Shape How New Products Come to Life
As a CNC Manufacturing Process Technologist, you’ll be the bridge between engineering intent and repeatable production. Your day begins on the shop floor, partnering with Production, Quality, and ES&H to validate a new program. You fine-tune toolpaths, set up the machine, and run a first-piece to verify that dimensions, finishes, and cycle times hit the mark. By afternoon, you’re training operators on setup steps and safe program use, documenting best practices, and kicking off a time study to dial in standard work for the next release.
What you’ll do
- Develop CNC and machine programs for new product releases and engineering changes.
- Set up, test, and prove out programs before release; adjust tooling, feeds/speeds, and sequences for quality and throughput.
- Coordinate and support test/development pieces, including specifying R&D or engineering test material and related funding needs.
- Partner directly with Production during launches and in low-volume periods to introduce new products and production aides.
- Own first-piece production to validate programs, tooling, work instructions, processes, and part requirements.
- Troubleshoot and resolve programming, tooling, setup, and machining issues hands-on.
- Train operators in machine operation, program usage, setup methods, and fundamentals of machining.
- Provide on-the-floor technical support to resolve machining and process challenges.
- Collaborate across departments to develop and continuously improve manufacturing processes.
- Conduct and assist with time studies—collect data, observe processes, and document standard cycle times.
- Identify opportunities to improve cycle time, productivity, quality, tooling life, and machine utilization.
- Implement and validate process changes and new manufacturing methods.
- Maintain accurate programming, setup, process, and production documentation.
- Communicate proactively with Production, Quality, and other teams to support launches and ongoing operations.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Technical training, machining education, or associate degree in machining, manufacturing technology, engineering technology, or related field preferred.
- Relevant machining, CNC programming, setup, and manufacturing experience may substitute for formal education.
Experience that sets you up for success
- CNC programming, machine setup, and first-piece inspection experience.
- Solid grasp of machining principles, cutting tools, feeds/speeds, and machine operation.
- Ability to read engineering drawings and manufacturing specifications.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting capability.
- Clear communication skills for training production personnel.
- Basic computer literacy and familiarity with manufacturing/engineering software.
- Hands-on manufacturing floor experience.
- Developing/proving CNC programs for new products.
- Background with CNC mills, lathes, or other automated machining centers.
- CAD/CAM experience; knowledge of FeatureCam is a plus.
- Time studies and establishing standard work/standard cycle times.
- Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement exposure.
- New Product Introduction (NPI) support.
- Knowledge of machine designs and applications; experience creating and updating routers for production.
- CNC programming experience required; proficiency in Microsoft Office.
You’re proficient in
- Equipment Troubleshooting
- CNC Tooling
- Troubleshooting Skills
- CNC Programming
- CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
- Machine Setups for Production Runs
Tools & tech you’ll touch
Our commitment
HYCO Alabama is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.