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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Also called: CAD CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer), Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist), Computer Numerical Control Programmer (CNC Programmer), Programmer

What they do:

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

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics
  • mechanical

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • figuring out how to use new ideas or things

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Math

  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

Ideas and Logic

  • order or arrange things
  • notice when problems happen

Visual Understanding

  • quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
  • see hidden patterns

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say

Conventional

People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Independence
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Achievement/Effort

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks

Video conferencing software

  • FaceTime

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  • 1CadCam Unigraphics
  • Vero Software WorkNC

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $60,800

Education

Certificate after high school or high school diploma/GED is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Manufacturing industry.