Lead CNC Programmer - Plastic Injection Molding

AMERICAN TOOL & MOLD · Clearwater, FL

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Level: Technician
Team: Manufacturing
Experience asked: 15+ years
Industry: Industrial
Posted: Recently

The role in 30 seconds

A technician-level manufacturing role at AMERICAN TOOL & MOLD (industrial) in Clearwater, FL.

They ask for: 15+ years
Tools it names: CNC, Machining, Injection molding, Tooling, CATIA / NX

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 63 live postings that list pay, out of 1043 manufacturing technician openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

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

How this role compares

Against 29 other live manufacturing postings in Florida.

Experience asked: More than usual (15+ vs 4+)

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ CNC 70%
✓ Tooling 63%
✓ Machining 60%
Team leadership 47%
GD&T 40%

✓ = 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 15+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

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 AMERICAN TOOL & MOLD
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 AMERICAN TOOL & MOLDAs posted on their careers site.Show

Position Summary

The Lead CNC Programmer will play a critical role in programming, optimizing, and overseeing machining operations to support high-precision plastics injection mold making. This position requires expertise with Unigraphics NX11 (or newer) and strong leadership skills to guide programming efforts, improve processes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

◆Develop, optimize, and maintain CNC programs for prismatic and complex geometries.
◆Select cutting tools, determine feeds/speeds, and create efficient tool paths.
◆Evaluate designs for manufacturability and recommend improvements.
◆Program and support:
◆3-, 4-, and 5-axis vertical and horizontal milling machines
◆2-axis lathes with C-axis and live tooling
◆Lead high-speed machining efforts and the design/manufacture of electrodes, fixtures, jigs, and mold frames.
◆Oversee part mounting methodologies and ensure efficient machining processes.
◆Provide technical guidance and mentorship to CNC operators and toolmakers.
◆Collaborate with engineers and project teams to ensure quality, accuracy, and on-time delivery.

Qualifications

✓5–15 years of CNC programming experience , with a strong background in plastics injection mold making.
✓Advanced proficiency with Unigraphics NX (Strongly preferred).
✓Proven experience in programming multi-axis machining centers.
✓Strong knowledge of machining strategies, tooling selection, machinability data, and process optimization.
✓Solid mathematical, analytical, and spatial reasoning skills.
✓Effective leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
✓Proficiency with Microsoft Windows file structures.

Why Join ATM: We invest in our people as much as our precision. At ATM, you’ll find not only challenging, rewarding work but also:

✓Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits (health, dental, vision, life, ADD, LTD, STD).
✓401(k) with company match.
✓Professional growth and development opportunities.
✓A collaborative environment where your skills make an impact.

Be Part of Something Bigger: At American Tool & Mold, every project contributes to the backbone of American industry. If you’re ready to lead with precision and power progress , we want to hear from you.

???? Apply today and join the team where craftsmanship meets innovation.

Show full description ↓

Job Description

Crafting Precision, Powering Progress Lead CNC Programmer – Plastics Injection Molding

American Tool & Mold – Join the Team That Builds America

At American Tool & Mold , we don’t just manufacture—we engineer the tools that shape America’s industries. With a legacy of precision, innovation, and reliability, we are looking for a Lead CNC Programmer who shares our passion for excellence and craftsmanship.