CNC Machinist Resume Example and Template
A CNC machinist resume should separate what you program from what you only run, since those are two different skill levels to a hiring manager. Name your CAM software, the tolerance you routinely hit, and how many programs you have written yourself rather than just loaded from a library.
Aerospace and medical shops audit everything, so first-piece pass rates and any scrap you prevented through catching a calibration drift matter as much as raw machine hours. Those details show you understand the cost of a bad part before it leaves the shop.
A complete, realistic CNC Machinist resume, laid out in an ATS-tested template. The candidate is illustrative: the name, employers and figures were written for this example and identify no real person, so you can copy its structure and wording freely.
Updated September 2026
Also searched as
CNC Machinist Apprentice
Nicholas Zhang: CNC Machinist
Columbus, Ohio, United States
Summary
Skilled CNC machinist with 8 years aerospace and medical device manufacturing experience. Proficient in CAM programming using Mastercam, CNC mill and lathe operation, and achieving tight tolerances. Wrote 40+ CAM programs annually reducing cycle time 12% through optimization.
Work Experience
CNC Machinist, Columbus Aerospace Manufacturing
Aug 2021 – Present. Aerospace component manufacturer
- Programmed and operated 3 CNC mills and 1 turning center producing aerospace-grade components to specification
- Wrote CAM programs for 40+ parts annually using Mastercam, reducing cycle time by 12% through process optimization
- Achieved 99.4% first-piece inspection pass rate on complex tolerance parts (plus/minus 0.001 inch)
- Mentored 2 junior machinists on programming techniques, setup procedures, and precision measurement methods
CNC Machinist, Midwest Precision
Sep 2018 – Jul 2021. Medical device and automotive components manufacturer
- Operated CNC mills and lathes producing medical device and automotive components to print specification
- Created CAM programs for production runs using established parameters, improving machine utilization by 15%
- Maintained tooling inventory and managed tool offsets, reducing tool breakage waste by 22%
- Cross-trained on 5-axis mill operation, expanding personal capability for complex parts
CNC Machinist Apprentice, Midwest Precision
Aug 2015 – Aug 2018. Medical device and automotive components manufacturer
- Learned CNC programming, operation, and precision measurement techniques under experienced machinist mentorship
- Completed formal apprenticeship and industry certification program in CNC machining
Education
Columbus North High School
High School Diploma, General Studies. Sep 2011 – Jun 2015
Midwest Precision
CNC Machinist Apprenticeship (NIMS Certified), CNC Machining. Aug 2015 – Aug 2018
Skills
CNC programming (Mastercam), CNC mill and lathe operation, CAM software and G-code, Precision measurement and gauging, Tool design and tool offset management, 5-axis machining capability, Blueprint reading and interpretation, Equipment troubleshooting, Quality control and first-piece inspection, Problem-solving
Languages
English, Mandarin Chinese
Certificates and Awards
- NIMS CNC Certification (Milling and Turning), National Institute for Metalworking Skills, 2018
Why this look works
Aerospace and medical shops run on documentation, so a resume with clear, well-labeled sections speaks their language before your skills do. Dark gray with a structured specs block lets tolerance figures and CAM software stand out the way a print spec would on a shop floor.
Resume tips for this job
- Lead with machines you operate and programming software proficiency: 'CNC mills and lathes using Mastercam.'
- State tolerance specification you achieve: 'plus/minus 0.001 inch' or 'aerospace-grade tolerances' shows precision.
- Quantify programming impact: cycle time reduction, machine utilization improvements, tool waste reduction.
- Include certifications and training: apprenticeship, NIMS, tooling management, 5-axis operation.
Common questions
Is programming experience essential for a CNC machinist role?
It depends on the job. Some roles are setup and operation only. If you program, highlight it as valuable skill. If you only operate, focus on setup, optimization, and precision. Both are valued; be clear about your strengths.
How do I show that I'm not just running existing programs?
List programs you've written and their impact. 'Wrote CAM programs for 40+ parts annually using Mastercam' shows you're not just pushing a button. Add cycle time reduction or tool efficiency gains from your optimization.