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CNC Programmer/Operator

Ford Motor Company · Calvert Beach-Long Beach, MD

Level
Technician
Team
Manufacturing
Base pay
$95k–$159k
Experience asked
7+ years
Industry
Industrial
Posted
Recently

The role in 30 seconds

A technician-level manufacturing role at Ford Motor Company (industrial) in Calvert Beach-Long Beach, MD. You will be responsible for programming, setting up, and operating CNC milling machines and 5‑axis gantry mills (DMG MORI and Fooke) to produce high‑quality parts and components for prototype vehicles.

They ask for
7+ years
Tools it names
CNC, Machining, Tooling, CATIA / NX
Base pay
$95k–$159k
Day to day
some off-shift / weekend coverage

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Manufacturing Technician roles in the US: typical posted base $60k–$95k. This one lists $95k–$159k.

Median of the low and high ends of 80 live postings that list pay, out of 1162 manufacturing technician openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Maryland plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 963 other live manufacturing postings in the US.

Base pay
About 48% above similar roles

Typical $71k–$100k, from 125 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
More than usual (7+ vs 4+)

Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • Team leadership 51%
  • ✓ Tooling 39%
  • ✓ CNC 28%
  • ✓ Machining 28%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for CATIA / NX, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 7+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coverageLifts up to 70 lbs

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. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Ford Motor Company

    Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.

  2. 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. 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 does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 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. 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 Ford Motor CompanyAs posted on their careers site.Show

requirements

  • ✓Ability to lift 50‑70lbs.
  • ✓Stand for long periods of time, bend or twist body, kneel, stoop, or crouch.
Show full description ↓

As a CNC Programmer/Operator, you will be responsible for programming, setting up, and operating CNC milling machines and 5‑axis gantry mills (DMG MORI and Fooke) to produce high‑quality parts and components for prototype vehicles. You will work closely with our design and engineering teams to translate engineering designs into precise and efficient CNC programs, ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of parts for prototype builds. Your expertise in CNC programming, machine operation, commitment to safety, teamwork, and quality workmanship will be essential to your success in this role.

What you’ll do

  • •Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot CNC programs (G‑code) using CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360, Siemens NX) based on 3D CAD models and engineering drawings.
  • •Set up and operate CNC milling machines including selecting appropriate tooling, fixturing, and cutting parameters to achieve desired part geometries and surface finishes.
  • •Produce precision parts and components for prototype vehicles, ensuring adherence to tight tolerances and quality standards.
  • •Work closely with design engineers to understand design intent, identify potential manufacturing challenges, and provide feedback on design manufacturability.
  • •Continuously evaluate and improve CNC machining processes to increase efficiency, reduce cycle times, and minimize material waste.
  • •Inspect finished parts using precision measuring instruments to verify conformance to specifications.
  • •Manage and maintain an organized inventory of CNC tooling, ensuring availability of necessary tools for upcoming projects.
  • •Maintain accurate records of CNC programs, setup sheets, and machining parameters.
  • •Adhere to all safety procedures and protocols to ensure a safe working environment.

You’ll have

  • •5-7+ years of experience as a CNC Programmer/Operator.
  • •Proven expertise in CNC programming using CAM software.
  • •Ability to interpret engineering drawings and blueprints.
  • •Strong understanding of material properties and machinability of various metals, plastics, foams, and composites.
  • •Ability to troubleshoot CNC machining problems and identify solutions to improve part quality and efficiency.
  • •Familiarity with CAD/CAM software workflows and integration.
  • •Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with design and fabrication teams.
  • •High attention to detail and a commitment to producing high‑quality parts.
  • •Physical job

Even better, you may have

  • •Familiarity with rapid prototyping techniques and workflows.
  • •Ability to create and modify CAD models for fixturing and tooling purposes.
  • •Experience with reverse engineering techniques for creating CAD models from physical parts.
  • •5‑Axis Gantry Milling experience.
  • •Experience with Powermill and/or Tebis.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

Benefits

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

  • •Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
  • •Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp‑up programs, subsidized back‑up child care and more
  • •Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
  • •Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
  • •Tuition assistance
  • •Established and active employee resource groups
  • •Paid time off for individual and team community service
  • •A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
  • •Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $95,300-$159,400.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR

Employment Information

Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.

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