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Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmers - 51-4012.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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)

SOC Occupation Groups

51-0000 Production Occupations
51-4000 Metal Workers and Plastic Workers
51-4010 Computer Control Programmers and Operators
51-4012.00 Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmers

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Align and secure pattern film on reference tables of optical programmers, and observe enlarger scope views of printed circuit boards.
  • 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.
  • Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
  • Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
  • Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
  • Draw machine tool paths on pattern film, using colored markers and following guidelines for tool speed and efficiency.
  • Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
  • Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
  • Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
  • Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
  • Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.
  • Revise programs and/or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
  • Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
  • Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller in order to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.
  • Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.

Detailed Work Activities

  • analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
  • calculate engineering specifications
  • configure computers in industrial or manufacturing setting
  • determine tasks needed to complete machined products
  • draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
  • inspect manufactured products or materials
  • lay out machining, welding or precision assembly projects
  • monitor equipment or machine operation to detect problems
  • program computer numerical controlled machines
  • read blueprints
  • read production layouts
  • read technical drawings
  • solve machine tool problems
  • understand engineering data or reports
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist (Navy - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • CNC Setup Programmer - Milling
  • CNC Setup Programmer - Milling & Turning
  • CNC Setup Programmer -Turning
  • Tool Programmer, Numerical Control

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Nesting Operator, Numerical Control
  • Tool Programmer, Numerical Control