CNC Programmer I - 1st Shift (5-Axis)

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company

Winston-Salem (NC)

On-site

USD 75,000 - 120,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

401(k) with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation & Holidays

Career development programs

Job summary

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company, is seeking a CNC Programmer to join the Winston Salem facility on 1st shift. You will create and optimize CNC programs for multiple machines, translate engineering prints into instructions, and ensure accurate, efficient production.

You will interpret drawings, select tools, support setup, and participate in continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve safety on the shop floor.

Qualifications

4 year technical degree or equivalent manufacturing experience.
Minimum 5 years manufacturing industry experience.
Strong CNC programming knowledge and CAD/CAM tooling.

Responsibilities

Create CNC programs (G-code) for mills, lathes, 5-axis machines.
Interpret engineering prints and specs into machine instructions.
Select cutting tools and optimize usage for efficiency.
Assist with machine and fixture setup; ensure proper operation.
Troubleshoot CNC programs and machine operation issues.
Verify parts meet specs and work with operators for adjustments.
Create and maintain setup sheets and programming docs.
Develop and support rework processes and procedures.
Train workforce for effective utilization.
Lead complex projects and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

CNC programming

GD&T

Reading prints

PC/data entry

Microsoft Office

Team communication

Organization

Prioritization

Interpersonal skills

Education

4 year technical degree or equivalent manufacturing experience

Minimum 5 years manufacturing industry experience

Tools

Siemens NX

Mastercam

SolidWorks

Job description

Job Purpose

This position is 1st shift and will have responsibility for CNC programming functions on various machining lines within the Winston Salem facility.

Req ID

10921BR

Job Purpose

This position is 1st shift and will have responsibility for CNC programming functions on various machining lines within the Winston Salem facility.

Req ID

10921BR

Work Location Options

North Carolina

City

Winston Salem

State:

North Carolina

Company Description

Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.

Key Job Elements

Creating CNC programs (G-code) for machines like mills, lathes, 5-axis)
Understanding engineering prints and technical specifications to translate them into machine instructions.
Choosing appropriate cutting tools and optimizing their use
Assist with machine setup, fixture setup and ensuring proper operation
Troubleshooting failures and resolving issues related to CNC programs or machine operation
Verifying parts meet specifications and collaborating with operators to make adjustment
Creating and maintaining setup sheets, programming documentation, and other related materials
Create job aids and work instructions
Develop and support rework processes/procedures
Assist in training and effective utilization of work force.
Manage complex projects
Process Engineering Changes
LN/IPREP ERP system use
Validate/support all quality gate audits
Determine processing needs to assure fixtures, tooling and methods are provided to meet schedules and production requirements.
Works to improve processes and reduce costs by eliminating non-value add activities.
Implement various corporate initiatives such as 5S, Lean Manufacturing, Internal Certification, etc.
Monitor and improve safety on the shop floor; eliminate unsafe operations and ensure a safe and clean production environment.
Evaluate, assess, and identify training needs of the workforce.
Drives Root Cause identification and Continuous Improvement process

Education / Training

4 year technical degree or equivalent manufacturing experience
Minimum 5 years manufacturing industry experience

Qualifications And Experience

Strong understanding of CNC programming principles and CAD/CAM software (e.g., Siemens NX, Mastercam, SolidWorks).
Team Center Mfg. /PLM/ NX experience a plus
Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
Experience with different types of CNC machines (mills, lathes, 5-axis).
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and prints.
Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Attention to detail and precision
Strong knowledge of PC/data entry
Intermediate level skills of Microsoft Office (Excel/Word/PowerPoint)
Ability to comfortably present to team members and other leaders
Strong interpersonal/communication/prioritization skills is a must
Strong organizational skills

Working Conditions:

Must also be able to perform the following for the duration of shift:
Heavy manufacturing environment, subjecting employees to noise, vibration, and chemical elements.
Will be working near moving mechanical parts, overhead cranes and lift truck traffic.
Regularly required to stand and use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls & reach with hands and arms.
Occasional lifting objects up to 35 lbs.
Periodically walking short and long distances
Metatarsal safety shoes are required as well as safety glasses.

Benefits

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**

Competitive Salary
401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
Flexible Spending Accounts
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Paid Time-Off (PTO)
Employee Assistance Plan
Education Assistance Program
Employee Recognition Programs
Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs
Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.
Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines. EEO Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.