Engineering CAD Technology

Alternative Job Titles for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

• CAD CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer)
• Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist)
• Computer Numerical Control Programmer (CNC Programmer)
• Programmer

Job Tasks and Activities for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

• Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
• Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
• Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
• Conduct test runs of production equipment.
• Create diagrams or blueprints for workpieces or products.
• Determine production equipment settings.
• 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 guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
• Draw machine tool paths on pattern film according to guidelines for tool speed and efficiency, using colored markers.
• Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment.
• 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.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance.
• Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.
• Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
• Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.
• Program equipment to perform production tasks.
• Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
• Select production equipment according to product specifications.
• Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
• Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
• Verify information or specifications.
• Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller 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.

Interests for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

• Conventional
  Following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting.
• Realistic
  Designing, building, or repairing equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors.
• Investigative
  Studying and researching scientific subjects and human behavior.

Skills for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

In order of importance

• Programming
  Writing computer programs.
  Importance: 78/100
• Monitoring
  Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
  Importance: 63/100
• Operations Monitoring
  Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
  Importance: 60/100
• Writing
  Writing things for co-workers or customers.
  Importance: 56/100
• Judgment and Decision Making
  Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
  Importance: 56/100
• Critical Thinking
  Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
  Importance: 56/100
• Systems Analysis
  Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
  Importance: 56/100
• Complex Problem Solving
  Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
  Importance: 56/100
• Mathematics
  Using math to solve problems.
  Importance: 56/100
• Active Learning
  Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
  Importance: 56/100
• Reading Comprehension
  Reading work-related information.
  Importance: 56/100
• Systems Evaluation
  Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
  Importance: 53/100
• Active Listening
  Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
  Importance: 53/100
• Operation and Control
  Using equipment or systems.
  Importance: 50/100
• Time Management
  Managing your time and the time of other people.
  Importance: 50/100
• Troubleshooting
  Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.
  Importance: 50/100
• Operations Analysis
  Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
  Importance: 50/100
• Speaking
  Talking to others.
  Importance: 50/100
• Coordination
  Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
  Importance: 50/100
• Quality Control Analysis
  Testing how well a product or service works.
  Importance: 50/100
• Learning Strategies
  Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
  Importance: 47/100
• Social Perceptiveness
  Understanding people's reactions.
  Importance: 44/100
• Equipment Maintenance
  Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.
  Importance: 44/100
• Instructing
  Teaching people how to do something.
  Importance: 44/100
• Equipment Selection
  Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.
  Importance: 41/100
• Management of Personnel Resources
  Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
  Importance: 38/100
• Repairing
  Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.
  Importance: 35/100
• Negotiation
  Bringing people together to solve differences.
  Importance: 35/100
• Technology Design
  Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
  Importance: 35/100
• Persuasion
  Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
  Importance: 35/100
• Service Orientation
  Looking for ways to help people.
  Importance: 31/100
• Management of Material Resources
  Managing equipment and materials.
  Importance: 28/100
• Science
  Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
  Importance: 22/100
• Management of Financial Resources
  Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
  Importance: 19/100
• Installation
  Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs.
  Importance: 3/100

Knowledge for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

In order of importance

• Computers and Electronics
  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  Importance: 78/100
• Mechanical
  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  Importance: 77/100
• Mathematics
  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  Importance: 73/100
• Production and Processing
  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  Importance: 71/100
• Engineering and Technology
  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  Importance: 69/100
• Design
  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  Importance: 69/100
• English Language
  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  Importance: 54/100
• Administration and Management
  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  Importance: 52/100
• Education and Training
  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  Importance: 50/100
• Administrative
  Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
  Importance: 44/100
• Customer and Personal Service
  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  Importance: 42/100
• Public Safety and Security
  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
  Importance: 41/100
• Physics
  Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
  Importance: 36/100
• Personnel and Human Resources
  Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
  Importance: 30/100
• Communications and Media
  Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
  Importance: 29/100
• Chemistry
  Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
  Importance: 27/100
• Psychology
  Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
  Importance: 24/100
• Building and Construction
  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  Importance: 22/100
• Economics and Accounting
  Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
  Importance: 21/100
• Sales and Marketing
  Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
  Importance: 19/100
• Transportation
  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
  Importance: 19/100
• Telecommunications
  Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
  Importance: 18/100
• Therapy and Counseling
  Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
  Importance: 16/100
• Law and Government
  Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
  Importance: 14/100
• Philosophy and Theology
  Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
  Importance: 14/100
• Foreign Language
  Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
  Importance: 13/100
• History and Archeology
  Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
  Importance: 13/100
• Sociology and Anthropology
  Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
  Importance: 13/100
• Geography
  Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
  Importance: 12/100
• Medicine and Dentistry
  Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
  Importance: 12/100
• Fine Arts
  Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
  Importance: 12/100
• Food Production
  Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
  Importance: 10/100
• Biology
  Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
  Importance: 10/100

