CNC Programmer
Manufacturing
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
You can enter this career straight after SPM. A degree is optional, not required.
What you'd do all day
The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.
- 1Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
- 2Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
- 3Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
- 4Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
- 5Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
- 6Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
- 7Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
- 8Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
- 9Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
- 10Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
- 11Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
- 12Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.
- 13Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.
- 14Order tooling for jobs.
- 15Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.
- 16Align and secure pattern film on reference tables of optical programmers, and observe enlarger scope views of printed circuit boards.
Also known as
What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.
- CNC Tech
- Programmer
- CNC Operator
- CNC Machinist
- NC Programmer
- CAD Programmer
- CAM Programmer
- CNC Programmer
- CNC Lathe Operator
- NC Tool Programmer
How far is this from you?
Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.
1
Entry straight after SPM
Typical entry
SPM + sijil / short TVET course
3
Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)
4
Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)
5
Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route
Subjects that matter here
The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.
What you'd need to know
The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.
- Production and Processing85%
Design & Technology (RBT)Mechanical Engineering Studies
- Engineering and Technology81%
PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)
- Mathematics79%
Additional MathematicsMathematics
- Design78%
Visual Art (PSV)Technical Comm. GraphicsEngineering Drawing
- Computers and Electronics76%
Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies
- English Language72%
English
Tools you'd use
Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.
What the work feels like
Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.
- Face-to-face discussionsEvery day
- Contact with other peopleContact most of the time
- Dealing with customers or the publicNot at all
- Leading or coordinating othersA little
- Handling conflict situationsOften
- Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
- Outdoors, in all weatherAlmost never
- Noisy environmentEvery day
AI and demand for this job
A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.
Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)
This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not Malaysian. Shown because it's the only forward-looking demand estimate we have for this job.
Pay in Malaysia
We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.
Where to check:
- JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
- DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
- SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post
Check what you may qualify for
Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.
How to get here
Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.
Matriculation
One or two years, heavily subsidised with allowance. Competitive, quota-based entry.
Asasi / Foundation
One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.
Diploma
Skill-first qualification. Work after, or enter degree Year 2. Polytechnics keep it affordable.
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About this information
This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.
O*NET occupation: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org