Manufacturing Technician - CNC Programmer, 1st Shift

SCHOTT AG; Southbridge (MA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

SCHOTT AG is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer to create, edit, and optimize programs for mills, lathes and multi-axis machines in a dynamic production environment. The role requires strong G-code knowledge, reading drawings, and hands-on problem solving.

You will select tooling, determine speeds/feeds, and develop setup sheets, while collaborating with engineering on manufacturability and fixture design. Safety and quality are paramount, with emphasis on continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical degree or machinist apprenticeship preferred.
• 3–5+ years of CNC programming experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of G-code and CNC machine operations.
• Experience with GD&T and reading engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Create, edit, and optimize CNC programs for mills, lathes, and/or multi-axis machines.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, speeds, feeds, and machining strategies.
• Develop process documentation including setup sheets, tooling lists, and work instructions.
• Perform prove-outs and first-article runs, adjusting programs as needed.
• Support machinists during setup and production runs.
• Troubleshoot machining issues related to tooling, programming, or machine capability.
• Collaborate with engineering on design for manufacturability improvements.
• Assist with fixture design and workholding concepts.
• Ensure programs comply with machine and tooling safety requirements.

Skills

CNC programming

G-code

Multi-axis machining

Reading drawings

GD&T

Education

High school diploma

Machinist apprenticeship preferred

Tools

CNC machines

Measurement equipment

Job description

Our Business Unit Lighting and Imaging offers smart solutions for light delivery and image transmission in demanding environments — from medical devices, industrial, and safety applications to aviation and automotive. With manufacturing sites in Europe and North America, and supported by SCHOTT’s global sales network, we are a leading supplier of high-quality fiber optic and LED components.

Your Contribution

• Create, edit, and optimize CNC programs for mills, lathes, and/or multi-axis machines.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, speeds, feeds, and machining strategies.
• Develop process documentation including setup sheets, tooling lists, and work instructions.
• Perform prove-outs and first-article runs, adjusting programs as needed.
• Support machinists during setup and production runs.
• Troubleshoot machining issues related to tooling, programming, or machine capability.
• Collaborate with engineering on design for manufacturability improvements.
• Assist with fixture design and workholding concepts.
• Ensure programs comply with machine and tooling safety requirements.

Your Profile

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or machinist apprenticeship preferred.
• 3–5+ years of CNC programming experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of G-code and CNC machine operations.

Strong CNC programming and machining expertise, including G-code, CNC mills and/or lathes, engineering drawings, GD&T, tooling, and machining principles.

Proven ability to optimize machining processes, ensure quality and print compliance, perform root cause analysis, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills, with a hands-on, team-oriented approach and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Due to the nature of the work performed at this facility. US Person status may be required.

Hourly Pay Range: $30.00-$34.00
Actual starting pay is determined by a number of factors including relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.

At SCHOTT, you can expect a unique corporate culture where we emphasize equity, diversity, and inclusion. We know: motivated and committed employees are the precondition for the success of our company.