Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

CAD CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer), Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist), Computer Numerical Control Programmer (CNC Programmer), Programmer

What they do:
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
On the job, you would:
  • Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
  • 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.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics
  • mechanical

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • figuring out how to use new ideas or things

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Abilities

Math

  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

Ideas and Logic

  • order or arrange things
  • notice when problems happen

Visual Understanding

  • quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
  • see hidden patterns

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Independence
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Achievement/Effort

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology In Demand
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Hot Technology In Demand

Video conferencing software

  • FaceTime

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  • 1CadCam Unigraphics
  • Vero Software WorkNC

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
certificate after high school or
high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about computer numerically controlled tool programmers.