AITakeover Tracker
Awaiting Assessment

Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic

Also known as: Applications Engineer, CAD CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer), Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator (CNC Machine Operator), Computer Numerical Control Machining Center Operator (CNC Machining Center Operator), Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist), Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator), Computer Numerical Control Process Control Programmer (CNC Process Control Programmer), Computer Numerical Control Programmer (CNC Programmer), Machine Operator, Machine Shop Lead Man

Develop programs to control machining or processing of metal or plastic parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems.

Education & Training

Percentage of workers at each education and training level

Education Level

High School Diploma24%
Some College41%
Post-Secondary Certificate7%
Associate's Degree19%
Bachelor's Degree10%

Prior Experience Needed

Work experience required to enter this job

1-3 months10%
6 months - 1 year18%
1-2 years23%
2-4 years4%
4-6 years26%
6-8 years13%
Over 10 years7%

Training Provided After Hiring

How long it typically takes to learn on the job

None10%
Up to 1 month6%
1-3 months13%
3-6 months16%
6 months - 1 year15%
1-2 years21%
2-4 years19%

How AI Impacts Each Task

17 tasks analyzed

Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.

Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.

Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.

Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.

Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.

Essential Soft Skills

Traits that are hard for AI to replicate

Attention to DetailIndependenceAnalytical ThinkingDependabilityIntegrityAchievement/EffortPersistenceCooperationSelf ControlInitiativeInnovationAdaptability/Flexibility
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Awaiting Assessment

This occupation has 17 tasks in the database and is queued for the next scoring run. Risk scores, protective factors, and skill gaps will appear once the assessment completes.