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Senior Cnc Programmer Jobs in Kitchener, ON (NOW HIRING)

Collaborate with senior leadership to align operational strategies with company goals ... CNC machining, wire drawing, or shape memory alloys is a plus. * Bachelor's degree in Engineering ...

Senior Cnc Programmer information

See Kitchener, ON salary details

$38.7K

$75.5K

$105.4K

How much do senior cnc programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior cnc programmer in Kitchener, ON is $75,515.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,577.00 and $89,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior CNC Programmer, you need advanced knowledge of CNC machining, blueprint reading, GD&T, and experience with CAD/CAM software, often backed by a degree or technical certification in manufacturing or engineering. Expertise in programming languages such as G-code, and proficiency with software like Mastercam or Siemens NX, are typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with machinists and engineers to optimize production. These skills ensure precision, efficiency, and high-quality output in complex manufacturing environments.

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

AspectSenior Cnc ProgrammerCnc Machinist
CredentialsTypically requires programming certifications, technical degrees, or extensive experienceUsually needs machining experience, technical training, or certifications in machine operation
Work EnvironmentDesigning, programming, and optimizing CNC machines, often in office or engineering settingsOperating CNC machines on the shop floor, performing setup and manual adjustments
ResponsibilitiesDeveloping CNC programs, troubleshooting, and improving manufacturing processesSetting up machines, loading tools, and executing machining tasks

The main difference between a Senior Cnc Programmer and a Cnc Machinist lies in their focus: programmers develop and optimize CNC code, while machinists operate and set up machines. Both roles require technical skills, but the programmer's role is more design and process-oriented, whereas the machinist's role is hands-on manufacturing.

What is a senior CNC programmer?

Senior CNC Programmers are experienced professionals who create, modify, and optimize computer numerical control (CNC) programs for manufacturing machinery. They interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications to write precise code that directs machines to cut, shape, or assemble materials. In addition to programming, they often oversee junior programmers, troubleshoot production issues, and work closely with engineers and machinists to ensure high-quality parts are produced efficiently.

Is there a demand for senior CNC programmers?

Senior CNC programmers are in high demand due to the need for skilled operators who can program, set up, and operate complex CNC machinery. Industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing increasingly seek experienced professionals with knowledge of CAD/CAM software and precision machining. The role often requires certifications and advanced technical skills, contributing to strong job prospects.

How does a senior CNC programmer typically collaborate with engineers and machinists during the production process?

Senior CNC Programmers work closely with engineers to review technical drawings and specifications, ensuring that the machining strategies align with design intent. They also regularly communicate with machinists on the shop floor to address any issues that arise during setup or production, such as tool selection, programming adjustments, or troubleshooting errors. Effective collaboration is key for optimizing manufacturing efficiency, minimizing errors, and delivering high-quality finished parts.
What are popular job titles related to Senior Cnc Programmer jobs in Kitchener, ON? For Senior Cnc Programmer jobs in Kitchener, ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Cnc Programmer jobs in Kitchener, ON look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Cnc Programmer jobs in Kitchener, ON are:
What cities near Kitchener, ON are hiring for Senior Cnc Programmer jobs? Cities near Kitchener, ON with the most Senior Cnc Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Cnc Programmer job openings in Kitchener, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,515 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Senior Mechatronics Developer

Voltera, Inc.

Waterloo, ON • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 11 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.