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Advanced Manufacturing

CNC Machine Programmer

Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.

Annual openings

49

BLS median wage

$69,570

Typical education

Associate's degree or CNC certificate training.

10-year growth

+10%

Career requirements

What does this career require?

The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.

Typical education

Associate's degree or CNC certificate training.

Credential requirement

A National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Level I Certification or graduation from a CAD/CAM program is valued.

Work experience

Previous work experience is expected. Many CNC machine programmers are promoted from positions on the production floor.

Employer competency information

  • Feedback from employers identifies the following competencies as being critical to success: mechanical aptitude, attention to detail (including the ability to build something to specifications and tolerance), diagnosing and problem solving, basic computer skills, teamwork, a focus on safety, and accountability.
Are you someone who likes to set up and operate machines through computers? As a CNC machine programmer, you are responsible for the programming, set-up and operation of vertical milling control (VMC) and other computer-controlled machines. These jobs are usually found in the production of precision sheet metal, machined parts, robotics or plastic, where the factory relies on computers to run small and large scale fabrications. You’ll occupy one of the most important positions on the production floor, working alongside machinists, technicians, and assemblers to create a high-quality finished product.
CNC machine programmer is a job that involves a high level of responsibility and precision. You’ll be in charge of writing programs that direct machine operation. First, you’ll look at engineer-created technical drawings in order to decide the positions, speeds, and tools needed to create a product. Next, you’ll write a program into a machine’s control center using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. This means you’ll need a lot of training and knowledge on the subject of computer programming as well as experience on the production floor in order to write the most precise program possible.
In addition to writing the programs that control the machines, you may need to operate the machines by loading materials or unloading a finished product. This is also important in order to make sure that the program you write is producing the best product possible. If not, you’ll need to know how to make adjustments to the program or machine set-up.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
  2. Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
  3. Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
  4. Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
  5. Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.
  6. Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.