CNC Programmers develop programs to control machining of parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. They could determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shape.  After the computer program is written, they often run the program in a 'virtual' environment to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications. 

The CNC Programmers decisions will have a direct effect on the manufacturing cost of a part.  If unnecessary tool motions or operations are written into a program, part manufacturing time and cost will increase.  Additionally, if part is programmed incorrectly, non-conforming parts will be produced. 

With the advances in CNC Programming and software simulation, the part can and should be run in a 'virtual' environment prior to the first prototype manufacturing run.  The cost of subsequent 'virtual' programs is a fraction of the cost of actual part manufacturing.

By templating common machining operations and creating a robust database of tools, a CNC programmer can become much more productive.  The sharing of programs and digital libraries can save a company a lot of time and money.

One of the goals of a CNC Programmer is to reduce setup and run time for each CNC manufacturing process.  By reducing the setup and run time, it reduces the time and cost to produce custom products, thereby providing a competitive advantage for the company.

The majority of the CNC Programmers work is completed during the Production phase of Product Development.

To learn more about the profession of a Manufacturing Engineer, you can click on the links below to access the O*NET Resource Center, the nation's primary source of occupational information. 

Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmers