Programmer/Nesting Specialist

The Nesting Specialist is responsible for developing, programming, and optimizing material layouts (nests) for production machinery. By utilizing specialized CAD/CAM nesting software, this role translates engineering drawings into efficient machine code, striving for maximum material yield, reduced setup times, and an optimized production flow across the shop floor.

Key Responsibilities;

Programming & Nesting Optimization

• Generate efficient nesting patterns on raw material sheets (metal, wood, or composite) using CAD/CAM software to minimize scrap and drop-off waste.
• Convert 2D/3D engineering models and DXF/DWG files into optimized toolpaths and machine-ready G-code for CNC lasers, punches, plasma cutters, or routers.
• Group jobs by material type, thickness, and priority to streamline machine setups and reduce frequent tooling changes.
• Calculate and optimize grain direction, lead-ins/lead-outs, and tab placements to maintain part quality and machine stability.

Production Support & Floor Collaboration

• Coordinate directly with machine operators to troubleshoot programming bugs, geometric interference, or cutting issues on the floor.
• Manage the electronic parts library, ensuring strict revision control so outdated part designs are never sent to production.
• Monitor production schedules to sequence nests efficiently, ensuring cutting machines do not create bottlenecks for secondary operations like bending or welding.
• Track and record material utilization metrics (e.g., scrap percentages) and report data back to the operations management team.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Operations

• Identify cost-reduction opportunities through remnant management (reusing large leftover material scraps for future smaller parts).
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing or Kaizen events aimed at reducing cycle times and standardizing shop floor processes.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Drafting, or a related field preferred.
• 2–5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment operating or programming CNC cutting machinery

Technical Skills & Proficiency

• Software Mastery: Hands-on experience with specialized nesting and CAD/CAM platforms (e.g., SigmaNEST, Radan, ProNest, MetaCAM, or Autodesk Fusion 360).
• Blueprint Reading: Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Material Knowledge: Solid understanding of raw material behaviors during thermal cutting or machining (e.g., heat distortion in sheet metal, grain direction in wood).

Soft Skills

• Extreme Attention to Detail: A minor error in a nesting layout can ruin an entire sheet of expensive raw material.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to adapt layouts rapidly when scheduling priorities or material availabilities shift unexpectedly