CNC Programmer - 1st Shift

ITW•Appleton, WI

About The Position

The Mechanical Components Division is seeking a skilled and motivated CNC Programmer to join its Machining Team. The CNC Programming Team provides centralized, offline programming support for machining operations and serves as a technical connection between Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and customers. The role develops and optimizes machining processes, supports new product introduction and insourcing, improves existing manufacturing processes, and advances machining technology. It involves CNC program development and verification, process planning and optimization, production troubleshooting, engineering and customer support, continuous improvement, documentation management, and employee training and mentorship. The position works with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and supports safety, quality, operational excellence, and 5S initiatives.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Technical Certificate or Associate Degree in Machine Tool Technology, or 5–7 years of relevant machining experience.
2–4 years of CNC G-code and M-code programming experience, with demonstrated ability to read and interpret G-code and M-code.
Strong machining and mechanical aptitude.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
Strong complex problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to work independently and effectively within a team.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
Strong understanding of CNC machining principles, cutting tools, speeds and feeds, work-holding, and manufacturing processes.
Ability to develop and troubleshoot CNC programs using G-code and M-code.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, dimensional tolerances, and GD&T requirements.
Working knowledge of shop mathematics, including decimals, fractions, geometry, trigonometry, tolerancing, dimensional calculations, and unit conversions.
Ability to analyze machining processes, identify improvement opportunities, and verify programs and processes for accuracy and safe operation before production release.
Ability to analyze technical problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective manufacturing solutions.
Demonstrated ability to make sound, customer-focused decisions in a manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering Technology, or a related field; or 10+ years of relevant manufacturing experience.
Experience with CAD/CAM programming software.
Experience using SOLIDWORKS for 3D model review, interpretation, and manufacturing support.
Experience with offline and centralized CNC programming.
Experience programming multiple types of CNC equipment, including turning and milling applications.
Experience with CNC process development, tooling selection, work-holding, and machining optimization.
Experience with Microsoft Access or similar manufacturing databases.
Ability to navigate and interpret 3D CAD models using SOLIDWORKS or similar CAD software.

Responsibilities

Create, develop, and maintain CNC programs using CAD/CAM software and review new or revised programs for accuracy before production release.
Determine machining sequences, tooling requirements, work-holding strategies, cutting parameters, and other process requirements.
Optimize CNC programs and machining processes to improve cycle time, tool life, quality, process capability, machine utilization, and manufacturing efficiency and cost.
Troubleshoot machining and programming issues and provide technical support to production.
Support setup development, prove-outs, first-piece production, and process validation for new and revised components.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, and technical documentation; conduct drawing reviews for errors, missing information, tolerance concerns, and design-for-manufacturability opportunities.
Use SOLIDWORKS to review and interpret 3D part models and engineering design data for programming and process development.
Collaborate with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Operations on product development and insourcing activities.
Respond to customer engineering questions about machining processes and manufacturability; assist with estimates of cycle times, tooling, process assumptions, and quotation information.
Support Engineering Change Orders, product revisions, and manufacturing process changes.
Research, evaluate, recommend, and implement machining technologies, cutting tools, work-holding solutions, programming methods, and manufacturing processes.
Support continuous improvement initiatives and capital equipment projects, including justification, planning, installation, programming, runoff, and production implementation.
Assist with machine capability studies, process improvements, and machining-related corrective actions.
Create and maintain operating procedures, setup documentation, tooling information, and other manufacturing process documentation.
Maintain CNC programs and documentation under revision control, and maintain manufacturing data in Microsoft Access and departmental systems.
Ensure programming and manufacturing documentation reflects current production processes and programming standards.
Prioritize programming workload to support production, new product launches, engineering changes, and department priorities.
Provide technical support and mentorship to machinists and production employees, and assist with machining-related training and employee development.
Communicate with operators, machinists, engineering, quality, leadership, and customers; work independently and with cross-functional teams.
Maintain a clean and organized work area, support 5S, follow company safety, quality, and operational policies, and perform other assigned duties and projects.