CNC Programmer Assistant
Quaker Windows · Freeburg, IL
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Degree
- Preferred
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level manufacturing role at Quaker Windows (industrial) in Freeburg, IL. No direct management or supervisory responsibilities.
- They ask for
- degree preferred
- Tools it names
- CNC, Machining, Tooling, AutoCAD
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.
Illinois plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 22 other live manufacturing postings in Illinois.
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Team leadership 61%
- ✓ CNC 43%
- ✓ Tooling 39%
- ✓ Machining 39%
- 5S 22%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for AutoCAD, 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 Quaker Windows
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 Quaker WindowsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Assist the CNC Programmer in planning numerical control programs to control contour-path machining of parts on automatic machine tools
- ◆Assist with the analysis of drawings, sketches and design data of parts to determine dimension and configuration of cuts, selection of cutting tools and machine speeds and feed rates, according to knowledge of machine shop processes, part specifications and machine capabilities
- ◆Learn & apply basic rules in GCODE & ELUCAD software to create CNC Code
- ◆Comply with safety, quality, and productivity
requirements
and procedures
- ✓Assist the CNC Programmer with new product programming including programming for plastic printing fixtures to contain parts
- ✓Design and draw simple 3D fixtures in Solid Works CAD software
- ✓Use 3D printers to produce CNC fixtures, various alignments and go / no-go gauges
- ✓Translate instructions into computer commands so machines can perform proper functions to print necessary parts
- ✓Troubleshoot 3D printers - define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; order parts to make necessary repairs
- ✓Prompt and regular attendance at an assigned work location.
- ✓Interact and communicate with employees and customers in an appropriate manner.
- ✓Availability on site to confer with staff members with whom the employee must interact on a regular basis.
- ✓Communicate via email and prepare reports.
- ✓Review and analyze data and information concerning machine programming.
- ✓Complete assigned tasks/projects in a timely manner.
Supervisory Responsibility
No direct management or supervisory responsibilities.
Safety
Observe safety and security policies and procedures, including proper use of Personal Protective Equipment including but not limited to eye and foot protection; report potentially unsafe conditions and use equipment and materials properly.
Travel
No travel is required.
Qualifications
An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The
requirements
listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- ✓Familiarity with Microsoft Office software: Word, Excel, Outlook
- ✓Apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
- ✓Ability to read and interpret blueprints & engineering drawings
- ✓Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form.
- ✓Ability to work with fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry mathematical concepts.
- ✓Basic knowledge of AutoCAD – Computer-Aided Design software
- ✓Proficient with hand tools and machinery required to maintain equipment.
Preferred Education and Experience
An individual is expected to have the minimum level of education and/or related expertise listed here:
- ✓Minimum 6 months experience with Quaker as a high-quality CNC Operator
- ✓Certificate or degree in engineering or a relevant field of study preferred
- ✓An equivalent combination of education and experience may be satisfactory
Responsibilities
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or
responsibilities
that may be required of the employee for this job. Duties,
responsibilities
and activities may change at the discretion of management at any time.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Position Overview
The CNC Programmer Assistant performs but is not limited to assisting the CNC Programmer with new product programming and revisions. The position will learn & apply basic software rules to create CNC code, then analyze drawings, sketch and design data parts to determine dimension and configure cuts. Additionally, the CNC Programmer Assistant must be open to learning GCODE along with other programming software. The position will design and draw simple 3D fixtures in Solid Works CAD software to create plastic printing of tooling fixtures. The position creates parts and equipment pieces used in machinery that create Quaker window and door products. The CNC Programmer Assistant will also perform 3D printer maintenance and parts ordering.
Competencies and Skills
- •Resourceful / Proactive in Gathering Information, Sharing Ideas and Trouble Shooting
- •Reading and Comprehension
- •Reasoning Skills like Analysis, Evaluation and Synthesis
- •Mathematical Skills
- •Flexibility
- •Collaboration and Team Based Mindset
- •Safety Focused
- •Quality Focused
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
Physical Demands The demands and environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This is a manufacturing job. The employee must be able to:
- •work shifts of at least 8 hours, and occasionally longer, for 5 days each week,
- •sit for prolonged periods.
Vision abilities required by this job may include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
It is an essential job function and safety rule, applicable to every employee working in a safety sensitive classified position, to be able to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner. Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to climactic variations, fumes or airborne particles, various levels of vibration, and moving mechanical parts. Various types of Personal Protective Equipment might be required based on the employee's work location. The noise level in the work environment may require hearing protection.