Median Annual Wage: $47,500
Education: Associate's degree (36%); Post-secondary certificate (30%); Bachelor's degree (15%)
Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Related Job Titles: Project Engineer; Process Engineer; Programmer; Software Engineer; Computer Numerical Control Programmer (CNC Programmer); Programer; Welding Engineer; CAD CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer)
Browse Job Listings
Browse Schools
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic.
More Production Careers
- 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.
- Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic.
- Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic.