * Conceptual ...

Nesting Programmer information

See Alden, IL salary details

$11

$36

$64

How much do nesting programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for nesting programmer in Alden, IL is $36.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.99 and $47.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nesting programmer?

A Nesting Programmer is a specialist who creates and optimizes computer programs that arrange parts or shapes efficiently on raw materials for manufacturing processes, such as metal fabrication, woodworking, or textiles. Their main goal is to minimize material waste and maximize production efficiency by using software to 'nest' parts in the best possible layout. They work closely with CAD drawings and manufacturing machines, ensuring that cutting or fabrication is both cost-effective and meets production requirements. Nesting Programmers often need strong analytical skills and familiarity with industry-specific software. This role is crucial in industries where material costs and production speed are paramount.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nesting programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nesting Programmer, you need strong skills in CAD/CAM software, mathematical aptitude, and a background in manufacturing or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with nesting software like SigmaNEST, AutoCAD, or ProNest, as well as knowledge of CNC machinery, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help optimize material usage and collaborate with production teams. These skills are crucial for maximizing efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring smooth workflow in fabrication processes.

What are some common challenges nesting programmers face when optimizing material usage, and how can they be addressed?

Nesting Programmers often encounter challenges such as minimizing material waste, managing irregular part shapes, and accommodating machine limitations. To address these, they use advanced nesting software that leverages algorithms to arrange parts efficiently on raw materials. Collaboration with production and design teams is also vital to ensure that the nesting layouts are feasible and that any changes in part specifications are promptly integrated. Continuous learning about new software features and staying updated on best practices can further help Nesting Programmers improve outcomes.

What is the difference between Nesting Programmer vs CAD Programmer?

AspectNesting ProgrammerCAD Programmer
Required CredentialsTechnical certifications, experience with nesting softwareCAD software proficiency, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, fabrication facilitiesDesign studios, engineering firms
Industry UsageTextile, metal, woodworking industriesArchitecture, engineering, product design

While both roles involve computer-aided design, a Nesting Programmer specializes in optimizing material layouts for manufacturing, whereas a CAD Programmer focuses on creating detailed design models. The roles often overlap in technical skills but differ in application and industry focus.

What cities near Alden, IL are hiring for Nesting Programmer jobs?

Cities near Alden, IL with the most Nesting Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Nesting Programmer job openings in Alden, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,635 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Programmer Tech

ProDriven Global Brands

Crystal Lake, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

About Us

WHY PRODRIVEN GLOBAL BRANDS? BECAUSE WE ARE THE PROFESSIONAL'S CHOICE!  You will find our market leading products and brands on job sites all over the world.

Focusing on end users' needs and delivering exceptional customer experience drives our success. Our entire process-from research to engineering to manufacturing to commercialization-creates products that ensure ease of use, productivity, durability and safety for the end user. On jobsites across the world, ProDriven Global Brands are most preferred.

Presently this position is onsite for collaboration, teamwork, and business needs.  The status and minimum in-office requirements are subject to change based on evolving business needs.

Overview

The Engineering Programmer supports Crystal Lake manufacturing by developing, validating, optimizing, and maintaining programs for automated fabrication and forming equipment. This role converts engineering drawings, CAD/DXF/DWG files, specifications, BOM/routing information, material requirements, and production needs into safe, repeatable, and efficient machine programs. The position supports first-piece validation, tooling readiness, processing documentation, production troubleshooting, operator training, and continuous improvement initiatives while partnering with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, Materials, Planning, and Product Engineering to improve safety, quality, throughput, equipment utilization, and material yield.

