CNC Programmer
CACI · Sterling, VA
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Base pay
- $71k–$149k
- Travel
- 10%
- Experience asked
- 10+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 8 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level manufacturing role at CACI (industrial) in Sterling, VA. Program, setup, and operate 3- or 4 -axis CNC machines.
- They ask for
- 10+ years
- Tools it names
- GD&T, CNC, Machining, SolidWorks
- Base pay
- $71k–$149k
- Day to day
- about 10% travel
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. This one lists $71k–$149k.
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.
Virginia plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 8 other live manufacturing postings in Virginia.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ CNC 56%
- ✓ Machining 56%
- Team leadership 44%
- Tooling 33%
✓ = 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 CACI
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?
- The posting says about 10% travel. Between which sites?
- 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 CACIAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None
Employee Type: Regular
Responsibilities
Lead programmer and material planner for small machine shop.
Currently programming for wire EDM and 4 axis mill using Mastercam and/or Solidworks CAM.
Machine prototype components using CNC and manual mills and lathes.
Program, setup, and operate 3- or 4 -axis CNC machines.
Collaborate with design engineers, make recommendations and share best practices with machining approaches and materials as a subject matter expert (SME) on machining
Read and interpret engineering drawings (CAD/CAM) and tolerancing schemes, including GD&T.
Maintain machine shop equipment for function and cleanliness.
Required
- ✓High School Diploma or GED
- ✓5-10 years of experience with setting up, programming, editing and operating CNC milling and lathe machines
- ✓Experience with machining metals (aluminum, stainless steel) and other materials
- ✓Experience with design process and mechanical assembly. Must be able to read and interpret drawings and blueprints
- ✓Must be able to obtain and maintain an DoD Secret Clearance
- ✓Effective verbal and written communication in English
- ✓Basic MS Windows skills
- ✓Ability to perform basic mathematical computations
- ✓Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
- ✓PHYSICAL DEMANDS - Ability to lift 50 lbs. when required; While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms; Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus undefined
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Job Title: CNC Programmer
Job Category: Engineering and Technical Support
Time Type: Full time
Type of Travel: Local
- •* *
Job Description
The Opportunity
Join a dynamic, collaborative team where you will have the opportunity to work alongside engineers from a variety of disciplines.
Use your fabrication skills to create prototypes and work with test engineers and production personnel to prepare new technical solutions that can be deployed to fielded systems and support the warfighter.
Excellent opportunities for professional growth and career advancement as you take on new challenges and opportunities to expand your skill set.
Desired
- +Experience with machine maintenance.
- +Experience with waterjet and laser cutting.
This position is contingent on funding and may not be filled immediately. However, this position is representative of positions within CACI that are consistently available. Individuals who apply may also be considered for other positions at CACI.
What You Can Expect
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.