CNC Programmer - 1st Shift

Illinois Tool Works · Appleton

Job Description:

The Mechanical Components Division is seeking a skilled and motivated CNC Programmer to join our Machining Team. The CNC Programming Team provides centralized, offline programming support for our machining operations and serves as a key technical connection between Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and our customers.

This position plays an important role in developing and optimizing machining processes, supporting new product introduction and insourcing activities, improving existing manufacturing processes, and advancing machining technology throughout the department. The successful candidate will have strong machining knowledge, technical problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

CNC Programming and Process Development

Create, develop, and maintain Computer Numerical Control (CNC) programs.
Utilize CAD/CAM software to develop efficient, accurate, and repeatable machining processes.
Review and verify new and revised CNC programs for accuracy prior to release to the production floor.
Determine machining sequences, tooling requirements, work-holding strategies, cutting parameters, and other process requirements.
Optimize existing CNC programs to improve cycle time, tool life, quality, process capability, and overall manufacturing efficiency.
Troubleshoot complex machining and programming issues and support production with technical problem solving.
Support setup development, prove-outs, first-piece production, and process validation for new and revised components.

Engineering and New Product Support

Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, and other technical documentation.
Conduct drawing reviews to identify errors, missing information, tolerance concerns, and opportunities to improve design for manufacturability.
Utilize SOLIDWORKS to review, interpret, and work with 3D part models and engineering design data in support of CNC programming and manufacturing process development.
Collaborate with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Operations on new product development and insourcing activities.
Serve as a technical resource and point of contact for customer engineering questions related to machining processes and manufacturability.
Assist with estimating machining cycle times, tooling requirements, process assumptions, and other technical information needed to support quotations.
Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), product revisions, and manufacturing process changes.

Manufacturing Technology and Continuous Improvement

Research, evaluate, recommend, and implement new machining technologies, cutting tools, work-holding solutions, programming methods, and manufacturing processes.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve productivity, quality, machine utilization, tooling performance, and manufacturing cost.
Partner with Engineering and Operations teams to drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives.
Support capital equipment projects, including equipment justification, process planning, installation, programming, runoff, and production implementation.
Assist with machine capability studies, process improvements, and corrective actions related to machining processes.

Documentation and Data Management

Create and maintain standardized operating procedures, setup documentation, tooling information, and other manufacturing process documentation.
Maintain CNC programs and associated documentation under appropriate revision control.
Maintain manufacturing data including drawing revisions, part weights, cycle times, and other process information within Microsoft Access and departmental systems.
Ensure programming and manufacturing documentation accurately reflects current production processes and adheres to current programming standards.

Production and Team Support

Prioritize programming workload to support daily production requirements, new product launches, engineering changes, and department priorities.
Work effectively both independently and as part of cross-functional teams.
Provide technical support and mentorship to machinists and production employees.
Assist with machining-related training and employee development initiatives.
Communicate effectively with operators, machinists, engineering, quality, leadership, and customers.
Maintain a clean and organized work area and support 5S initiatives.
Follow all company policies and procedures related to safety, quality, and operational excellence.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

High school diploma or equivalent.
Technical Certificate or Associate Degree in Machine Tool Technology or 5–7 years of relevant machining experience.
2–4 years of CNC G&M-code programming experience with proven ability to read and interpret G&M-code.
Strong machining and mechanical aptitude.
Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
Strong complex problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to work independently and effectively within a team environment.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred

Associate or bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering Technology, or a related field; or 10+ years of relevant manufacturing experience.
Experience with CAD/CAM programming software.
Experience using SOLIDWORKS for 3D model review, interpretation, and manufacturing support.
Experience with offline and centralized CNC programming.
Experience programming multiple types of CNC equipment, including turning and milling applications.
Experience with CNC process development, tooling selection, work-holding, and machining optimization.
Experience with Microsoft Access or similar manufacturing databases.

Technical Skills

Strong understanding of CNC machining principles, cutting tools, speeds and feeds, work-holding, and manufacturing processes.
Ability to develop and troubleshoot CNC programs using G-code and M-code.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, dimensional tolerances, and GD&T requirements.
Ability to navigate and interpret 3D CAD models using SOLIDWORKS or similar CAD software.
Working knowledge of shop mathematics, including decimals, fractions, geometry, trigonometry, tolerancing, dimensional calculations, and unit conversions.
Ability to analyze machining processes and identify opportunities to improve cycle time, quality, tooling performance, and process capability.
Ability to verify CNC programs and manufacturing processes for accuracy and safe operation prior to production release.
Ability to analyze technical problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective manufacturing solutions.
Demonstrated ability to make sound, customer-focused decisions in a manufacturing environment.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

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