Job Description

Short Description:

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Programmers operate factory machines that turn raw materials into functional objects. Responsible for reading and interpreting technical blueprints, inputting the design specifications, adjusting the machine cutting paths, and performing quality checks on the final product. May also be required to perform routine machine maintenance and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the manufacturing process.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
• Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
• Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
• Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
• Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.
• Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
• Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
• Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
• Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
• Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

• Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
• Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.