CNC Programmer

CNC PROGRAMMER

Architectural Metal Manufacturing

Position Overview

This role focuses on transforming architectural designs into precise, efficient, and repeatable CNC machine programs. The CNC Programmer will be responsible for converting engineering drawings and CAD models into proven manufacturing processes that meet tight tolerances, maintain material quality, minimize waste, and support efficient production of custom architectural metal components.

Key Responsibilities & Performance Objectives

• Develop and optimize CNC programs for architectural metal components, ensuring first articles meet drawing specifications, dimensional tolerances, and finish requirements.
• Reduce setup and cycle times across custom and repeat production runs by standardizing toolpaths, fixtures, and program libraries.
• Minimize scrap, material waste, and secondary operations through effective tooling selection, feeds and speeds, and material nesting strategies.
• Simulate, test, and validate new or revised programs through first-piece inspections and documented approval before production release.
• Interpret engineering drawings and design revisions, updating programs within required timelines and identifying manufacturability concerns early.
• Train and support machine operators on setups, offsets, and in-process quality checks to ensure consistent production.
• Monitor program performance, including scrap rates, downtime, and recurring production issues, and implement improvements.

Working Environment & Resources

The CNC Programmer will work closely with manufacturing engineering, machine operators, quality personnel, and design teams. Reporting to manufacturing leadership, the position will have responsibility for releasing approved programs, recommending tooling, and improving processes on assigned machines.

The role will utilize CAD/CAM software, CNC machine controllers, inspection equipment, and organized program and tooling libraries to maintain consistent and reliable manufacturing processes.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Proven CNC programming experience in sheet metal or plate metal manufacturing, including complex contours, hole patterns, and finish-sensitive components.
• Practical experience with CAD/CAM software and G-code, including editing, simulation, troubleshooting, and proving out programs at the machine.
• Strong understanding of tooling, workholding, feeds and speeds, and their impact on dimensional accuracy, flatness, edge quality, and cycle time.
• Ability to interpret architectural and fabrication drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and engineering revisions.
• Demonstrated success improving manufacturing efficiency by reducing scrap, setup times, or rework through programming and process optimization.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with operators and engineers to resolve manufacturing challenges and identify design improvements.

Key Benefits & Opportunities

• Visible project impact: Contribute to architectural metal components that become part of completed buildings and structures.
• Varied production work: Balance custom fabrication projects with repeat production runs.
• Engineering collaboration: Influence how design concepts are translated into practical, manufacturable processes.
• Skills recognition: Work within a specialist metal-manufacturing environment where programming expertise makes a measurable difference.
• Process improvement: Develop standardized program libraries, improve manufacturing consistency, and help raise production capabilities.

Application Expectations

Applicants should be prepared to provide examples of CNC programs or manufacturing projects they have worked on, including measurable results related to production efficiency, material utilization, quality improvements, reduced setup times, or scrap reduction.

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to develop reliable programs, protect material quality, and continuously improve manufacturing performance.