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CMM Programmer (1st Shift M-F 6AM- 2:30PM)

Woodward · Niles, IL · $17.81–$38.72 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you found an error in one of your own programs after parts had already been accepted.

What they are checking: Honesty about mistakes in aerospace and energy parts, where hiding one can reach a customer's engine or turbine.

This shift starts at 6 AM Monday through Friday. What does a good first hour look like for you on a CMM?

What they are checking: Reliability and a steady routine, like warming up, checking the queue and confirming priorities before the floor needs answers.

Tell me about a time you made a CMM program faster without losing accuracy.

What they are checking: Whether they improve throughput thoughtfully and can explain what they changed and how they proved results did not drift.

What would you do

A part fails on the CMM, but the machinist swears it measured fine with hand gages. How do you figure out who is right?

What they are checking: Whether they check their own fixture, alignment and probe before blaming the shop floor, and handle the disagreement calmly.

Production is waiting on a first article and the program isn't done. How do you handle the pressure to release parts?

What they are checking: Whether they hold the line on inspection when schedule pressure pushes them to cut corners.

About the work

Walk me through how you build a CMM program from a new part print, from the first look at the drawing to the first run on the machine.

What they are checking: Whether they plan datums, alignment and probe access before touching the machine, or just start probing and fix it later.

How do you read a feature control frame for true position with an MMC modifier, and how does that change what your program reports?

What they are checking: Real GD&T fluency, since bonus tolerance done wrong either scraps good parts or ships bad ones.

Which CMM software have you programmed in, like PC-DMIS, Calypso or Modus, and what did you have to learn the hard way?

What they are checking: Hands-on depth with a specific platform rather than only running programs someone else wrote.

How do you decide how many points to take on a bore or a flat surface, and how fast to scan?

What they are checking: Understanding that point density and speed trade off cycle time against a measurement anyone can trust.

How do you qualify probes and check that the machine is still accurate during a shift?

What they are checking: Whether they treat calibration and stylus qualification as routine discipline, not something only the cal lab worries about.

How do you set up fixturing so the same part measures the same way no matter who loads it?

What they are checking: Thinking about repeatability across operators on a shift, which is what makes a program useful beyond the programmer.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Woodward from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Woodward.

