CNC Machine Programmer

Qualico Steel Company, Inc.; Montgomery (AL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualico Steel Company, Inc. is seeking a skilled CNC Programmer to prepare, program, and optimize equipment for high-quality steel parts production. You will use CAD/CAM software, nesting tools, and machine interfaces to deliver precise production files to plasma, laser, press brake, and other fabrication equipment.

Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure program accuracy, maximize material yield, and keep up-to-date with new technologies and industry practices.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software and nesting tools.
• Experience programming CNC equipment in a fabrication or manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and interpret machine programs for CNC plasma cutters, laser cutters, press brakes, beam lines, drill lines, saws, and other steel fabrication equipment.
• Evaluate and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and job specifications to determine programming requirements.
• Use CAD/CAM software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SigmaNEST, or similar) to create or modify part designs and nesting layouts.
• Ensure each machine has the correct program, tooling setup, and material data for efficient and accurate production.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure program accuracy and alignment with job specifications.
• Optimize machine usage and material yield through effective nesting and sequencing.
• Perform regular checks and updates to machine software libraries and post-processors.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to machine output, program errors, or material incompatibilities.
• Maintain accurate records of programs, revisions, and part libraries.
• Stay current with new technologies and industry practices to improve programming methods and shop floor productivity.

Skills

Blueprint reading

CAD/CAM proficiency

Nesting software

CNC programming

Teamwork

Safety compliance

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

SigmaNEST

Post-processors

Job description

This role is responsible for preparing, programming, and optimizing CNC and automated fabrication equipment to ensure high-quality and accurate steel parts production. The ideal candidate will use a wide range of technological tools—including CAD/CAM software, nesting software, and machine-specific programming interfaces—to deliver precise and efficient production files to each piece of fabrication equipment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and interpret machine programs for CNC plasma cutters, laser cutters, press brakes, beam lines, drill lines, saws, and other steel fabrication equipment.
• Evaluate and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and job specifications to determine programming requirements.
• Use CAD/CAM software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SigmaNEST, or similar) to create or modify part designs and nesting layouts.
• Ensure each machine has the correct program, tooling setup, and material data for efficient and accurate production.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure program accuracy and alignment with job specifications.
• Optimize machine usage and material yield through effective nesting and sequencing.
• Perform regular checks and updates to machine software libraries and post-processors.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to machine output, program errors, or material incompatibilities.
• Maintain accurate records of programs, revisions, and part libraries.
• Stay current with new technologies and industry practices to improve programming methods and shop floor productivity.

Required Qualifications:

• Basic ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.

Proficiency with CAD/CAM software and nesting tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SigmaNEST).

Experience programming CNC equipment in a fabrication or manufacturing environment.

Good communication and teamwork skills.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding industrial environment.
• Reliable attendance and a strong commitment to safety and teamwork.
• Ability to read a tape measure.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in structural steel or heavy fabrication industries.
• Forklift or crane operation certification.
• Familiarity with CNC controls and basic troubleshooting.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to work on a fabrication shop floor with exposure to noise and heat.

Comfortable standing, walking, and moving components as needed.

Able to use personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Fabrication shop environment with exposure to noise, heat, and heavy equipment.
• Requires use of PPE and adherence to company safety guidelines.
• Requires standing, lifting, and moving steel components regularly.