Responsibilities
  • Know, follow, and reinforce all safety rules, machine guarding requirements, lock-out/tag-out expectations, housekeeping standards, and safe material-handling practices. Immediately escalate unsafe machine, tooling, program, or process conditions.
  • Create, revise, test, post, and maintain machine programs for automated fabrication and forming equipment, including S4, P4, Roboformer, turret, laser, and other assigned current or future fabrication systems.
  • Interpret blueprints, CAD models, DXF/DWG files, dimensional and tolerance requirements, BOMs, routings, material specifications, and work-center capabilities to determine feasible and repeatable manufacturing methods.
  • Develop and maintain nesting and programming strategies that improve material utilization, minimize scrap, reduce unnecessary handling, support correct sheet-size selection, and improve throughput without overproducing parts.
  • Support assigned machine setup and production launch activities; make necessary program or setup adjustments in coordination with operators, leads, Manufacturing Engineering, and Production supervision.
  • Support production trials, first-piece validation, and controlled rollout of new or revised programs; verify that programs, tooling, setup documentation, and inspection expectations are clear before regular production release.
  • Check parts for accuracy against blueprints and specifications; support inspection handoff, dimensional verification, and corrective actions when parts do not meet requirements.
  • Troubleshoot programs, tooling, drawing, material, equipment, and method-related issues that affect quality, cycle time, fit, machine performance, or production flow; coordinate resolution with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Product Engineering.
  • Identify tooling requirements, review existing tooling, support tooling procurement or redesign, update tool drawings and records, and help justify tooling decisions based on volume, quality risk, setup time, safety, and cost impact.
  • Support engineering changes, deviations, process alerts, drawing updates, and new product launches by reviewing manufacturability and confirming program readiness before production use.
  • Maintain accurate program records, revision history, setup information, tooling data, validation notes, and related documentation to support repeatability, audits, training, and production continuity.
  • Provide technical direction, coaching, and training to operators, leads, and production support personnel on program setup, safe operation, part handling, and program-related troubleshooting.
  • Use Lean manufacturing principles to improve work-center efficiency, reduce variation, eliminate waste, support standard work, improve flow, and strengthen daily management routines.
  • Support OEE, hour-by-hour production visibility, work-center data integrity, and escalation routines by helping ensure programming, routing, setup, and production assumptions are accurate and usable.
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering on new equipment, automation improvements, offline programming, digital manufacturing readiness, and future automation cell launches.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and professional work area and support the cleanliness and organization of associated equipment, shared files, and programming workspaces.
Qualifications

 Education, Licenses, and Certifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; equivalent hands-on manufacturing programming experience may be considered.
  • Experience with fabrication equipment programming, setup support, blueprint reading, dimensions, tolerances, and production troubleshooting.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD/DXF/DWG files, BOMs, routings, material specifications, and manufacturing instructions.
  • Working knowledge of CAD/CAM, nesting, or machine programming software; AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent 2D/3D drawing software experience is preferred.
  • Basic computer proficiency using Windows-based applications and Microsoft Office; intermediate Excel capability is preferred for documentation, data review, and production support.
  • Good problem-solving, communication, follow-up, and self-checking skills with the ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams.
  • Understanding of Lean manufacturing, 5S, setup reduction, material yield, standard work, quality validation, and root-cause problem solving.
  • Familiarity with safety precautions for manufacturing environments, including machine guarding and lock-out/tag-out awareness.
  • Ability and willingness to seek additional training and obtain required CAD, programming, machine, safety, or process certifications as needed.

Travel Requirements

  • None

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

  • Employees are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, safety toe boots, and reflective vests.
  • The facility may be noisy, dusty, and exposed to various temperature conditions.
  • The facility has safety signs, markings, and barriers to delineate pedestrian, forklift, and hazardous areas.
  • Physical expectations may include sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, balancing, kneeling, reaching, and handling material.
  • Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination are necessary for precise work.
  • Dependent on product demand, distribution schedule and deadlines, employees may be required to work overtime, including extended shifts and weekends.
  • Must be able to lift at a minimum of 50 lbs.

Salary Range:

$25 - $31

The pay range listed is for Illinois based roles.  It is not typical for a candidate to be hired at or near the top of the pay range.  Specific compensation offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including skill sets, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, training, and location.

Benefits:

  • 401(k) company match
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Paid time off
EEO Statement

ProDriven Global Brands is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. ProDriven Global Brands is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants to ProDriven Global Brands are considered for employment without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status or any other protected characteristic.  ProDriven Global Brands will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind based on these characteristics.

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME