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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CNC Systems Technician

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

ManufacturingEngineeringMaintenanceAutomationCNC

🎯 Role Definition

The CNC Systems Technician is responsible for the technical health and operational readiness of CNC machine tools and their control systems. This role combines electrical, mechanical and software skills to install, commission, troubleshoot and optimize CNC controls, drives, PLCs and peripheral systems across manufacturing environments. The ideal candidate supports uptime targets, continuous improvement initiatives, retrofit/upgrades, and operator training while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

Key search terms: CNC technician, CNC systems technician, FANUC technician, Siemens CNC, G-code troubleshooting, CNC maintenance, PLC technician, servo tuning, machine tool commissioning, CNC retrofit.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • CNC Operator / Machinist
  • Maintenance Technician / Industrial Mechanic
  • Technical apprenticeship in CNC or mechatronics

Advancement To:

  • CNC Systems Lead / Supervisor
  • Controls / Automation Engineer
  • Maintenance Manager / Reliability Engineer
  • Field Service Technician / Service Manager for CNC systems

Lateral Moves:

  • Robotics Technician / Integrator
  • CNC Programmer / CAM Specialist
  • Calibration or Metrology Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead installation and commissioning of CNC vertical and horizontal machining centers, lathes and multi-axis systems, including mechanical alignment, spindle and axis calibration, encoder/indexer checks, and final acceptance testing to meet OEM and production specifications.
  • Diagnose and repair electrical control systems (AC/DC drives, servo amplifiers, spindle inverters, encoder systems, power supplies) to restore machine operation and reduce mean time to repair.
  • Troubleshoot and repair PLCs, ladder logic, and HMI configurations (Allen-Bradley, Siemens S7, Mitsubishi, Rockwell) including I/O diagnostics, communication buses (EtherNet/IP, ProfiNet), and program integrity validation during machine faults.
  • Analyze and resolve CNC control errors and alarms (FANUC, Siemens, Heidenhain), edit and optimize G-code, and modify controller parameters to correct axis behavior, tool offsets, and cycle performance.
  • Perform servo motor and drive tuning (gain, loop compensation, backlash compensation) to eliminate chatter, improve surface finish and ensure accurate motion control across linear and rotary axes.
  • Execute scheduled and condition-based preventive maintenance programs for machine tools: lubrication, bearing checks, ball screw inspection, tool changer maintenance, coolant and filtration systems, and spindle health assessments.
  • Conduct root cause analysis for recurring quality or downtime issues, develop corrective action plans, implement process improvements and track KPIs such as OEE, MTTR and MTBF.
  • Plan and lead control system retrofits and upgrades, including CNC control replacements, software updates, drive/servo replacements, and mechanical upgrades while minimizing production disruptions.
  • Maintain, manage and update CNC control software, backups and version control; perform secure firmware and parameter updates; document change logs and restore points for every machine.
  • Collaborate with CAD/CAM programmers to validate post-processor output, adjust CAM settings and resolve NC program errors that affect cycle time, tool life, or part accuracy.
  • Assemble, test and integrate peripheral systems (tool presetters, part loaders, robotic tenders, pallet changers, probe systems) including wiring, I/O mapping and motion coordination.
  • Execute electrical/mechanical inspections and safety verifications after repairs and retrofits to ensure compliance with lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and corporate safety standards.
  • Manage spare parts inventory and BOMs for critical control components (encoders, servo motors, amplifiers, control modules), forecast needs, and coordinate with procurement and vendors to minimize lead times.
  • Provide hands-on operator and maintenance training on machine controls, troubleshooting routines, preventive maintenance checklists and safe operation best practices to reduce user-caused faults.
  • Perform on-site field service activities, including remote diagnostics and travel to satellite facilities; coordinate with OEM technical support for warranty or complex issues as needed.
  • Use metrology tools (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, laser alignment systems) and first article inspection techniques to verify setup accuracy and part tolerances after repairs or installations.
  • Implement and maintain documentation: wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, PLC/HMI logic notes, service reports, maintenance logs and root cause analyses for continuous knowledge transfer.
  • Collaborate with production, quality and engineering teams to support new product introductions; develop machine set-ups, cycle time studies and recommended tooling to meet part specifications.
  • Support predictive maintenance initiatives by collecting vibration, temperature and electrical signature data, recommending sensors and condition monitoring strategies for critical CNC assets.
  • Coordinate and manage outside service vendors and OEM technicians during complex overhauls or specialized repairs; ensure vendor work meets company standards and documentation requirements.
  • Participate in continuous improvement projects (Kaizen, 5S, TPM) to reduce changeover time, standardize setups, and improve machine reliability and throughput.
  • Conduct environmental and control network troubleshooting for CNC systems: IP addressing, firewall rules, VPN remote access for secure diagnostics and software deployment.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in development of standardized maintenance procedures and preventive checklists for the entire CNC fleet.
  • Support spare parts standardization and lifecycle planning to reduce inventory carrying costs while maintaining critical uptime readiness.
  • Provide feedback to engineering on machine tool procurement specifications and control architecture during capital equipment purchases.
  • Participate in cross-functional project meetings to align maintenance schedules with production plans and minimize downtime windows.
  • Contribute to compliance documentation for ISO / TS quality audits by maintaining records of repairs, calibration certificates and change control logs.
  • Mentor junior technicians and apprentices by overseeing technical training sessions and hands-on shadowing opportunities.
  • Create and maintain digital service records in CMMS/EAM systems (e.g., SAP PM, Maximo) and update work orders with root cause and corrective actions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient with CNC controls: FANUC, Siemens Sinumerik, Heidenhain — configuration, parameterization, alarm decoding and control replacement.
  • Strong G-code knowledge (manual edits, canned cycles, tool compensation) and ability to debug post-processor output from CAM systems (Mastercam, Fusion 360, PowerMill).
  • PLC programming and troubleshooting: Allen-Bradley (RSLogix/Studio 5000), Siemens S7 — ladder logic, structured text, I/O scanning, and communication troubleshooting.
  • Servo and motion control expertise: servo tuning, encoder diagnostics, brake systems, linear guides, ball screws and backlash compensation.
  • Electrical systems troubleshooting: schematic reading, multi-meter/oscilloscope usage, motor starters, VFDs, and power distribution troubleshooting.
  • Mechanical diagnostic skills: spindle maintenance, bearing replacement, tool changer mechanics, fixture alignment and machine tramming.
  • Networking and communication: Ethernet/IP, ProfiNet, Modbus TCP, remote diagnostics, VPN connectivity for secure controller access.
  • Metrology and alignment: use of calibration equipment, laser alignment tools, dial indicators and first-article inspection techniques.
  • Experience with machine retrofits, upgrades and control migrations including mechanical removal/installation and software parameter transfer.
  • Experience with CMMS/EAM systems for work order management and spare parts tracking; strong documentation practices and version control.
  • Familiarity with safety standards and procedures: lockout/tagout, NFPA 79, machine guarding and OSHA regulations.
  • Basic programming/automation integration skills: HMI configuration, SCADA basics, and robotic cell interfacing for tenders and part handling.

