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 connects Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and customers. The role develops and optimizes machining processes, supports new product introduction and insourcing, improves existing processes, and advances machining technology. The successful candidate brings strong machining knowledge and technical problem-solving skills and works effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment. The position develops and maintains CNC programs and machining processes; supports engineering and new product activities; evaluates and implements manufacturing technologies and continuous improvements; maintains process documentation and data; and provides technical and production support. It also involves collaboration with cross-functional teams and customers, employee training and mentorship, and adherence to company policies concerning safety, quality, and operational excellence.

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- and M-code programming experience, with demonstrated ability to read and interpret G- and M-code.
Strong machining knowledge 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 in a team environment.
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 navigate and interpret 3D CAD models using SOLIDWORKS or similar CAD software.
Working knowledge of shop mathematics, including decimals, fractions, geometry, trigonometry, tolerancing, dimensional calculations, and unit conversions.
Ability to analyze machining processes and identify opportunities to improve cycle time, quality, tooling performance, and process capability.
Ability to verify CNC programs and manufacturing 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.

Responsibilities

Create, develop, and maintain CNC programs using CAD/CAM software; review and verify programs before release to production.
Determine machining sequences, tooling requirements, work-holding strategies, cutting parameters, and other process requirements.
Optimize existing CNC programs to improve cycle time, tool life, quality, process capability, and manufacturing efficiency.
Troubleshoot machining and programming issues and support production with technical problem solving.
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; review drawings 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.
Serve as a technical contact for customer engineering questions about machining processes and manufacturability.
Help estimate machining cycle times, tooling requirements, and process assumptions for quotations.
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.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve productivity, quality, machine utilization, tooling performance, and manufacturing cost; partner with Engineering and Operations on continuous improvement.
Support capital equipment projects, including justification, process planning, installation, programming, runoff, and production implementation.
Assist with machine capability studies, process improvements, and corrective actions related to machining processes.
Create and maintain operating procedures, setup documentation, tooling information, and other manufacturing process documentation.
Maintain CNC programs and related 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, product launches, engineering changes, and department priorities.
Provide technical support and mentorship to machinists and production employees; assist with machining-related training and employee development.
Communicate with operators, machinists, engineering, quality, leadership, and customers; work independently and as part of cross-functional teams.
Maintain a clean and organized work area, support 5S initiatives, follow company safety and quality policies, and perform other assigned duties and special projects.