What You'll Do

  • 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.
  • Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
  • Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
  • Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
  • Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
  • Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
  • Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
  • Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
  • Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.

Essential Skills

Programming 3.75/5
Monitoring 3.5/5
Mathematics 3.12/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.12/5
Operations Monitoring 3.12/5
Systems Analysis 3.12/5
Reading Comprehension 3.0/5
Active Listening 3.0/5
Speaking 3.0/5
Critical Thinking 3.0/5
Operation and Control 3.0/5
Troubleshooting 3.0/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Independence, Analytical Thinking, Achievement/Effort

Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Near Vision 4.0/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.88/5
Information Ordering 3.88/5
Perceptual Speed 3.75/5
Mathematical Reasoning 3.5/5
Category Flexibility 3.12/5
Visualization 3.12/5
Selective Attention 3.12/5

Technologies & Tools

1CadCam Unigraphics 3D Systems GibbsCAM Aptean Made2Manage Autodesk AutoCAD Autodesk Fusion 360 Autodesk PartMaker Autodesk PowerMill Autodesk PowerShape BobCAD-CAM Celeritive Technologies VoluMill CGTech Vericut CNC Cimatron CimatronE Computer aided design CAD software Computer aided manufacturing CAM software Dassault Systemes CATIA Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Delcam FeatureCAM Delcam PartMaker Dolphin CAD/CAM DP Technology ESPRIT

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.86/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.48/5)
  • Independence (High importance: 4.43/5)
  • Analytical Thinking (High importance: 4.33/5)
  • Achievement/Effort (High importance: 4.26/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Application Engineer CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer) CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer) CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Operator) CNC Lathe Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Programmer) CNC Lathe Programmer (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Programmer) CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator) CNC Machine Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Machine Programmer) CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist) CNC Mill Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Mill Programmer) CNC Milling and Turning Setup Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Milling and Turning Setup Programmer) CNC Milling Setup Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Milling Setup Programmer) CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator) CNC Process Control Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Process Control Programmer) CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer) CNC Programmer (Computer Numerically Controlled Programmer) CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician) CNC Tool Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Tool Programmer) CNC Turning Setup Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Turning Setup Programmer) Metal Numerical Control Programmer Metal Numerical Tool Programmer Numerical Control Programmer (NC Programmer) Numerical Control Tool Programmer (NC Tool Programmer) Numerical Tool Programmer Plastic Numerical Tool Programmer Process Control Programmer Programmer Sheet Metal CNC Programmer (Sheet Metal Computer Numerically Controlled Programmer)