Programming Jobs in Ottawa, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: CNC Programmer

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled CNC Programmer in Streator, IL to take full ownership of offline programming for a modern machining environment. In this role, you will develop, optimize, and maintain CNC programs for mills and lathes, with a strong focus on efficiency, accuracy, and problem-solving. You will serve as the primary programming resource, supporting production by creating and refining programs, collaborating with operators, and contributing to continuous improvement across the shop.

Responsibilities

• Create, edit, and maintain offline CNC programs for 3-axis mills and Haas lathes with live tooling using G & M code and programming software such as Mastercam.
• Program bar feeders and related automation to support efficient, continuous production.
• Translate engineering drawings, models, and process requirements into effective CNC programs that meet quality and productivity targets.
• Optimize tool paths, cutting parameters, and setups to reduce cycle times, improve tool life, and enhance overall machining efficiency.
• Collaborate with CNC operators on the shop floor to support new part introductions, troubleshoot issues, and make program tweaks directly at the machines when needed.
• Perform and support machine setups to ensure programs run correctly and safely on mills and lathes.
• Act as the primary owner of all offline CNC programming activities, ensuring programs are organized, documented, and updated as processes evolve.
• Work closely with manufacturing engineering to identify and implement process improvements and more efficient machining strategies.
• Assist in diagnosing and resolving machining and programming problems, serving as a key problem solver for complex parts and operations.
• Provide guidance and, where possible, training to CNC operators to help them better understand programs, setups, and best practices.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety, quality, and consistency in all programming and machining activities.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in CNC programming, with a strong focus on offline programming for mills and lathes.
• Hands-on experience programming 3-axis mills and Haas lathes with live tooling.
• Proficiency in G & M code programming for CNC machines.
• Experience using Mastercam or similar CAD/CAM software for offline CNC programming.
• Ability to develop and optimize CNC programs for bar feeders and related automation.
• Strong understanding of CNC setups, including tooling, workholding, and machine offsets.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to troubleshoot machining and programming issues and implement effective solutions.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and a continuous improvement approach to machining processes.
• Effective communication skills to work with operators, engineers, and other team members on the shop floor.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience training or mentoring CNC operators on programming concepts, setups, or best practices.
• Experience as a CNC machinist with programming responsibilities.
• Ability to collaborate with manufacturing engineering to drive process improvements and efficiency gains.
• Comfort working as the primary or sole CNC programmer responsible for offline programming in a production environment.

Work Environment

This role operates in a production machining environment equipped with 3-axis mills and Haas lathes featuring live tooling, as well as bar feeders and related automation. The majority of the work—approximately 80–90%—takes place in an office or programming area, focused on offline CNC programming using tools such as Mastercam and G & M code. You may occasionally work on the shop floor alongside CNC operators to support new part setups, troubleshoot issues, or fine-tune programs at the machine. The environment emphasizes efficiency, problem-solving, and collaboration between programming and operations, with a strong focus on safe, consistent, and high-quality machining.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Streator, IL.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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 Streator,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 29, 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.