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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CNC Production Analyst

💰 $ - $

ManufacturingEngineeringCNCProductionProcess Improvement

🎯 Role Definition

A CNC Production Analyst is a manufacturing professional who combines machining floor experience, data analysis, and process engineering to optimize CNC operations. This role focuses on analyzing CNC machine performance and production data (OEE, cycle time, scrap, downtime), developing and validating tooling and programs (G-code/CAM), improving throughput and quality using Lean/Six Sigma methods, and supporting cross-functional teams to implement sustainable process improvements. The ideal candidate brings hands-on CNC knowledge, proficiency with CAM/CAD and data tools, strong root-cause problem solving, and the ability to translate data into operational change.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • CNC Machinist / Setup Technician with strong process orientation
  • CAM Programmer or Junior Manufacturing Engineer
  • Process Technician or Production Scheduler

Advancement To:

  • Senior CNC Production Analyst / Senior Process Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer (CNC specialization)
  • Production Manager / Operations Lead

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Engineer (Dimensional and SPC focus)
  • Tooling / Fixture Engineer
  • CAM Programming Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Analyze production floor data to evaluate CNC machine performance—tracking OEE, cycle time, downtime, throughput and scrap rates—and produce weekly and monthly reports with actionable insights and recommended corrective actions.
  • Develop, validate and optimize CNC programs (G-code) and toolpaths using CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360, Siemens NX) to reduce cycle time while maintaining part quality and process robustness.
  • Perform capacity and takt-time analysis for CNC cells to support production planning, line balancing, and new product introductions; provide realistic cycle time estimates used in scheduling and quoting.
  • Lead root cause analysis for recurring part defects, tool failures and unplanned downtime using structured problem-solving (5 Whys, Ishikawa, 8D) and implement countermeasures to prevent recurrence.
  • Create and maintain standardized work instructions, setup sheets and CNC operation checklists that include tooling callouts, inspection criteria, feeds & speeds, and safe machine setup procedures.
  • Implement statistical process control (SPC) plans on critical characteristics, select control charts, and partner with quality to monitor process capability (Cp, Cpk) and take corrective action when trends indicate loss of control.
  • Coordinate tooling selection, tool life studies and cutting tool trial programs with tooling vendors and internal purchasing to optimize cost-per-part and reduce changeover frequency.
  • Maintain and analyze machine maintenance and reliability data, identify patterns leading to preventive maintenance updates, and collaborate with maintenance teams to reduce mean time between failures (MTBF).
  • Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by running pilot production, validating CNC programs and tooling, documenting first article inspections (FAI/PPAP) and producing production readiness reports.
  • Integrate machining process parameters and production feedback into ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) to ensure accurate routing, work orders, and labor/cycle time tracking.
  • Use metrology systems (CMM, optical comparators, micrometers) to validate part geometry against CAD models and GD&T requirements, generate inspection plans and close the loop with production to implement corrective tooling or program edits.
  • Design and run machining simulations and virtual proof-of-process to identify collisions, verify fixture stability and predict cycle times before committing to shop floor setups.
  • Lead continuous improvement projects (Kaizen, 5S, SMED) aimed at reducing setup time, minimizing scrap, improving ergonomics and increasing machine utilization.
  • Prepare and present executive-level KPI dashboards and deep-dive analysis for operations leadership highlighting trends, opportunities and ROI for proposed process changes.
  • Train and mentor machine operators and setup personnel on program changes, tooling best practices, troubleshooting techniques and quality expectations to escalate operator capability.
  • Manage and prioritize daily production issues, including machine stoppages and tooling shortages, by liaising with production planners, purchasing and maintenance to restore flow with minimal disruption.
  • Implement and monitor tooling inventory and consumables metrics, suggest reorder points and alternative sourcing to avoid production delays and reduce carrying costs.
  • Perform cost analysis and process benchmarking to identify and implement opportunities for scrap reduction, material yield improvement and labor efficiency gains.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, environmental and quality standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949 where applicable) by documenting process changes and participating in internal and supplier audits.
  • Maintain version control and documentation of CNC programs, tooling setups and process parameters in a centralized system to ensure repeatability and traceability across shifts and plants.
  • Collaborate closely with design engineering to provide manufacturability feedback, recommend design for manufacturability (DFM) changes and suggest tolerance adjustments that reduce machining complexity and cycle time.
  • Drive data-driven decision making by building and maintaining analytics models, scripts or dashboards (Excel, Power BI, SQL) that automate KPI generation and highlight anomalies in near real-time.
  • Execute time studies and operator observations to refine labor standards and support continuous refinement of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Evaluate and recommend capital equipment upgrades or retrofit projects (new CNC controllers, automation, pallet changers) based on ROI, capacity needs and future product mix.
  • Support supplier development for outsourced machining by providing machining process documentation, acceptance criteria and production oversight during ramp-up.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to help business units make fact-based decisions about production priorities and investments.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by identifying shop-floor telemetry and data capture improvements for advanced analytics.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements, ensuring analytics projects align with manufacturing realities and KPIs.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team to prioritize manufacturing analytics and automation work.
  • Assist procurement with technical evaluation of tooling and machine vendors, providing machining-centric criteria and cost-per-part modeling.
  • Prepare documentation and support evidence for customer and regulatory audits, including PPAP packages, process flow diagrams and control plans.
  • Create operator training modules, runbooks and video guides for complex setups or new CNC programs to ensure consistent knowledge transfer across shifts.
  • Pilot and evaluate digital manufacturing tools (shop-floor IoT sensors, digital twin software) and recommend phased rollouts that maximize production value.
  • Support cross-functional project teams during plant expansions or relocations by providing capacity models, layout recommendations and equipment specifications.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient with CNC programming and G-code review, including editing and debugging programs for Fanuc, Haas or Siemens controllers.
  • Hands-on experience with CAM software (Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX CAM, GibbsCAM) to generate optimized toolpaths and post-processors.
  • Solid CAD skills (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo) for reading and interpreting engineering drawings and providing DFM feedback.
  • Strong data analysis skills: Excel (advanced), SQL, Power BI/Tableau for KPI dashboards and production analytics.
  • Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), capability studies (Cp/Cpk) and use of Minitab or equivalent tools.
  • Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies (Kaizen, 5S, SMED) and experience leading improvement projects.
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, Epicor) to manage routings, work orders and integrate cycle time data.
  • Competence with metrology and inspection equipment: CMM programming/operation, gauges, micrometers, optical systems and GD&T principles.
  • Ability to perform machine capability analysis, tool life studies and cutting parameter selection (feeds, speeds, depth of cut) for various materials.
  • Knowledge of quality systems and documentation: PPAP, FMEA, control plans, ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 expectations.
  • Experience with production simulation, digital twin or CAM-based verification tools to validate programs and reduce first-piece issues.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing automation elements (pallet changers, robotic loading) and how they impact cycle time and scheduling.

