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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

SOC 51-9162.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers CNC tool programming practice in Job Zone 2 production environments, spanning vocational entry through senior lead roles in high-mix discrete manufacturing facilities.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. CNC machine operations sequence — identify and list under direct supervision using printed job orders on the shop floor.
  2. Basic cutting tools — select and label by type following instructor guidance in a vocational training environment.
  3. Job drawings and blueprints — read and interpret simple dimensions under technician oversight at an entry-level CNC workstation.
  4. CAM software interface — navigate and locate basic menu functions with step-by-step guidance in a training lab setting.
  5. Reference points and part zero locations — locate and record on a workpiece following a standardized setup sheet.
  6. CNC program code — identify common G-code and M-code commands from a printed reference card during supervised practice.
  7. Machine speeds and feed rates — look up and enter pre-calculated values into a controller under direct technician direction.
  8. Trial run observations — watch and document machine movements against expected tool paths during supervised test cuts.
  9. Program storage procedures — follow written steps to save and retrieve part programs on shop media under close supervision.
  10. Measurement tools and near-vision inspection — use calipers and rules to verify basic part dimensions against a blueprint tolerance.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Machining operation sequences — plan and arrange independently for moderately complex workpieces using job orders and standard templates.
  2. Cutting tool selection — evaluate and choose appropriate tooling for common materials by applying learned speed-and-feed tables without supervisor input.
  3. Blueprint and specification analysis — interpret angular dimensions, radii, and tolerances from multi-view drawings to calculate CNC input values.
  4. CNC part programs — write and format complete programs in G-code for routine two-axis operations on familiar controller platforms.
  5. CAM software tool paths — generate and verify tool paths for standard prismatic parts using CAM software with limited guidance.
  6. Program errors — identify, correct, and retest revised code to resolve dimensional or motion faults on the production floor.
  7. Machine trial runs — conduct and evaluate test cuts, comparing output dimensions to specifications and adjusting offsets as needed.
  8. Existing CNC programs — modify feed rates, depth of cut, and redundant moves to improve cycle efficiency on repeat jobs.
  9. Part patterns and graphic displays — enter commands to store, retrieve, and transfer program data between controller and shop network.
  10. Production quality checks — apply systematic inspection routines and document first-article results against engineering specifications.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex machining sequences — determine and optimize multi-axis operation order for intricate workpieces autonomously, minimizing setup time on a high-mix production floor.
  2. Full job package analysis — analyze drawings, PCB pattern films, and design data independently to derive precise dimensions, curvatures, and tool selection for non-standard parts.
  3. Advanced CNC programs — write, test, and validate programs across multiple controller languages for complex three-axis and multi-spindle operations without oversight.
  4. Cutting tool paths and geometry — compute angular, linear, and radial dimensions for curved and contoured surfaces using mathematical reasoning and CAM software.
  5. Simulation and dry-run validation — conduct thorough computer simulations and physical trial runs to verify program integrity before committing to production runs.
  6. Program library management — organize, version-control, and transfer part programs and graphic data across ERP and CAM systems to ensure accurate shop-floor availability.
  7. Program troubleshooting — diagnose root causes of dimensional deviations, tool crashes, or surface-finish defects and implement corrective code revisions independently.
  8. Efficiency enhancements — audit and systematically rewrite legacy programs to reduce cycle times, improve surface quality, and extend tool life across a product family.
  9. Machine speed and feed optimization — calculate and apply optimal cutting parameters for diverse materials, balancing throughput and tool wear using engineering data.
  10. Cross-functional problem solving — collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to resolve non-routine machining challenges using systems analysis and critical thinking.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. CNC programming standards — develop and implement shop-wide coding conventions, post-processor configurations, and tooling libraries to ensure consistency across all machines and operators.
  2. Workforce development — mentor and evaluate emerging and developing CNC programmers, designing structured on-the-job learning plans aligned to production goals.
  3. Process improvement strategy — lead systematic reviews of machining sequences and program efficiency across product lines, driving measurable reductions in scrap and cycle time.
  4. Technology adoption — evaluate and recommend new CAM software, controller upgrades, and automation integrations, presenting business cases to operations leadership.
  5. Quality assurance systems — establish and oversee first-article inspection protocols, SPC checkpoints, and corrective-action workflows to sustain dimensional compliance at scale.
  6. ERP and CAM integration — architect data-transfer workflows between enterprise resource planning systems and CNC controllers to synchronize scheduling, tooling, and program revisions.
  7. Engineering collaboration leadership — serve as the primary technical liaison between design engineering, manufacturing, and quality departments to translate complex specifications into producible programs.
  8. Organizational knowledge management — build and maintain a centralized program repository with revision history, simulation records, and tooling data accessible to the full production team.
  9. Safety and compliance oversight — define and enforce machine-guarding, dry-run, and program-verification standards to meet regulatory and customer audit requirements across the facility.
  10. Strategic capacity planning — analyze machine utilization, programming backlogs, and skill gaps to recommend staffing, equipment investment, and training priorities to plant management.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Application Engineer · CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer) · CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer) · CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Operator) · CNC Lathe Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Programmer) · CNC Lathe Programmer (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Programmer) · CNC Lathe Programmer Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Programmer Operator) · CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator) · CNC Machine Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Machine Programmer) · CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) · CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist) · CNC Mill Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Mill Programmer)
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
ProgrammingMonitoringSystems AnalysisOperations MonitoringMathematicsComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionOperation and ControlTroubleshootingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime Management
Knowledge domains
Production and ProcessingEngineering and TechnologyMathematicsDesignComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingMechanical
Abilities
Near VisionProblem SensitivityInformation OrderingPerceptual SpeedMathematical ReasoningSelective AttentionVisualizationCategory FlexibilitySpeech ClarityWritten Expression
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessIntellectual CuriosityAchievement OrientationPerseverance
Technology
Computer aided manufacturing CAM softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareEnterprise application integration softwareVideo conferencing softwareObject or component oriented development softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
  2. Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
  3. Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
  4. Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
  5. Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
  6. Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
  7. Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
  8. Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
CIP education codes
48.0510

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.