Cnc Programmer

We are looking for an AutoCAD / Nesting Programmer for our CNC plate cutting section. Customer drawings arrive as DWG and DXF files and must be converted into ready-to-cut 2D geometry, nested efficiently on plate and released to the cutting machines with complete traceability.

Our regular cutting range is 16 mm to 120 mm plate. The role directly controls plate consumption and scrap, and therefore has a real commercial impact on the business. Candidates of either gender are welcome to apply.

Role & responsibilities

• Convert customer DWG and DXF drawings into ready-to-cut 2D geometry at 1:1 scale, part by part.
• Prepare nesting on plate using MOST 2D / SigmaNest to achieve the best possible material utilisation and the least scrap.
• Nest across the standard thickness range 16, 20, 25, 30, 36, 40, 45, 50, 56, 60, 63, 70, 75, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 mm.
• Plan use of off-cut and remnant pieces alongside full plates so that available stock is consumed before fresh plate is issued.
• Apply the shop cutting rules correctly which holes and slots are to be taken at the cutting stage and which are left for the machine shop.
• Maintain part sequence and part identification across every project so that the same part is traceable at every stage.
• Record and carry forward plate serial number, heat number and plate number for full material traceability.
• Set correct kerf compensation, lead-in and lead-out, cutting sequence and bridging to control distortion and part movement on thick plate.
• Release cutting programs to the machines and support operators on program-related issues during cutting.
• Coordinate with the machining and fabrication sections on cutting orders, priority and thickness substitution where required.
• Maintain nesting records, plate utilisation and scrap percentage reports

Preferred candidate profile

• Diploma or B.E. in Mechanical; an ITI holder with strong CAD and nesting experience will also be considered.
• 5 to 7 years of experience in CAD drafting and CNC nesting for plate cutting.
• Strong command of AutoCAD 2D drawing conversion, clean-up, layer control and DXF preparation.
• Hands-on nesting experience on MOST 2D, SigmaNest or equivalent nesting software.
• Ability to read fabrication drawings independently and interpret developed sizes and cutting requirements.
• Understanding of gas, plasma and laser plate cutting, kerf allowance and heat-affected distortion on thick plate.
• Experience with heavy plate work in the 16120 mm range will be strongly preferred.
• Good MS Excel skills for nesting and utilisation reporting; accuracy and attention to detail are essential in this rol

Key Skills

Nesting Programmer, CNC Nesting, SigmaNest, MOST 2D, AutoCAD, AutoCAD 2D, CAD Drafting, DXF, DWG, Plate Cutting, CNC Gas Cutting, Plasma Cutting, Laser Cutting, Kerf Compensation, Material Utilisation, Scrap Reduction, Heavy Plate, Fabrication Drawing, Drawing Reading, Part Marking, Material Traceability, CAM Programming