Soft Skills

  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to interpret production data and translate it into prioritized operational improvements.
  • Excellent communication and presenting skills for interacting with operators, engineers, suppliers and senior leadership.
  • Proven problem-solving mindset and persistence in driving closure on root-cause actions and corrective plans.
  • Effective project and time management: able to manage multiple improvement initiatives, urgent production issues and documentation tasks.
  • Collaborative team player comfortable working cross-functionally between engineering, quality, maintenance and operations.
  • Coaching and mentoring capabilities to elevate operator skills and standardize best practices across shifts.
  • Attention to detail and a quality-first mindset when validating programs, tooling setups and inspection results.
  • Adaptability and continuous learning orientation to stay current with new CAM features, CNC controllers and digital manufacturing trends.
  • Ethical, safety-conscious approach to process change and machine operation with an emphasis on compliance.
  • Customer-focused mindset when supporting external audits, customer PPAPs and delivery commitments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate degree, Technical Diploma, or equivalent vocational certificate in Machining Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Precision Machining / Tool & Die
  • Industrial Technology
  • Automation & Controls

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3–7 years of hands-on experience in CNC machining, process engineering or manufacturing analysis with demonstrable results in process improvement.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years in CNC manufacturing environments with experience in CAM programming, SPC implementation, ERP integration, and leading Kaizen projects. Experience with aerospace, automotive or medical device machining and familiarity with regulated quality systems (IATF 16949, ISO 13485) is a strong plus.
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