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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CNC Technical Specialist

💰 $60,000 - $95,000

ManufacturingEngineeringCNC

🎯 Role Definition

The CNC Technical Specialist is a senior technical contributor who ensures precision machining output by programming, setting up, troubleshooting, and optimizing CNC milling and turning centers (3–5 axis). This role blends hands-on machine setup and maintenance with process engineering — improving cycle times, reducing scrap, and supporting production ramp-up. The Specialist interfaces with engineering, quality, tooling vendors, and production teams to deliver high-quality machined components while maintaining safety and documentation standards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • CNC Operator
  • Maintenance Technician (machine shop)
  • Junior CNC Programmer

Advancement To:

  • Senior CNC Engineer / CNC Process Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineering Lead
  • Production or Maintenance Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Engineer (metrology/CMM specialist)
  • Field Service Technician (CNC machine tool service)
  • CAM/CAD Application Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, validate and optimize CNC programs (G-code) for milling and turning operations using Mastercam, Fusion 360, Siemens NX, or similar CAM systems, ensuring programs produce parts to print first-time-right and within cycle time targets.
  • Perform complete machine setups including fixture design, workholding, tool selection, tool offsets, probe setup and zeroing routines for 3-, 4- and 5-axis milling and multi-axis turning centers.
  • Troubleshoot complex machining issues on Fanuc, Siemens, Heidenhain and Fanuc-controlled equipment — diagnosing axis errors, servo issues, thermal drift, chatter, and poor surface finishes to minimize downtime.
  • Conduct in-process and first article inspections using CMM, micrometers, calipers, height gauges and optical comparators; apply GD&T interpretation to verify tolerances and update manufacturing documentation.
  • Implement process adjustments and continuous improvement actions (SMED, root cause analysis, 5S) to reduce cycle times, improve tool life, and lower scrap and rework rates across production cells.
  • Create and maintain detailed setup sheets, process plans, routings and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for CNC operations to ensure repeatability and handover of knowledge.
  • Support production scheduling and part changeovers by planning resources, pre-staging fixtures, verifying tooling, and performing risk assessments for new runs or production ramps.
  • Perform preventative maintenance and basic repair on CNC machines — replacing bearings, belts, coolant pumps, probes, tool changers and performing alignments per OEM specifications to extend equipment life.
  • Lead and execute machine retrofits and upgrades (control replacements, spindle upgrades, probing systems) in coordination with vendors and controls specialists to bring machines current and increase capability.
  • Train and mentor CNC operators and junior programmers on program interpretation, safe setup procedures, tool management, and measurement best practices to elevate team competency.
  • Validate and optimize CAM toolpaths for optimal cutting strategies — high-efficiency milling (HEM), trochoidal cutting, adaptive clearing — to maximize material removal rates while protecting part quality.
  • Manage tooling lifecycle: evaluate cutting tools, holders, inserts, and coatings; negotiate vendor agreements; establish inventory par levels and tool crib controls to control cost.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with design engineering to provide manufacturability feedback, suggest design revisions, and participate in DFMA reviews to lower machining complexity and cost.
  • Run troubleshooting and corrective action investigations for customer non-conformances, providing containment actions, corrective actions, and documenting supplier or internal changes.
  • Program and maintain probing routines and automated on-machine inspection cycles to reduce inspection time and improve first-pass yield.
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) by creating pilot builds, refining processes, updating BOM/routings, and ensuring process capability studies are completed.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, environmental and regulatory requirements; maintain machine guarding, lockout/tagout practices, coolant handling, and safety documentation.
  • Analyze tooling and process data (cutting forces, spindle load, vibration) to proactively detect issues and implement predictive maintenance schedules.
  • Maintain accurate CNC program libraries, tooling databases, and version control in PLM/MES systems; ensure traceability of program revisions and machine configurations.
  • Assist procurement and budget planning by providing quotes and technical requirements for machine purchases, tooling, and spare parts; evaluate total cost of ownership.
  • Diagnose and support PLC-level and ancillary systems (coolant systems, chip conveyors, hydraulic fixtures) in collaboration with controls technicians to ensure end-to-end machine reliability.
  • Coordinate with external machine tool service providers and OEM support to escalated repairs, factory updates, and warranty claims in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in generating SPC reports and supporting quality teams with process capability (Cp/Cpk) studies and corrective action follow-up.
  • Support engineering documentation updates and maintain accurate training logs for all CNC personnel.
  • Participate in cross-department continuous improvement teams and Kaizen events to standardize best practices across the shop floor.
  • Provide ad-hoc technical input to estimating and quoting teams for manufacturing feasibility and lead time estimates.
  • Help evaluate and pilot new manufacturing technologies (automation, robotics, flexible fixturing) for integration into machining workflows.
  • Maintain inventory records for critical spares and tooling to reduce production risk during breakdowns.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in CNC programming (G-code) and CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, Siemens NX, GibbsCAM or Edgecam.
  • Strong experience with CNC controls (Fanuc, Siemens, Heidenhain) including parameter tuning and macro programming.
  • Deep knowledge of milling and turning operations, multi-axis machining, toolpaths, feeds and speeds optimization.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
  • Experience with metrology tools: CMM programming/operation, micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and optical inspection.
  • Practical knowledge of tooling systems: collets, hydraulic chucks, shrink-fit, modular tooling and common carbide insert selection.
  • Machine maintenance and troubleshooting skills: spindles, axis drives, servo tuning, encoders, and electrical/mechanical fault diagnosis.
  • Familiarity with PLC basics, machine I/O and ancillary systems (coolant, hydraulics, paperless work instructions).
  • Experience with manufacturing systems and software: MES, PLM, ERP (e.g., SAP), and version control for CNC programs.
  • Competence in process improvement methodologies: root cause analysis, 5 Whys, Pareto analysis, SPC, SMED.
  • Experience with materials commonly machined (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, Inconel) and knowledge of chip control strategies.
  • Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Inventor) for fixture design and part model review.
  • Knowledge of safety standards and best practices for machine guarding, lockout/tagout, and coolant/hazardous material handling.

Soft Skills

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical mindset with attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with engineers, quality, and production teams.
  • Leadership and mentoring abilities to upskill operators and junior staff.
  • Time management and prioritization to handle multiple setups, breakdowns, and NPI tasks.
  • Continuous improvement mindset; comfortable driving change and standardization.
  • Customer-focused with an ability to respond to internal and external customer quality or delivery concerns.
  • Adaptable and resilient under pressure, with a calm approach to troubleshooting production issues.
  • Strong documentation habits and commitment to knowledge transfer.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent with relevant vocational/technical training.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Machine Tool Technology, or related technical discipline.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Industrial Technology preferred for advanced roles.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology / Machine Tool Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering / Manufacturing Engineering
  • Industrial Maintenance / Mechatronics
  • CNC Programming and CAD/CAM

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3–8+ years as a CNC Operator/Programmer/Technician with progressive responsibility; 5+ years preferred for specialist-level roles.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrated experience with multi-axis machining environments, program optimization, and machine maintenance.
  • Prior exposure to regulated industries (aerospace, medical, automotive) or working with tight tolerances and critical inspection regimes is a plus.
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