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future. Woodward supports our members’ wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. • Estimated base pay: $17.81- $38.72 hourly • Shift: 6:00 am – 2:30 pm Monday-Friday • All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity • 401(k) match (4.5%) • Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%) • Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members • 12 paid holidays • Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire • Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave • Adoption Assistance • Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits • Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life • Member referral bonus • Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending • Voluntary benefits, including: • Home / Auto Insurance discounts • Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave Are you ready to make your mark? If you are interested in becoming a CMM Programmer at Woodward, we have an exciting opportunity for you! The CMM level 3 Operator is responsible for the operation, inspection and programming of the CMM machine, the analysis and interpretation of blueprints, manuals and other materials to determine specifications, to inspect and test procedures, and to communicate technical information to others, in an industrial setting. This position includes supplier involvement, technology involvement, and early PLC involvement. This position typically works under very little supervision and provides guidance to other members. What you will be doing... • Physical Activity: Moderate physical activity requiring agility and dexterity, including walking, standing, or bending; and lifting or moving objects. Work is performed in area with moderate risk or discomfort that may require special safety precautions, such as wearing protective clothing or gear. May be required to pass Near Vision and/or Color Vision examinations. • Operate CMM machine and maintain CMM work instructions for the set-up and inspection of parts. • Communicate those technological advancements in the form of new measurement techniques or products that can help Woodward to improve its ability to measure and evaluate product. • Perform advanced programing and operation of specialized inspection equipment, ( e.g. Talyrond, Nikon vision system, CMMs), discusses inspection results with those responsible and recommends necessary corrective actions. • Analyze and interpret blueprints, routings, evaluation sheets, manuals and other materials to determine specifications, inspection and testing procedures, adjustment and certification methods, formulas, and measuring instruments required. • Clean, maintain, repair and calibrate measuring instruments and test equipment and work closely with engineers and suppliers to define and implement inspection methods on new products during development. • Collect and analyze inspection data and make computations as necessary to determine inspection results and perform first article inspections based on work order instructions. • Communicate information to others about project status, updates, specific instructions, etc. and participate in NPI PFMEA activities. • Inspect manufactured components, train and mentor others, including suppliers, on best practices related to inspection procedures, techniques and tool usage. • Support Early Supplier Involvement (ESI) activities for new product introduction (NPI) by visiting suppliers and consulting them on the most effective methods for writing CMM programs for new product. • Stay abreast of technological advancements and breakthroughs in the Metrology industry by attending industry trade shows. • Promote teamwork within the organization. • Follow all departmental safety rules and regulations. • Use and put on all appropriate safety equipment, gear, and clothing/protection required by work activities. What we are looking for... • High School Diploma or equivalent • 5+ years experience • Completion of advanced programming classes in PC-DMIS or other relevant programming software • Advanced knowledge of GD&T (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing) principles and their relation to inspection. The ability to use this knowledge to facilitate communication between Design, Production and Metrology to better serve the customer. • The ability to read and use micrometers, functional and cylindrical gauges, comparators, indicator setups, scales. • Advanced knowledge of CMM operations including setup, programming, and controls. • The ability to use computer and web-based systems to input, access, modify, or output information. • Knowledge of part special handling guidelines and specifications. This includes researching part handling instructions using facility databases or work orders and following the handling procedures required. • Knowledge of non-conformance procedures and processes when parts fail inspection. This includes knowledge of systems required to log and track failed inspections and associated documentation as needed within area of responsibility. • Knowledge of and ability to communicate technical and complex material to multiple audiences, with differing knowledge levels, including our supply base. • The ability to accomplish a task with concern for all the areas involved, including the ability to notice minute inconsistencies/faults in parts, and the ability to make timely, sound decisions. This includes recognizing when outside advice is needed, and committing to action, even in uncertain situations. • The ability to write effectively, to read and understand work documents and to communicate information clearly to coworkers and supervisor. • The position also involves the ability to coach or mentor other members, through instruction and personal example. • General knowledge of machines and equipment functionality, and how tools could be used on such equipment/machines. This includes the ability to learn new systems quickly, understanding how parts relate, and how they impact system functionality. • The ability to identify opportunities to improve current production processes and to implement the necessary steps for the improvements. • The ability to provide excellent service to internal customers. • The ability and willingness to demonstrate eagerness, enthusiasm, and optimism for work activities. This includes the ability and willingness to take ownership of work activities, to learn and understand company policies and procedures. • The ability and willingness to take independent action and complete job tasks without being instructed to complete them. • The ability to define, diagnose, and resolve problems. • Knowledge of how quality impacts the success of the organization including costs to customers, costs of recalls and potential costs due to negative impacts on a company's reputation. This includes taking the necessary steps to ensure quality on a consistent basis and striving for improvement. • The ability to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills and the ability to integrate knowledge of current resources and constraints, priorities and manufacturing processes to determine the benefits and costs associated with key decisions. • Knowledge of the Six Sigma processes and the ability to apply Six Sigma principles to production process for continual improvement and operational effectiveness, desired. • The ability to mentor others. • The ability to perform simple arithmetic computations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division correctly using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages. • The ability to process multiple types of information and/or perform multiple tasks simultaneously and the ability to follow work orders efficiently. • The ability to see details (e.g., letters, numbers, codes, color, symbols, marks, labels, signs) clearly to accomplish work tasks in a safe and efficient manner and possessing strong hand-eye coordination. • The ability to conduct a Gage R&R for CMM related work. • The ability to conduct capability studies from the CMM as required. • Strong communication skills; ability to communicate effectively internally and with suppliers. Ability to consult and provide expertise in order to utilize the most effective methods for writing CMM programs for new products. • Demonstrated knowledge of technological advancements and breakthroughs in the metrology industry. • Ability to communicate technological advancements in the form of measurement techniques or products. This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR and EAR, or possess all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State Department and the U.S. Department of Commerce. