How to hire computer numerically controlled tool programmers
A job description you can copy, interview questions tied to the real work, and what to pay. Free.
Job description template
Copy it, fill in the brackets, and remove anything that does not fit your job. Keep only must-haves you would really turn someone away for.
[Job title] at [Company name] [City, State] · [Full-time / Part-time] · [Pay range] About the role [Two or three sentences about your team, the work and why it matters.] What you will do • Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates. • Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures. • Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes. • Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media. • Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency. • Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications. • Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved. • Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks. What you bring • [Required license, certification or years of experience, if any] • [Education, only if you truly need it. Typical to start in this job: Postsecondary nondegree award] • Strong monitoring, mathematics, active listening, critical thinking, reading comprehension and speaking skills • Working knowledge of production and processing, engineering and technology, mathematics and design • [Anything else you would really turn someone away for] Pay and benefits [Pay range]. For reference, the U.S. median for this job is $32.75 an hour ($68,120 a year). [Benefits, schedule and anything else candidates should know.] How to apply [Apply on JAI Bot. Every applicant hears back.]
Interview questions for computer numerically controlled tool programmers
Ask every candidate the same questions, in the same order, and write down what they say. Questions about past work show what someone has actually done.
- Tell me about a time you had to analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates. What did you do, and how did it turn out?
- Tell me about a time you had to determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures. What did you do, and how did it turn out?
- Tell me about a time you had to determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes. What did you do, and how did it turn out?
- Tell me about a time you had to enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media. What did you do, and how did it turn out?
- How do you keep track of your own work quality during a busy shift or week? Give an example of catching a problem early.
- Walk me through a calculation you do regularly at work and how you check it.
- Tell me about a time you had to understand a request or problem that was explained poorly. How did you make sure you got it right?
- Why this job, and why now? What would make you stay here for the long term?
Good answers name a real situation, what the person did themselves and what happened. Avoid questions about age, family plans, religion, health, national origin or anything else unrelated to the job.
What computer numerically controlled tool programmers do
- Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
- Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
- Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
- Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
- Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
- Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
- Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
- Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
Skills that matter most
Education, experience and outlook for computer numerically controlled tool programmers
- Typical education to start: Postsecondary nondegree award (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 2 to 4 years (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +5.9% over ten years, faster than average · about 2,700 openings a year (BLS)
What to pay computer numerically controlled tool programmers
Pay depends a lot on where the job is. Highest and lowest median yearly pay by state:
| State | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $86,390 |
| California | $82,090 |
| Massachusetts | $81,670 |
| Washington | $81,420 |
| Kansas | $76,080 |
| Indiana | $63,200 |
| Ohio | $60,080 |
| Iowa | $57,780 |
See computer numerically controlled tool programmers pay in every state
Related hiring guides
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- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
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Post a job freePay by areaJob duties and skills: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2025. Interview questions and the job description template: JAI Bot, based on the duties and skills above.