CNC Programmer 1
MKS Instruments · Lawrence, MA
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Experience asked
- 2+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Today
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level manufacturing role at MKS Instruments (industrial) in Lawrence, MA. You will partner with the Machine Shop to programming and setting-up CNC equipment to fabricate a variety of precision parts.
- They ask for
- 2+ years
- Tools it names
- CNC, Welding, SolidWorks
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 26, 2026
Manufacturing Technician roles in the US: typical posted base $60k–$91k.
Median of the low and high ends of 52 live postings that list pay, out of 962 manufacturing technician openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Massachusetts plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 38 other live manufacturing postings in Massachusetts.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (2+ vs 3+)
Typical $76k–$103k, from 7 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Tooling 51%
- Team leadership 46%
- ✓ CNC 31%
- Lean 28%
- Machining 26%
✓ = 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 MKS Instruments
We found 2 people at this company and state: 2 in this kind of role. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See 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.
Write to John → (free) - 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
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.
This plant: MKS Instruments in Lawrence
1 other open role at this site · 2 people we found in manufacturing roles at MKS Instruments.
- Machine Shop Maintenance Mechanic · Reliability · Technician
Full description from MKS InstrumentsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
responsibilities
related to supporting operations including Continuous Improvement Projects submissions, tool calibration program and flowchart creation etc.
- ◆Minimal travel may be required
qualifications
and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
A Day in Your Life at MKS
As a CNC Programmer 1 at MKS, you will partner with the Machine Shop to programming and setting-up CNC equipment to fabricate a variety of precision parts. In this role, you will report to the Operations Manager.
You Will Make an Impact By
- •Responsible for programming and setting-up CNC equipment to fabricate a variety of precision parts
- •This includes the programming of new products as well as updating existing programs
- •Will ensure correct machine operations and will make program adjustments as required
Additional
Skills you bring
- •2+ years of CNC Programming experience required
- •Required: machine shop experience, comprehensive knowledge and understanding of higher mathematics involved in the application of engineering principles and the performance of related operations, and completion of a formal apprenticeship program.
- •SolidWorks and CAM experienced required
- •Laser welding preferred
- •Minimum travel may be required
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Perform activities such as sitting, standing, or typing for extended periods of time
- •Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
- •Regularly requires good manual dexterity and coordination
- •Occasionally moves/positions objects up to 50 pounds
- •Ability to remain in a stationary position for 50% of the time
- •Frequently positions self to perform tasks and positions objects below, at, and above shoulder level
- •Regularly requires manual dexterity and coordination of objects below, at and above shoulder level
- •Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
- •Must be able to exchange accurate information
- •Operates in an office, cleanroom, and manufacturing environment.
- •Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
- •Ability to observe documents and details at close range (within a few feet of the observer)
- •Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards including handling mechanical and electrical hardware, high voltage, gas, water, and heat
- •Noise level in the work environment is usually average