CNC Programmer (1st Shift | NW Houston, TX | Manufacturing)

Job Purpose

We are seeking a skilled CNC Programmer with experience in ProNest and EnRoute to develop, optimize, and release fabrication programs supporting our sheet metal and fabrication operations.

About the Role

This hands-on technical role is responsible for converting engineering designs into efficient CNC programs, maximizing material utilization, improving machine productivity, and ensuring high-quality fabrication output.

Responsibilities

• Create, optimize, and release CNC programs, nests, and machine files using ProNest and EnRoute.
• Program fabrication equipment including routers, shears, press brakes, and other CNC machinery.
• Develop efficient nesting strategies to maximize material yield, reduce scrap, and improve throughput.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and Bills of Material (BOMs) to ensure manufacturability and accuracy.
• Convert production work orders into executable fabrication programs and machine-ready files.
• Maintain tooling libraries, bend allowances, machine parameters, and fabrication documentation.
• Support press brake programming, tooling selection, bend sequencing, and forming strategies.
• Partner with fabrication operators to resolve programming, setup, and production issues.
• Collaborate with Engineering to address design changes, manufacturability concerns, and drawing revisions.
• Work with Materials and Production teams to ensure jobs are production-ready and materials are available.
• Adjust priorities and program schedules to support changing production demands and machine capacity.
• Continuously improve nesting strategies, machine utilization, and overall fabrication efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to reduce scrap, rework, downtime, and cycle times.
• Ensure programs and fabricated parts meet print requirements, tolerances, and quality standards.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support other manufacturing programming and fabrication activities as needed.

Qualifications

• Essential Skills, Experience, and Education:
• Technical degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, CAD/CAM, or related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 5+ years of CNC programming experience within a fabrication or sheet metal manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with ProNest and EnRoute programming software.
• Strong understanding of sheet metal fabrication processes, including cutting, routing, forming, and press brake operations.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and Bills of Material.
• Working knowledge of CNC equipment, tooling, material behavior, feeds, speeds, and machine capabilities.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing/ERP systems.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience supporting plasma, laser, router, or press brake operations.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of fabrication planning, production scheduling, and workflow optimization.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and electronic work order management.

Required Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to lift, carry, pull and push 50lbs. unassisted.
• Regularly standing, stooping, kneeling, bending and turning.
• Exposed to outdoor weather temperatures.

Work Hours and Schedules

• Must be able to work between 6:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
• Occasional Saturdays, as required to meet Production needs.

Key Competencies

• Consistently Achieves Results:
• Effectively manages budgets; meets planned financial targets; achieves both top and bottom line growth objectives; readily produces strategies for reducing or avoiding costs without compromising quality; meets the Customer’s satisfaction level; meets or exceeds the standards set for the position specific responsibilities.
• Analytical Abilities:
• Makes recommendations based on solid assumptions when solving complex problems; analyzes data to obtain meaningful information; identifies conflicting or inaccurate information.
• Problem Solving:
• Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; probes all fruitful sources for answers; can see hidden problems; is excellent at honest analysis; looks beyond the obvious and doesn’t stop at first answers.
• Interpersonal Skills:
• Relates well to all kinds of people, up, down, and sideways, inside and outside the company; builds appropriate rapport; listens; builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; truly values people; can diffuse even high-tension situations comfortably.
• Customer Focus:
• Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external Customers; gets Customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services; considers Customers in all business practices; establishes and maintains effective relationships with Customers.