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee. Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws. Position Purpose: The CMM level 3 Operator is responsible for the operation, inspection and programming of the CMM machine, the analysis and interpretation of blueprints, manuals and other materials to determine specifications, to inspect and test procedures, and to communicate technical information to others, in an industrial setting. This position includes supplier involvement, technology involvement, and early PLC involvement. This position typically works under very little supervision and provides guidance to other members. Essential Functions: • Operate CMM machine and maintain CMM work instructions for the set-up and inspection of parts. • Communicate those technological advancements in the form of new measurement techniques or products that can help Woodward to improve it's ability to measure and evaluate product. • Perform advanced programing and operation of specialized inspection equipment, ( e.g. Talyrond, Nikon vision system, CMMs), discusses inspection results with those responsible and recommends necessary corrective actions. • Analyze and interpret blueprints, routings, evaluation sheets, manuals and other materials to determine specifications, inspection and testing procedures, adjustment and certification methods, formulas, and measuring instruments required. • Clean, maintain, repair and calibrate measuring instruments and test equipment and work closely with engineers and suppliers to define and implement inspection methods on new products during development. • Collect and analyze inspection data and make computations as necessary to determine inspection results and perform first article inspections based on work order instructions. • Communicate information to others about project status, updates, specific instructions, etc. and participate in NPI PFMEA activities. • Inspect manufactured components, train and mentor others, including suppliers, on best practices related to inspection procedures, techniques and tool usage. • Support Early Supplier Involvement (ESI) activities for new product introduction (NPI) by visiting suppliers and consulting them on the most effective methods for writing CMM programs for new product. • Stay abreast of technological advancements and breakthroughs in the Metrology industry by attending industry trade shows. Other Functions: • Promote teamwork within the organization. • Follow all departmental safety rules and regulations. • Use and put on all appropriate safety equipment, gear, and clothing/protection required by work activities. Knowledge Skills & Abilities: • Advanced knowledge of GD&T (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing) principles and their relation to inspection. The ability to use this knowledge to facilitate communication between Design, Production and Metrology to better serve the customer. • The ability to read and use micrometers, functional and cylindrical gauges, comparators, indicator setups, scales. • Advanced knowledge of CMM operations including setup, programming, and controls. • The ability to use computer and web-based systems to input, access, modify, or output information. • Knowledge of part special handling guidelines and specifications. This includes researching part handling instructions using facility databases or work orders and following the handling procedures required. • Knowledge of non-conformance procedures and processes when parts fail inspection. This includes knowledge of systems required to log and track failed inspections and associated documentation as needed within area of responsibility. • Knowledge of and ability to communicate technical and complex material to multiple audiences, with differing knowledge levels, including our supply base. • The ability to write effectively, to read and understand work documents and to communicate information clearly to coworkers and supervisor. • The position also involves the ability to coach or mentor other members, through instruction and personal example. • General knowledge of machines and equipment functionality, and how tools could be used on such equipment/machines. This includes the ability to learn new systems quickly, understanding how parts relate, and how they impact system functionality. • The ability to identify opportunities to improve current production processes and to implement the necessary steps for the improvements. • The ability to provide excellent service to internal customers. • The ability and willingness to demonstrate eagerness, enthusiasm, and optimism for work activities. This includes the ability and willingness to take ownership of work activities, to learn and understand company policies and procedures. • The ability and willingness to take independent action and complete job tasks without being instructed to complete them. • The ability to define, diagnose, and resolve problems. • The ability to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills and the ability to integrate knowledge of current resources and constraints, priorities and manufacturing processes to determine the benefits and costs associated with key decisions. • Knowledge of the Six Sigma processes and the ability to apply Six Sigma principles to production process for continual improvement and operational effectiveness, desired. • The ability to mentor others. • The ability to perform simple arithmetic computations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division correctly using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages. • The ability to process multiple types of information and/or perform multiple tasks simultaneously and the ability to follow work orders efficiently. • The ability to see details (e.g., letters, numbers, codes, color, symbols, marks, labels, signs) clearly to accomplish work tasks in a safe and efficient manner and possessing strong hand-eye coordination. • The ability to conduct a Gage R&R for CMM related work. • The ability to conduct capability studies from the CMM as required. • Strong communication skills; ability to communicate effectively internally and with suppliers. Ability to consult and provide expertise in order to utilize the most effective methods for writing CMM programs for new products. • Demonstrated knowledge of technological advancements and breakthrough's in the metrology industry. • Ability to communicate technological advancements in the form of measurement techniques or products. Education: • US – High School Diploma Experience: • 5+ years Licenses & Certifications::

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