CNC Programmer
Russell, Tobin & Associates · Seattle, WA
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Experience asked
- 8+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 27 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level manufacturing role at Russell, Tobin & Associates (industrial) in Seattle, WA. Customer-focused with understanding of how programming impacts delivery commitments.
- They ask for
- 8+ years
- Tools it names
- GD&T, CNC, Machining, Tooling
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Manufacturing Technician roles in the US: typical posted base $60k–$91k.
Median of the low and high ends of 50 live postings that list pay, out of 825 manufacturing technician openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Washington plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 10 other live manufacturing postings in Washington.
- Experience asked
- More than usual (8+ vs 3+)
Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Tooling 36%
- Team leadership 36%
- ✓ CNC 36%
- ✓ Machining 36%
- ✓ GD&T 27%
- CATIA / NX 27%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Russell, Tobin & Associates
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from Russell, Tobin & AssociatesAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
About the Role
Client seeks a CNC Programmer to create CNC programs for precision machined parts using Mastercam and other CAM software. You will translate customer designs into optimized manufacturing programs, simulate NC files, design fixture tooling, and support machine setup and operation. This role requires strong technical knowledge of CNC programming, machining processes, and the ability to balance programming quality with throughput demands to meet production schedules.
Required
- ✓High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- ✓8+ years of CNC programming experience (including Mastercam)
- ✓Ability to set up and operate 3-axis and 5-axis CNC mills
- ✓Strong knowledge of machining processes, cutting tools, and speeds and feeds
- ✓Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and GD&T
- ✓Excellent communication skills
- ✓Can keep digital archives organized
- ✓Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
- ✓Ability to perform lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying as required
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Our client, an Ecommerce company (Fortune 500), is looking to hire a CNC Programmer in Seattle WA. (Onsite)
Pay Rate Range: $50 to $55/hr on w2 (depends on exp)
CNC Programming Operations
- •Use Mastercam to program CNC parts for 3-axis and 5-axis CNC mills
- •Create optimized tool paths and machining strategies for complex parts
- •Simulate NC files inside of Vericut to verify programs before production
- •Maintain revision control on programs and setup sheets
- •Generate setup sheets and work instructions for machine operators
- •Troubleshoot programming issues and make real-time adjustments
Technical Analysis and Optimization
- •Review customer drawings and specifications to determine optimal machining approach
- •Make or offer suggestions on drawing changes to improve manufacturability
- •Optimize cutting parameters, tool selection, and machining sequences to reduce cycle time
- •Knowledgeable of carbide tools and adjusting speed and feed parameters for maximum tool life
- •Evaluate trade-offs between programming complexity, cycle time, and tool life
- •Develop and maintain programming standards and best practices
Fixture Design and Tooling
- •Design and machine efficient fixture tooling for production runs
- •Create custom work-holding solutions for complex parts
- •Optimize fixture designs to minimize setup time and maximize accessibility
- •Collaborate with CNC Setup Machinists on fixture implementation
Machine Setup and Operation
- •Perform machine setup and operation as needed
- •Ability to set up and operate 3-axis and 5-axis CNC mills
- •Verify programs through first article runs and make necessary adjustments
- •Support CNC operators and setup machinists with technical guidance
Capacity Management and Productivity
- •Manage programming workload to meet production schedules
- •Meet expectations for productivity and production goals
- •Constantly keep products moving and alert management when production is inhibited
- •Communicate programming capacity and lead times to Application Engineers and manufacturing managers
- •Prioritize programming tasks based on customer commitments and production needs
Process Improvement
- •Provide consistent ideas for process improvements
- •Identify opportunities to streamline programming processes and reduce bottlenecks
- •Optimize programming workflows to maximize throughput
- •Share best practices and technical knowledge with programming team
Digital File Management
- •Keep digital archives organized and maintain proper file structure
- •Maintain version control on programs and documentation
- •Ensure proper backup and archival of programming files
- •Organize programs for easy retrieval and reuse
Preferred
- +12+ years of CNC programming experience (including Mastercam)
- +Experience with programming and operating multi-axis mill and lathe CNC machines
- +Experience working with tool & die application with complex surfacing and contours
- +Experience programming and operating Mill-Turn machines
- +Experience with Vericut or other simulation software
- +Experience in contract manufacturing or high-mix production environments
- +Knowledge of fixture design and tooling optimization
- +Familiarity with other CAM software platforms (ESPRIT, etc.)
Success Profile
- •High attention to detail with commitment to accuracy and quality
- •Strong technical problem-solving skills with practical approach
- •Efficient and organized with ability to manage multiple programming projects
- •Bias for action with focus on meeting production deadlines
- •Collaborative mindset with ability to work across manufacturing teams
- •Adaptable with ability to handle changing priorities in fast-paced environment
- •Process improvement orientation with focus on reducing programming time
- •Customer-focused with understanding of how programming impacts delivery commitments
- •Self-starter with ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions
- •Strong communication skills to coordinate with operators, engineers, and management
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