Physical Abilities for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

In order of importance

• Information Ordering
  Ordering or arranging things.
  Importance: 72/100
• Near Vision
  Seeing details up close.
  Importance: 72/100
• Problem Sensitivity
  Noticing when problems happen.
  Importance: 69/100
• Perceptual Speed
  Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
  Importance: 69/100
• Mathematical Reasoning
  Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
  Importance: 63/100
• Visualization
  Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
  Importance: 60/100
• Oral Comprehension
  Listening and understanding what people say.
  Importance: 56/100
• Category Flexibility
  Grouping things in different ways.
  Importance: 56/100
• Deductive Reasoning
  Using rules to solve problems.
  Importance: 56/100
• Inductive Reasoning
  Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
  Importance: 56/100
• Selective Attention
  Paying attention to something without being distracted.
  Importance: 56/100
• Written Comprehension
  Reading and understanding what is written.
  Importance: 56/100
• Number Facility
  Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
  Importance: 56/100
• Written Expression
  Communicating by writing.
  Importance: 53/100
• Flexibility of Closure
  Seeing hidden patterns.
  Importance: 53/100
• Control Precision
  Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
  Importance: 53/100
• Fluency of Ideas
  Coming up with lots of ideas.
  Importance: 50/100
• Speed of Closure
  Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
  Importance: 50/100
• Speech Recognition
  Recognizing spoken words.
  Importance: 50/100
• Finger Dexterity
  Putting together small parts with your fingers.
  Importance: 50/100
• Oral Expression
  Communicating by speaking.
  Importance: 50/100
• Speech Clarity
  Speaking clearly.
  Importance: 50/100
• Reaction Time
  Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.
  Importance: 50/100
• Far Vision
  Seeing details that are far away.
  Importance: 47/100
• Multilimb Coordination
  Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
  Importance: 47/100
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
  Keeping your arm or hand steady.
  Importance: 47/100
• Originality
  Creating new and original ideas.
  Importance: 47/100
• Auditory Attention
  Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
  Importance: 47/100
• Memorization
  Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
  Importance: 44/100
• Manual Dexterity
  Holding or moving items with your hands.
  Importance: 44/100
• Hearing Sensitivity
  Telling the difference between sounds.
  Importance: 44/100
• Time Sharing
  Doing two or more things at the same time.
  Importance: 41/100
• Depth Perception
  Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.
  Importance: 41/100
• Visual Color Discrimination
  Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
  Importance: 38/100
• Trunk Strength
  Using your lower back and stomach.
  Importance: 38/100
• Response Orientation
  Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.
  Importance: 35/100
• Rate Control
  Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
  Importance: 35/100
• Wrist-Finger Speed
  Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
  Importance: 35/100
• Extent Flexibility
  Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Importance: 31/100
• Static Strength
  Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
  Importance: 28/100
• Stamina
  Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.
  Importance: 28/100
• Gross Body Coordination
  Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.
  Importance: 25/100
• Dynamic Strength
  Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
  Importance: 25/100
• Gross Body Equilibrium
  Keeping your balance or staying upright.
  Importance: 19/100
• Speed of Limb Movement
  Quickly moving your arms and legs.
  Importance: 19/100
• Explosive Strength
  Jumping, sprinting, or throwing something.
  Importance: 16/100
• Spatial Orientation
  Knowing where things are around you.
  Importance: 10/100
• Sound Localization
  Noticing the direction that a sound came from.
  Importance: 3/100

