CNC Programmer
The Palmer Group · Creston, IA
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Experience asked
- 3+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level manufacturing role at The Palmer Group (industrial) in Creston, IA. Interpret engineering drawings, select tooling, and ensure compliance with strict specifications while collaborating with machinists and engineers to support precision manufacturing for critical aerospace components.
- They ask for
- 3+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
- Tools it names
- CNC, Machining, Casting, Tooling
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 16 other live manufacturing postings in Iowa.
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (3+ vs 5+)
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Tooling 59%
- ✓ CNC 53%
- ✓ Machining 35%
- Team leadership 24%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Casting, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with 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 The Palmer Group
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 The Palmer GroupAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
What you will do
- ◆Create CNC programs for milling, drilling, and turning operations on high-precision parts
- ◆Interpret blueprints, CAD models, and specifications to ensure accuracy and compliance
- ◆Choose tooling, speeds, and feeds appropriate for aluminum and magnesium materials
- ◆Validate programs through simulation and first-piece inspection; make adjustments as needed
- ◆Work with machinists and engineers to troubleshoot programming or machining problems
- ◆Maintain documentation of programs and revisions per industry and certification standards
- ◆Support machine setup and assist with troubleshooting when required
- ◆Adhere to safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area
- ◆Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for machining processes and cycle time reduction
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Palmer Group's client is a premier aerospace foundry-the nation's leader and sole source for many high-precision parts. This fast-growing organization offers a dynamic, fast-paced environment with strong pay and benefits. They are seeking a CNC Programmer to develop and optimize programs for machining aluminum and magnesium castings. You'll interpret engineering drawings, select tooling, and ensure compliance with strict specifications while collaborating with machinists and engineers to support precision manufacturing for critical aerospace components. Apply now to be considered!
Work model
- •On-Site
to be successful
- •High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or CNC coursework preferred
- •3+ years of CNC programming experience in a manufacturing environment
- •Prior work experience with aluminum and/or magnesium component machining is preferred