Computer Numerical Control Programmer

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, technically strong CNC Programmer with experience programming and optimizing CNC machining processes in a high-volume precision manufacturing environment. This person should be equally comfortable developing programs from engineering drawings, troubleshooting problems on the shop floor, and partnering with machinists and engineers to improve productivity.

CNC Programming & Machining Background

• 3–5+ years of CNC programming and machining experience in a precision manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, tooling, speeds and feeds, workholding, setup, and machining sequences
• Experience developing, modifying, proving out, and optimizing CNC programs for production
• Experience with multi-axis CNC lathes and/or machining centers
• Exposure to equipment such as Mazak, Mori Seiki, DMG Mori, Weiler, or similar CNC platforms

Programming & Technical Skills

• Translate engineering drawings or models into efficient machining processes with limited supervision
• Create and modify CNC programs
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, dimensions, tolerances, and manufacturing specifications
• Select appropriate cutting tools, inserts, speeds, feeds, and machining strategies
• Troubleshoot CNC programs and machining problems at the machine
• Optimize programs to reduce cycle time, eliminate unnecessary operations, and improve tool life
• Understand how programming decisions affect quality, productivity, tooling costs, and machine utilization
• Work comfortably with tight-tolerance and precision components

Ideal Manufacturing Background

• Experience in oil & gas/downhole manufacturing, aerospace, heavy industrial manufacturing, automotive, defense, precision machining, or another complex metal manufacturing environment
• Experience manufacturing downhole tools, drilling components, tubular products, large precision components, or oilfield equipment

Continuous Improvement Mindset

• Experience with cycle-time reduction, process optimization, tool-life improvements, scrap and rework reduction
• First-piece/prove-out support and root-cause troubleshooting
• Improving repeatability and machining efficiency
• Supporting new-product or new-machine introductions

Shop-Floor Collaboration

The candidate should be comfortable spending time on the manufacturing floor working directly with CNC machinists and operators rather than functioning strictly as an offline programmer. They should communicate effectively with Manufacturing Engineering, Machinists, Quality, Production, and Operations and be able to troubleshoot issues collaboratively without creating unnecessary downtime.

Candidate Characteristics

• Analytical, detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and practical
• Takes ownership of machining problems and works through them systematically
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced 24/7 manufacturing operation where machine uptime, quality, safety, and production output are critical