CNC Programmer

CST Industries, Inc.; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in DeKalb, Illinois is seeking a CNC/Laser Programmer to join their Engineering team. This role focuses on programming and CAD/CAM support, ensuring accuracy and efficiency for CNC laser and fabrication equipment. Ideal candidates will have strong CAD/CAM expertise and experience with nesting and toolpath optimization. You will work closely with Engineering and Production to improve manufacturability and maintain program libraries, making it essential to have excellent organizational and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of CNC/laser programming experience in a fabrication or sheet metal environment.
• Proficiency with SigmaNest and AutoCAD required.
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes (cutting, bending, assembly).

Responsibilities

• Develop CNC and laser programs from engineering drawings and CAD files.
• Translate 2D/3D CAD drawings into optimized machine-readable formats.
• Optimize material utilization and reduce scrap through effective nesting strategies.

Skills

CAD/CAM expertise

Nesting optimization

Toolpath optimization

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Tools

SigmaNest

AutoCAD

CAMPlus

CAMProX

SheetCam

Job description

We are seeking a CNC/Laser Programmer to join our Engineering team. This role is dedicated to programming and CAD/CAM support — not machine operation. The Programmer will be responsible for creating, optimizing, and maintaining programs and CAD files for CNC laser and fabrication equipment, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and manufacturability.

The ideal candidate has strong CAD/CAM expertise, experience in nesting and toolpath optimization, and a collaborative mindset to support both Engineering and Production.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop CNC and laser programs from engineering drawings, CAD files, and product specifications.
• Translate 2D/3D CAD drawings into optimized machine-readable formats (nesting, toolpath).
• Create and maintain program libraries, ensuring version control and accuracy.
• Optimize material utilization and reduce scrap through effective nesting strategies.
• Partner with Engineering to improve manufacturability and standardize programming practices.
• Collaborate with operators to troubleshoot issues, but remain engineering-focused (not machine operation).
• Support introduction of new products and processes, ensuring smooth transition from design to production.
• Maintain documentation of programming standards, CAD files, and procedures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and process optimization within fabrication operations.
• Assist in equipment specification and evaluation during capital projects (when programming input is required).

Qualifications

• 3+ years of CNC/laser programming experience in a fabrication or sheet metal environment.
• Proficiency with SigmaNest and AutoCAD required; familiarity with other CAM systems (e.g., CAMPlus, CAMProX, SheetCam) a plus.
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes (cutting, bending, assembly).
• Experience with nesting, toolpath optimization, and CAD file preparation.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and version control discipline.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across Engineering, Production, and Quality.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and process improvement methods preferred.
• Exposure to PLC programming and robotics a plus but not required.

Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Production

Industries

• Industrial Machinery Manufacturing, Machinery Manufacturing, and Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing