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CNC Programmer

CST Industries, Inc. · DeKalb, IL

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

The role in 30 seconds

A technician-level manufacturing role at CST Industries, Inc. (industrial) in DeKalb, IL. Develop CNC and laser programs from engineering drawings, CAD files, and product specifications.

They ask for
3+ years
Tools it names
Lean, PLC, Robotics, CNC, 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 63 live postings that list pay, out of 970 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 30 other live manufacturing postings in Illinois.

Experience asked
Less than usual (3+ vs 4+)

Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ CNC 58%
  • Team leadership 52%
  • Machining 48%
  • Tooling 45%
  • ✓ Robotics 26%

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

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

It asks for 3+ 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. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at CST Industries, Inc.

    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 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 CST Industries, Inc.As posted on their careers site.Show

Key Responsibilities

  • ◆Develop CNC and laser programs from engineering drawings, CAD files, and product specifications.
  • ◆Translate 2D/3D CAD drawings into optimized machine-readable formats (nesting, toolpath).
  • ◆Create and maintain program libraries, ensuring version control and accuracy.
  • ◆Optimize material utilization and reduce scrap through effective nesting strategies.
  • ◆Partner with Engineering to improve manufacturability and standardize programming practices.
  • ◆Collaborate with operators to troubleshoot issues, but remain engineering-focused (not machine operation).
  • ◆Support introduction of new products and processes, ensuring smooth transition from design to production.
  • ◆Maintain documentation of programming standards, CAD files, and procedures.
  • ◆Contribute to continuous improvement and process optimization within fabrication operations.
  • ◆Assist in equipment specification and evaluation during capital projects (when programming input is required).

Qualifications

  • ✓3+ years of CNC/laser programming experience in a fabrication or sheet metal environment.
  • ✓Proficiency with SigmaNest and AutoCAD required; familiarity with other CAM systems (e.g., CAMPlus, CAMProX, SheetCam) a plus.
  • ✓Strong understanding of fabrication processes (cutting, bending, assembly).
  • ✓Experience with nesting, toolpath optimization, and CAD file preparation.
  • ✓Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and version control discipline.
  • ✓Strong communication and collaboration skills across Engineering, Production, and Quality.
  • ✓Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and process improvement methods preferred.
  • ✓Exposure to PLC programming and robotics a plus but not required.
Show full description ↓

We are seeking a CNC/Laser Programmer to join our Engineering team. This role is dedicated to programming and CAD/CAM support — not machine operation. The Programmer will be responsible for creating, optimizing, and maintaining programs and CAD files for CNC laser and fabrication equipment, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and manufacturability.

The ideal candidate has strong CAD/CAM expertise, experience in nesting and toolpath optimization, and a collaborative mindset to support both Engineering and Production.

Seniority level

  • •Associate

Employment type

  • •Full-time

Job function

  • •Production

Industries

  • •Industrial Machinery Manufacturing, Machinery Manufacturing, and Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing

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