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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer resume example

A resume for a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer needs to show the work itself: develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. Day to day that means work like this: 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. Recruiters and applicant tracking systems both read for the tasks and tools this role actually involves, so the strongest resume names them in your own experience rather than describing the job in the abstract. Below are the tasks O*NET records for this occupation, the software and tools it uses, the titles it is advertised under, and the skills worth naming if they are genuinely yours.

Also advertised as

The same job is posted under many titles. Searching only your own job title hides most of the openings you could apply to.

  • CAD CAM Programmer
  • Computer Numerical Control Machinist
  • CNC Machinist
  • Computer Numerical Control Programmer
  • CNC Programmer
  • Programmer
  • CNC Lathe Programmer
  • CNC Machine Programmer
  • CNC Mill Programmer
  • CNC Milling and Turning Setup Programmer
  • CNC Milling Setup Programmer
  • CNC Turning Setup Programmer
  • CNC Process Control Programmer
  • NC Programmer
  • NC Tool Programmer
  • Applications Engineer
  • Computer Numerical Control Mill Programmer
  • Computer Numerically Controlled Programmer

O*NET records 24 titles for this occupation in total.

What people in this job call themselves

Titles reported by people actually doing this work, which is often not the title on the job posting.

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

What this work actually involves

Tasks recorded for this occupation, in O*NET's words. If your experience covers one of these, it belongs on your resume in your own words.

  • 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.
  • Revise programs 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 to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
  • Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.
  • Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
  • Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
  • Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
  • Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
  • Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
  • Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
  • Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.

15 tasks are recorded in total; these are the most central.

Example bullets for this role

Built from this occupation's own tasks. The brackets stay empty on purpose: we will not invent a number for you, and a fabricated metric is the fastest way to lose an interview you had already won.

  • Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks, for [who or what it served], at [what volume].
  • Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes, for [who or what it served], at [what volume].
  • Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved, for [who or what it served], at [what volume].
  • Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates, for [who or what it served], at [what volume].

Software used in this role

Recorded for this occupation by O*NET. An applicant tracking system matches the exact product name, so write the tool the way the posting writes it.

  • 1CadCam Unigraphics
  • 3D Systems GibbsCAM
  • Aptean Made2Manage
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk Fusion 360
  • Autodesk PartMaker
  • Autodesk PowerMill
  • Autodesk PowerShape
  • BobCAD-CAM
  • Celeritive Technologies VoluMill
  • CGTech Vericut CNC
  • Cimatron CimatronE
  • Computer aided design CAD software
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

81 software entries are recorded in total.

Tools and equipment

The physical equipment this occupation is recorded as using. Worth naming when a posting asks for it by name.

  • Adjustable squares
  • Bore gauges
  • Computer numerical control CNC grinders
  • Computer numerical control CNC lasers
  • Computer numerical control CNC notchers
  • Computer numerical control CNC press brakes
  • Computer numerical control CNC punch presses
  • Computer numerically controlled CNC lathes
  • Coodinate meauring machines CMM
  • Dial indicators
  • Digital angle gauges
  • Digital calipers

Skills an ATS reads for

Worth naming only if they are genuinely yours. Keyword overlap is one input to a resume's score, not a verdict.

  • AutoCAD
  • CGTech Vericut CNC
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • 1CadCam Unigraphics
  • 3D Systems GibbsCAM

What this job rates as most important

O*NET rates every skill for importance to this occupation. These are the highest rated, in order.

  1. 01Programming
  2. 02Monitoring
  3. 03Operations Monitoring
  4. 04Active Learning
  5. 05Complex Problem Solving
  6. 06Critical Thinking
  7. 07Judgment and Decision Making
  8. 08Mathematics
  9. 09Reading Comprehension
  10. 10Systems Analysis

Knowledge areas

The subject knowledge this occupation draws on, rated by importance.

  • Computers and Electronics
  • Mechanical
  • Mathematics
  • Production and Processing
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Design
  • English Language
  • Administration and Management

What qualifications people in this job have

From O*NET's survey of people doing this work. This is what postholders reported, not a requirement any single employer sets.

  • 41%Post-Secondary Certificate, awarded for training completed after high school
  • 24%High School Diploma, or the equivalent
  • 19%Associate's Degree

What level this role is pitched at

O*NET places this occupation in “Medium Preparation Needed”. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Common questions

What does a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer do?
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. Day to day that includes work like write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks and Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
What skills should a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer put on a resume?
O*NET rates Programming, Monitoring, Operations Monitoring, Active Learning, and Complex Problem Solving among the most important skills for this occupation. Name the ones that are genuinely yours and show where you used them. A resume that lists skills you do not have is weaker than one that lists fewer.
What software should a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer list?
Software recorded for this occupation includes 1CadCam Unigraphics, 3D Systems GibbsCAM, Aptean Made2Manage, Autodesk AutoCAD, and Autodesk Fusion 360. Applicant tracking systems match on the exact product name, so write the tool as the posting writes it rather than describing it in general terms.
What other job titles cover Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer work?
O*NET records 24 titles for this occupation, including CAD CAM Programmer, Computer Numerical Control Machinist, CNC Machinist, and Computer Numerical Control Programmer. Searching only your own job title hides most of the openings you could apply to.
What qualifications does a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer need?
In O*NET's survey of people doing this job, 41% reported their level of education as "Post-Secondary Certificate, awarded for training completed after high school". That is what current postholders reported, not a requirement any single employer sets.
Will this resume pass an ATS for a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer role?
No tool outside an employer can tell you how that employer's system is configured, including ours. What you can control is that the resume parses cleanly, names the work in the words the posting uses, and does not claim anything you cannot back up.

Related roles

Occupations O*NET records as closest to this one, and worth looking at if this search is not moving.

What this page cannot tell you

  • No tool outside an employer can tell you how that employer’s ATS is configured, including ours.
  • This page makes no claim about pay, demand or how many people hold this job. O*NET does not publish that here and we will not estimate it.
  • Keyword overlap is one input to a resume’s score, not a verdict on you. A resume that names skills you do not have is worse than one that names fewer.

If this is the job you are aiming at, the guide to tailoring a resume covers how to aim one posting properly, and building and exporting a resume here is free.

Occupation data from the O*NET 29.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. SpartanResume is not endorsed by USDOL/ETA.