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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CNC Technical Coordinator

💰 $ - $

CNCManufacturingEngineeringTechnical CoordinationProduction

🎯 Role Definition

The CNC Technical Coordinator is a manufacturing-focused coordinator and technical liaison who ensures efficient CNC production through programming validation, tooling and fixture management, machine setup oversight, quality assurance, and continuous process improvement. This role bridges engineering, CAM programmers, shop floor operators, quality, and supply chain to deliver parts that meet specifications, cost targets, and delivery timelines. Ideal candidates combine hands-on CNC knowledge, CAM/CAD proficiency, and strong coordination and communication skills.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • CNC Operator / Setup Technician with demonstrated programming experience
  • CAM Programmer or Manufacturing Engineer transitioning to coordination
  • Quality Inspector or Tooling Engineer familiar with shop floor processes

Advancement To:

  • Manufacturing/Production Supervisor
  • CNC Process/Manufacturing Engineer
  • Production Engineering Manager
  • Operations Manager / Plant Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • CAM Programming Specialist (Mastercam/SolidCAM/Fusion360)
  • Quality Engineering (Metrology / CMM)
  • Tooling & Fixture Design Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Coordinate daily CNC production schedules by working with production planners, CAM programmers, and machine operators to prioritize jobs, assign machines, and adjust workflows to meet delivery commitments and minimize lead time.
  • Review and validate CNC programs (G‑code and CAM outputs) for toolpaths, feeds, speeds, and collision detection prior to first-run to prevent scrap, reduce machine downtime, and ensure safe operations.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact between engineering, design, and shop floor teams to translate engineering drawings, tolerances, and GD&T requirements into manufacturable CNC processes and fixture setups.
  • Create and maintain detailed job travelers, setup sheets, tool lists, and program revision histories to ensure traceability and consistent repeatable setups across shifts.
  • Verify first article inspections (FAI) and first piece approvals by coordinating with quality teams, reviewing measurement data (CMM reports, SPC output), and implementing corrective actions for nonconforming parts.
  • Select and manage cutting tools, toolholders, and fixtures by evaluating wear patterns, cycle times, and tool life; collaborate with tooling vendors to optimize tooling solutions and reduce per-part cost.
  • Optimize cycle times and machine utilization through tooling consolidation, program optimization, nesting strategies, and post-processor adjustments while maintaining part quality and surface finish requirements.
  • Conduct root cause analysis for machining-related defects, implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and document process changes in revision-controlled systems.
  • Maintain CAM and post-processor libraries (Mastercam, SolidCAM, Esprit, Fusion 360) and validate post-processor outputs to ensure consistency across machine types and control systems.
  • Provide hands-on machine setups and support on complex jobs when required, including workholding design, fixture modification, and first-op/last-op setup validation.
  • Manage fixture and tooling inventory, order replacement tooling, and coordinate preventive maintenance and calibration schedules for fixtures, gauges, and CNC machines.
  • Implement and enforce safety practices, lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, and proper machine guarding while training personnel on safe loading, unloading, and operation of CNC equipment.
  • Coordinate subcontract machining and external finishing services; evaluate vendor capabilities, confirm part specifications, and manage incoming inspection for externally processed components.
  • Interface with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Epicor, Oracle) to release work orders, update routing steps, record scrap/rework, and track actual vs. planned production performance.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen, 5S, Lean manufacturing) focused on reducing setup time (SMED), improving process capability (Cp/Cpk), and lowering scrap and rework rates.
  • Support engineering change orders (ECOs) by evaluating impacts on CNC programs, tooling, and production schedules and implementing approved changes with minimal disruption to operations.
  • Train and mentor machine operators, junior technicians, and CAM programmers on best practices for setup, program verification, tool selection, and quality expectations to raise shop floor competency.
  • Perform and document routine process capability studies, SPC chart reviews, and measurement system analyses to ensure long-term stability of critical features and tolerances.
  • Collaborate with product development and design teams to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback early in the development cycle to avoid costly rework and ensure scalable production processes.
  • Maintain and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process documentation for all CNC operations and tooling setups to support quality audits and ISO compliance.