Tools and Technology used by Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

• Angle gauge
• Automatic lathe or chucking machine
• Calipers
• Comparators
• Coordinate measuring machines CMM
• Dial indicator or dial gauge
• Drill press or radial drill
• Height gauges
• Hole gauge
• Hydraulic press brake
• Laser cutting machine
• Metal cutters
• Metallurgical microscopes
• Micrometers
• Pin gauge
• Power grinders
• Precision surface plate
• Profile gauge
• Protractors
• Radius gauge
• Sine bar
• Squares
• Thickness measuring devices
• Thread pitch gauge
• Traveling column milling machine
• Turret lathe
• Vertical turning center
• Wire gauge
• Analytical or scientific software
  • Simulation software
• Computer aided design CAD software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Computer aided design CAD software
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • PTC Creo Parametric
• Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
  • 1CadCam Unigraphics
  • 3D Systems GibbsCAM
  • Autodesk Fusion 360
  • Autodesk PartMaker
  • Autodesk PowerMill
  • Autodesk PowerShape
  • BobCAD-CAM
  • CGTech Vericut CNC
  • Celeritive Technologies VoluMill
  • Cimatron CimatronE
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
  • DP Technology ESPRIT
  • Delcam FeatureCAM
  • Delcam PartMaker
  • Dolphin CAD/CAM
  • FANUC CNC
  • FastCAM
  • GO2cam
  • GeoPath CAD/CAM System
  • Geometric Technologies CAMWorks
  • Gerber Technology CutWorks
  • GibbsCAM
  • Hypertherm ProNest
  • ICAM CAM-POST
  • Intelitek spectraCAM Milling
  • Intelitek spectraCAM Turning
  • Kubotek KeyCreator Machinist
  • LAB SUM3D
  • MachineWorks Ltd. MachineWorks
  • Manusoft Technologies IMOLD
  • Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
  • MecSoft Corporation RhinoCAM
  • MecSoft Corporation VisualMILL
  • MecSoft Corporation VisualTURN
  • Metalcam Fikus Visualcam
  • Metalix CAD/CAM System cncKad
  • Metamation MetaCAM
  • Missler Software TopSolid
  • Open Mind Software hyperMILL
  • Post-processor software
  • RADAN Radbend
  • SharpCam Ltd. SharpCam
  • Siemens NX
  • SmartCAMcnc SmartCAM
  • SolidCAM CAM software
  • SolidCAM iMachining
  • Sprut Technology SprutCAM
  • Tebis computer aided design software
  • Technos Astra R-Nesting
  • Technos Astra S-Nesting
  • Top Systems T-FLEX CAM
  • Uncamco Ucam
  • Vero Software ALPHACAM Milling
  • Vero Software ALPHACAM Turning
  • Vero Software Edgecam
  • Vero Software PEPS
  • Vero Software RADAN
  • Vero Software SMIRTsoftware
  • Vero Software SURFCAM
  • Vero Software VISI
  • Vero Software WorkNC
  • Vero Software machining STRATEGIST
• Electronic mail software
  • Microsoft Outlook
• Enterprise application integration software
  • Extensible markup language XML
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Aptean Made2Manage
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • SAP software
• Object or component oriented development software
  • G-code
  • M-code
• Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
• Project management software
  • Siemens Teamcenter
• Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel
• Video conferencing software
  • FaceTime
• Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word

Employment Industries for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

• Machine shops
  4,800 employed
• Machinery manufacturing (3331,2,4,9)
  2,700 employed
• Metalworking machinery manufacturing
  2,600 employed
• Fabricated metal product manufacturing (3321,2,5,6,9)
  2,100 employed
• Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
  1,900 employed
• Fabricated metal product manufacturing (3323,4)
  1,700 employed
• Motor vehicle parts manufacturing
  1,000 employed
• Plastics product manufacturing
  1,000 employed
• Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing
  900 employed
• Turned product and screw, nut, and bolt manufacturing
  800 employed