Machine Programmer - Weekend Day Shift

Switchgear Power Systems; Town of Winneconne (WI); On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Lunch

Work 36 hours, get paid for 40

Overtime available during weekdays, or

Double time after 44 horus worked

Job summary

Switchgear Power Systems, LLC is seeking a CAD/CAM Programmer to convert engineering drawings into accurate production programs for press brakes, laser and turret operations. You will optimize nesting and support setup and production with operators.

Required CAD/CAM experience (Dr. ABE or similar), blue‑print reading, and strong attention to detail in a fabrication environment. Excellent problem‑solving and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or GED with at least 5 years of machine operation experience in fabrication/manufacturing.
• At least 2 years of CAD/CAM experience (SigmaNEST, Radan, Ncell, Dr. ABE, Metamation) and press brake, laser, or turret operation.
• Experience reading blueprints and working with measuring equipment to verify tolerances.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and material requirements and translate them into machine programs.
• Create machine programs using CAD/CAM software and optimize nesting to reduce waste and improve material utilization.
• Develop or modify bend programs, tooling setups, and forming sequences for press brakes, lasers, and turret operations; assist operators with issues.
• Verify accuracy of programmed parts using measuring equipment and maintain organized records of programs, revisions, and tooling configurations.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to resolve programming or manufacturability issues and identify cycle-time improvements.

Skills

CAD/CAM software

Blueprint reading

Attention to detail

Measuring equipment

Mathematics

Safety first

MS Office

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

SolidWorks 3D

SigmaNEST

Radan

Ncell

Dr. ABE

Metamation

Job description

Schedule: Friday - Sunday 6:00am - 6:00pm

Must be able to train on weekdays 1st shift (Monday - Thursday 6:00am - 4:30pm) for approximately 4-10 weeks.

Shift Perks

• Paid Lunch
• Work 36 hours, get paid for 40
• Overtime available during weekdays, or additional weekend hours
• Double time after 44 horus worked

Position Description

This position programs fabrication equipment—including press brakes, laser, and turret—using CAD/CAM software to convert engineering drawings into accurate and efficient production programs. The role ensures dimensional accuracy, material optimization, and supports machine operators during setup and production.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Programming & Setup

• Review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and material requirements
• Convert drawings into machine programs using CAD/CAM software (e.g., Dr. ABE, SigmaNEST, or similar)
• Optimize nesting and material layout to reduce waste and maximize utilization
• Validate bend allowances, bend deductions, tooling requirements, and machine constraints

Machine-Specific Programming Support

Press Brake

• Develop or modify bend programs, tooling setups, and forming sequences
• Assist operators in troubleshooting issues related to programming errors

Laser

• Create cutting paths, lead-in/lead-outs, and cutting conditions based on material type and thickness
• Assist operators in troubleshooting issues related to programming errors

Turret

• Create punching programs including tooling selection, sequence optimization, and hit avoidance
• Assist operators in troubleshooting issues related to programming errors

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Verify accuracy of programmed parts using measuring equipment
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to resolve programming or manufacturability issues
• Maintain organized records of programs, revisions, and tooling configurations
• Proactively identify improvements to cycle time, tooling efficiency, and quality

Training & Cross-Functional Support

• Assist with troubleshooting machine performance, program errors, or production challenges
• Communicate programming changes effectively to operators, supervisors, and engineering

Performs additional duties as assigned.

Required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to use programming software (preferably Dr. ABE)
• Strong blue-print reading skills
• Strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to read/use measuring equipment: tape measure, caliper, protractor, etc
• Good understanding of basic mathematics to verify job requirements and specifications
• Hold high quality standards to meet customer specifications
• Manage multiple tasks in order to meet deadlines with attention to detail
• Strong safety ethics - puts safety first while performing job duties and function
• Solid Microsoft Office skills (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Preferred

• Good collaboration skills to work with a team
• Self-motivated and can work without much supervision
• Strong communication skills (written, verbal, interpersonal)
• Familiarity with SolidWorks 3D

Qualifications & Experience

High school graduate or GED and at least 5 years of machine operation work experience in a fabrication/manufacturing environment or a relevant equivalent experience is required. At least 2 years of CAD/CAM experience (SigmaNEST, Radan, Ncell, Dr. ABE, Metamation) and press brake, laser, or turret operation experience are preferred.

Travel

None

Pay Range

$27.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk and hear. The employee regularly is required to walk and reach with hands. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Employee occasionally uses computer keyboards. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employee views computer monitor occasionally.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is rarely exposed to airborne particles or chemical agents. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Switchgear Power Systems is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.