National
| Median wages (2008) |
$21.30 hourly, $44,310 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
18,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Decline slowly or moderately (-3% to -9%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
2,000 additional employees |
51-4012.00 - Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmers
Develop programs to control machining or processing of parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems.
Sample of reported job titles:
Computer Numerical Control Programmer (CNC Programmer), Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, Programmer, Programer, Project Engineer, Software Engineer, Welding Engineer, CAD CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer)
Tasks
- Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
- Revise programs and/or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
- Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data in order to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
- Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
- Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
- Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
- Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
- Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
- Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
- Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
