CNC New Product Introduction (NPI) Process Technician

Hyco Alabama; Arab (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

HYCO Alabama seeks an experienced CNC programmer/technician to translate designs into toolpaths, set up machines, and run first articles. You will validate tooling and documentation, train operators, and work across Production, Quality, ES&H, and Engineering to ensure readiness for full-rate manufacturing.

You will develop and prove CNC programs for mills and lathes, perform time studies, and drive improvements in cycle time and tooling performance while maintaining thorough process records.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or better; technical training preferred.
• Experience with CNC programming and first-article inspection.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specs.

Responsibilities

• Create CNC programs for new parts and engineering changes using CAD/CAM.
• Set up equipment, run first-article parts, verify tooling and instructions.
• Train operators in machine operation and setup steps.
• Coordinate development runs and material needs, funding when required.
• Conduct time studies and establish standard work and cycle times.
• Maintain current process documentation and communicate status to stakeholders.

Skills

CNC programming

Setup

Troubleshooting

Operator training

Lean/continuous improvement

Time studies

Communication

Documentation

Education

High school diploma

Technical training or associate degree in machining

Equivalent hands-on machining experience

Tools

CAD/CAM

FeatureCam

CAM software

Office software

Job description

Role SnapshotWhen a new design is greenlit, you’re the one who turns it into reality. You translate prints into CNC toolpaths, set up the machines, cut the first piece, validate everything with Quality, and coach operators so production runs smoothly. You’ll be embedded with Production, collaborate with ES&H, and partner with Engineering to ensure each new product is programmed, tested, documented, and ready for a seamless handoff to the floor.A day in the lifeCreate CNC programs for brand-new parts and engineering changes using CAD/CAM; iterate until the cycle is accurate, safe, and efficient.Set up equipment, run first-article parts, and verify tooling, fixtures, work instructions, and dimensional requirements.Coordinate test and development runs, including identifying R&D material needs and related funding requirements.Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Production during launches and low-volume periods to introduce new products and production aids.Troubleshoot programming, tooling, setup, and machining issues—hands-on—until root cause is eliminated.Train operators in machine operation, program usage, setup steps, and foundational machining concepts.Partner across Production, Quality, ES&H, and Engineering to refine processes and accelerate readiness for full-rate manufacturing.Run time studies: observe cycles, capture data, and establish standard work and standard cycle times.Continuously improve cycle time, quality, tooling performance, productivity, and machine utilization.Implement and validate process changes and new manufacturing methods.Maintain clear, current documentation for programs, setups, processes, routers, and production records.Communicate status, risks, and needs proactively with Production, Quality, and other stakeholders.What you bringHigh school diploma or equivalent (required).Technical training or an associate degree in machining, manufacturing technology, engineering technology, or a related field (preferred). Equivalent hands-on experience in machining, CNC programming, setup, and manufacturing may substitute for formal education.Proven CNC programming and setup experience with first-article inspection.Solid grasp of machining fundamentals, cutting tools, feeds/speeds, and machine operations.Ability to interpret engineering drawings and manufacturing specs.Mechanical aptitude and strong troubleshooting capability.Experience teaching operators and communicating technical information clearly.Comfort with manufacturing/engineering software and core computer skills; Microsoft Office proficiency.Background developing and proving out CNC programs for new products (mills, lathes, and other automated equipment).CAD/CAM proficiency; FeatureCam familiarity is a plus.Experience running time studies and defining standard work/standard cycle times.Exposure to Lean/continuous improvement.Knowledge of machine designs/applications and experience creating/updating routers.Proficiencies and toolsEquipment and process troubleshooting.CNC tooling selection and optimization.CNC programming, setup, and changeovers for production runs.CAM software (e.g., FeatureCam).HYCO Alabama is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.