  • Troubleshoot machine control issues, coordinate with OEM service technicians for complex repairs, and track machine MTTR/MTBF metrics to improve equipment availability.
  • Coordinate NPI (New Product Introduction) launches by scheduling proto runs, validating processes, capturing lessons learned, and transitioning programs to production readiness.
  • Prepare technical reports, production metrics, and KPI dashboards for production leadership, highlighting throughput, yield, utilization, on-time delivery, and continuous improvement results.
  • Manage customer or internal engineering requests for deviations, special process approvals, or capability demonstrations by organizing trials, material qualifications, and inspection evidence.
  • Oversee programming for multiple machine types (3‑, 4‑, 5‑axis mills, lathes with live tooling) and ensure alignment between CAM strategies and machine kinematics to prevent axis limits and tool collisions.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad‑hoc tooling trials, proof-of-concept machining, and rapid prototyping activities for R&D or engineering change validation.
  • Assist quality and metrology teams with setup of CMM programs and fixture alignment for complex parts requiring multi-step inspection plans.
  • Participate in cross-functional production planning meetings to improve throughput and balance capacity across machining centers.
  • Help maintain regulatory and quality system documentation (ISO 9001, AS9100) for CNC processes and support internal and external audits.
  • Provide input to purchasing for long-lead tooling, custom fixtures, and specialized cutting tools based on production forecasts and historical usage.
  • Monitor tooling and consumables cost trends and recommend cost-saving alternatives without compromising part quality.
  • Capture and maintain a library of best‑practice machining parameters and lessons learned for future job setups and training.
  • Assist in creating visual aids, training guides, and standardized checklists for machine setup and program verification to reduce variability across operators.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • CNC programming and verification experience (G‑code review, program simulation, post-processor validation) for mills and lathes.
  • Proficient with CAM software such as Mastercam, SolidCAM, Esprit, Fusion 360, or GibbsCAM and ability to translate CAD models into optimized toolpaths.
  • Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills to ensure parts meet specified tolerances and geometrical requirements.
  • Hands-on experience with machining centers (3‑, 4‑, 5‑axis mills) and CNC lathes, including setup, fixturing, and troubleshooting of control systems (Fanuc, Siemens, Heidenhain).
  • Experience with metrology equipment and inspection practices including CMM programming/operation, micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and optical comparators.
  • Knowledge of cutting tool selection, tool life optimization, holder selection, and tool offset management.
  • Familiarity with SPC, process capability (Cp/Cpk), and use of statistical tools for quality control and process monitoring.
  • Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Epicor, Oracle, Netsuite) to release work orders, update routings, and record production data.
  • Understanding of ISO 9001/AS9100 quality systems, documentation control, and first article inspection (FAI) processes.
  • Proficient in CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor) to review part geometry, design fixtures, and modify models for manufacturability.
  • Troubleshooting skills for CNC machine controls, servo/drive systems, and basic PLC logic familiarity for machine support.
  • Competence with Fixturing, jigs, and workholding design including quick-change fixtures and vacuum/nutplate setups.

Soft Skills

  • Strong communication skills to liaise effectively between engineering, production, quality, and suppliers.
  • Project coordination and time management skills to balance multiple jobs, priorities, and NPI schedules.
  • Problem-solving mindset and structured approach to root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
  • Leadership and mentoring ability to coach operators and junior programmers and enforce best practices.
  • Attention to detail and documentation discipline for maintaining SOPs, job travelers, and quality records.
  • Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with changing priorities.
  • Customer-focused orientation for internal and external stakeholder requests and technical clarifications.
  • Collaborative teamwork and ability to lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate degree or technical diploma in Manufacturing Technology, Machining, Industrial Technology, or related field; OR equivalent hands-on CNC experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering / Industrial Engineering
  • CNC Machining / Toolmaking
  • CAD/CAM and Mechatronics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–7 years of progressive experience in CNC operations, CAM programming, or manufacturing coordination.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of combined experience in CNC programming and production coordination with proven success in process optimization, tooling management, and quality systems.
  • Prior experience supporting multi-shift environments, NPI programs, and cross-functional manufacturing teams.
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