Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
51-9162.00
Bright Outlook
Bright
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
Quick Facts
Median pay (WA)
$81K/yr
BLS OEWS · WA
WA annual openings
165/yr
WA projected growth
+0.7%
(2023–2033, WA ESD)
Typical entry
Postsecondary non-degree award
WA job postings (CareerOneStop)
0
Live
Sources: O*NET 30.2 · WA ESD · BLS OEWS · CareerOneStop
What education do people in this job actually have?
O*NET incumbent survey (2024)
33%
65%
2%
How EWU courses prepare you for this work
(12 of 14 O*NET tasks have course evidence)
Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
14 courses cover this
· importance: 4.3 /5
Courses preparing students for: Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
Course
Level
MATH 470
400
MATH 444
400
MATH 163
100
MATH 162
100
MATH 347
300
MATH 162
100
MATH 445
400
MATH 331
300
MATH 470
400
MATH 445
400
PHYS 363
300
MATH 470
400
CSCD 300
300
MATH 241
200
Work with the applications of geometric transformations in the sciences Explain the historical aspects of Euclidean geometry Explain the historical aspects of hyperbolic geometry
Implement an iterative method to solve a problem (e.g. matrix decomposition, solution of a linear system of equations, determining eigenpairs of a matrix)
Identify the equations of spheres, cylinders and surfaces of revolution given in Cartesian coordinates
Compute arc lengths of curves Compute areas of surfaces of revolution
use numerical schemes to find approximate solutions to initial value problems utilizing mathematical software such as Matlab or Mathematica.
Demonstrate the ability to analyze algorithms to interpolate data with polynomials. Employ the appropriate numerical technique to approximate a solution of an initial value problem, boundary value problem, or partial differential equation, with careful consideration of initial or boundary data.
Calculate the dimension of a fractal
Construct spacetime diagrams for multiple reference frames.
Perform in-order, pre-order, post-order, and possibly Euler traversals of a tree.
Calculate line and surface integrals
Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
5 courses cover this
· importance: 4.4 /5
Courses preparing students for: Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
Course
Level
CSCD 340
300
CSCD 480
400
CSCD 210
200
CSCD 480
400
CSCD 320
300
Program a memory management simulation.
Understand the foundation of AI Devise a hypothetical research project for an AI topic of your choice
Implement a program that uses an array to solve a problem.
Write rigorous correctness proofs for algorithms.
Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.
4 courses cover this
· importance: 3.8 /5
Courses preparing students for: Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.
Course
Level
MATH 470
400
MATH 448
400
MATH 470
400
PHYS 363
300
Work with the applications of geometric transformations in the sciences Explain the historical aspects of Euclidean geometry
Visualize models graphically
Construct spacetime diagrams for multiple reference frames.
Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
4 courses cover this
· importance: 4.1 /5
Courses preparing students for: Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
Course
Level
CSCD 210
200
CSCD 210
200
CSCD 210
200
CSCD 340
300
Write, compile and execute a complete program for a given problem. Write, compile and execute a program that will implement the Comparable interface. Implement a program that uses an array to solve a problem.
Program a memory management simulation.
Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
3 courses cover this
· importance: 4.0 /5
Courses preparing students for: Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
Course
Level
CSCD 210
200
CSCD 340
300
CSCD 210
200
Implement a program that uses an array to solve a problem. Write, compile and execute a complete program for a given problem.
Program a memory management simulation.
Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
3 courses cover this
· importance: 4.4 /5
Courses preparing students for: Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
Course
Level
CSCD 340
300
CSCD 210
200
CSCD 210
200
Program a memory management simulation.
Implement a program that uses an array to solve a problem. Write, compile and execute a complete program for a given problem.
Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
3 courses cover this
· importance: 4.2 /5
Courses preparing students for: Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
Course
Level
CSCD 320
300
CSCD 210
200
CSCD 210
200
Write rigorous correctness proofs for algorithms.
Write, compile and execute a complete program for a given problem. Implement a program that uses an array to solve a problem.
Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
2 courses cover this
· importance: 3.8 /5
Courses preparing students for: Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
Course
Level
CSCD 320
300
CSCD 300
300
Understand and use the heap data structure and its applications in sorting and priority queue.
Understand merge sort and quick sort algorithms, and analyze their time complexity.
Order tooling for jobs.
2 courses cover this
· importance: 3.6 /5
Courses preparing students for: Order tooling for jobs.
Course
Level
CSCD 320
300
CSCD 300
300
Understand and use the heap data structure and its applications in sorting and priority queue.
Understand merge sort and quick sort algorithms, and analyze their time complexity.
Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
1 course covers this
· importance: 3.8 /5
Courses preparing students for: Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
Course
Level
MATH 485
400
Interpret output from statistical software correctly
Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
1 course covers this
· importance: 4.6 /5
Courses preparing students for: Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
Course
Level
CSCD 210
200
Write, compile and execute a complete program for a given problem.
Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
1 course covers this
· importance: 4.5 /5
Courses preparing students for: Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
Course
Level
EENG 420
400
Design a FIR filter with various requirements.
Where to focus your applied learning
(2 taskes without course evidence yet)
These O*NET tasks don't have direct course-objective evidence in the
Math BS catalog yet. Each is an opportunity to gain hands-on
preparation through an applied project, MAA-sponsored partnership,
elective, or internship. The
Math BS applied-projects page
has examples of project-driven learning that could close these
kinds of gaps.
Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media. (importance 4.2/5)
Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines. (importance 3.7/5)
More O*NET details for this occupation
(skills, knowledge, tools & technology)
Skills (42)
Basic Skills: Active Learning
Basic Skills: Active Listening
Basic Skills: Critical Thinking
Basic Skills: Learning Strategies
Basic Skills: Mathematics
Basic Skills: Monitoring
Basic Skills: Reading Comprehension
Basic Skills: Science
Basic Skills: Speaking
Basic Skills: Writing
Knowledge (8)
Computers and Electronics
Design
Education and Training
Engineering and Technology
English Language
Mathematics
Mechanical
Production and Processing
Tools & technology (30)
Angle gauge: Digital angle gauges
Automatic lathe or chucking machine: Computer numerically controlled CNC lathes
Automatic lathe or chucking machine: Screw machines
Calipers: Digital calipers
Calipers: Vernier calipers
Comparators: Optical comparators
Computer aided design CAD software: Autodesk AutoCAD
Computer aided design CAD software: Computer aided design CAD software
Computer aided design CAD software: Dassault Systemes CATIA
Computer aided design CAD software: Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
O*NET's tools-and-technology list aggregates software encountered
across the occupation's many sub-roles, so the list can be broad.
Treat it as a directory of what people in this job might
use, not a checklist of what every job requires.
Where this data comes from.
Occupation descriptions, tasks, skills, and education-incumbents survey
come from the U.S. Department of Labor's
O*NET 30.2 .
Washington-state pay and employment projections come from
WA Employment Security Department
and the
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics .
Live job postings come from
CareerOneStop ,
refreshed nightly from a scrape that tracks the original posting date
and the date our system last saw each posting live.
How we connect courses to occupations.
Course catalog descriptions and program-level learning outcomes are
indexed alongside O*NET task statements. Where a course's language
aligns with a task an occupation requires, we mark it as evidence
of preparation. Faculty review each candidate match and either
confirm or veto it; only confirmed matches surface in totals.