Position Summary
The CNC Programmer is responsible for creating, editing, and optimizing CNC programs to support safe, accurate, and efficient manufacturing operations at Earthworks. This role works closely with Engineering, Production, and Quality to translate technical drawings and design intent into precise machining instructions, ensuring parts are produced to specification, on schedule, and with minimal waste. The CNC Programmer plays a key role in improving machining efficiency, reducing setup time, and supporting continuous improvement across manufacturing processes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- CNC Program Development: Create, modify, and maintain CNC programs for a variety of machining operations based on engineering drawings, CAD models, work instructions, and production requirements.
- Programming: Use Easy Stone and/or Mastercam to develop toolpaths, simulate machining processes, and optimize programs for accuracy, cycle time, tool life, and overall production efficiency.
- Process Optimization: Evaluate and improve machining methods, tooling selections, feeds and speeds, fixture approaches, and setup strategies to increase throughput and reduce scrap.
- Blueprint and Model Interpretation: Interpret technical drawings, GD&T, specifications, and 3D CAD models to ensure programs meet design and quality requirements.
- Production Support: Collaborate with machinists, setup technicians, engineers, and supervisors to troubleshoot machining issues, resolve programming errors, and support first-run and ongoing production needs.
- Tooling and Setup Coordination: Assist in determining tooling requirements, workholding methods, setup documentation, and machining sequence planning to ensure repeatable and efficient production.
- Quality and Compliance: Support part validation and quality assurance efforts by ensuring CNC programs align with dimensional tolerances, surface finish requirements, and internal manufacturing standards.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve machining performance, standardize programming practices, reduce downtime, and support Lean manufacturing or process improvement initiatives.
- Documentation Control: Maintain accurate program records, revision control, setup sheets, and process documentation within company systems.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Production Planning, and Operations to prioritize work, support schedule attainment, and meet customer delivery expectations.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Education: Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent practical experience in Manufacturing Technology, Machining, CNC Programming, or a related field.
- Experience: 3–5 years of CNC programming experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Technical Proficiency: Preferred experience with Easy Stone, Mastercam. Strong knowledge of CNC machining processes, G-code, tooling, workholding, and setup practices.
- Blueprint Reading: Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, GD&T, and 3D models.
- Machining Knowledge: Experience with mills, lathes, and/or multi-axis machining centers, depending on business needs.
- Problem Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement effective machining solutions.
- Communication: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with machinists, engineers, supervisors, and quality personnel in a fast-paced production environment.
- Computer Skills: Proficiency with CAD/CAM systems, ERP or manufacturing systems, and standard Microsoft Office applications.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience programming complex parts in a high-mix, low-volume and/or production manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- Experience supporting fixture design, process development, or new product introduction.
- Knowledge of additional CAD/CAM platforms or machine control systems is a plus.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
- This role is based primarily in a manufacturing environment and may include both office and shop floor responsibilities.
- Requires regular time spent on the production floor working directly with machinists, machines, tooling, and setup processes.
- May require standing, walking, bending, and lifting materials or tools in accordance with workplace safety standards.