Soft Skills

  • Strong analytical troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills; systematic approach to isolate electrical, mechanical or software faults.
  • Clear written and verbal communication; able to produce concise service reports and instructions for operators and engineers.
  • Time management and prioritization: balance reactive repairs, scheduled maintenance and improvement projects under production pressures.
  • Collaborative team player: work closely with production, quality, procurement and OEMs to resolve issues quickly and sustainably.
  • Training and coaching mindset: effective at transferring technical knowledge to operators and junior technicians.
  • Attention to detail and quality-focused: ensure machine adjustments and repairs meet tolerance and safety specifications.
  • Adaptability and continuous learning: keep current with evolving control platforms, networking protocols and automation technologies.
  • Customer-service orientation for internal stakeholders and external clients during field service or commissioning activities.
  • Project coordination skills: manage small retrofit projects including scheduling, parts procurement and vendor coordination.
  • Strong organizational skills for maintaining documentation, spare parts lists and service history.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED plus technical certificate in CNC technology, industrial maintenance, electronics or mechatronics.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree (A.A.S.) in CNC Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, or Electrical/Electronics Technology.
  • Additional certifications such as FANUC/Siemens/Heidenhain control training, PLC certification, OSHA, or IPC accepted.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • CNC Technology / Machining
  • Mechatronics / Industrial Automation
  • Electronics / Electrical Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance / Robotics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2 to 7 years of hands-on experience working with CNC machine tools, controls and automation in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

  • 3–5+ years specifically as a CNC Technician or CNC Systems Technician with demonstrated experience in control troubleshooting (FANUC/Siemens/Heidenhain), PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), servo tuning and machine commissioning.
  • Experience leading retrofit projects, field service assignments and cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives preferred.
  • Prior experience supporting multiple shop locations or in a field service role is a plus; travel readiness for on-site support where required.
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