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Position Summary

The CNC Programmer and Operator is responsible for overseeing advanced machining, programming, and prototype development activities within the R&D organization. This role supports both new product designs and existing product lines by ensuring components meet precise quality, performance, and manufacturability standards. This position also leads small development and cost-out projects using Autodesk Inventor, contributing to continuous improvement, process optimization, and material efficiency initiatives. Posted position does not allow for sponsorship or relocation assistance.

Why Join Powell?

At Powell, you’ll be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in the energy sector. Our R&D department fosters creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology development, offering opportunities to shape the future of our products and processes.

Essential Responsibilities

• CNC Programming & Machining: Develop, set up, and operate CNC equipment to produce precision components and prototypes for R&D and production projects.

• Design Interpretation: Interpret complex engineering drawings and collaborate with design engineers to enhance part designs.

• Quality Assurance & Control: Inspect and verify machined parts meet specified tolerances, quality requirements, and safety standards, ensuring full traceability and documentation.

• Troubleshooting & Process Optimization: Diagnose and resolve machining or programming issues; recommend process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and repeatability.

• Project Development & Cost-Out Analysis: Lead small-scale development and cost-reduction projects using Autodesk Inventor to model design revisions, improve performance, and reduce material or labor costs.

• Mentorship & Technical Support: Provide training, mentoring, and expert guidance to R&D and machine shop personnel on machining best practices, tooling, and materials.

• Support documentation and workflow updates for continuous improvement initiatives.

• Assist with equipment maintenance, calibration, and setup verification as needed.

• Provide input on vendor selection, tooling purchases, and capital equipment justification.

• Serve as a backup resource for test support work when priorities shift.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma.

• Associate’s degree in a technical field or machine operation (highly preferred).

• Minimum 8 years of experience in CNC programming and operation.

Skills, Abilities & Other Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of CNC machining principles, G-code programming, and multi-axis milling and turning operations.

• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), material properties, and manufacturing methods for prototype and production environments.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting detailed engineering drawings, electrical and mechanical schematics, and solid models.

• Working knowledge of Autodesk Inventor and other CAD/CAM platforms for modeling, design modification, and toolpath generation.

• Expertise in CNC programming, setup, and operation for precision components and prototypes.

• Application of quality assurance and control techniques for dimensional and tolerance verification.

• Strong troubleshooting and process optimization skills to improve machining efficiency, accuracy, and repeatability.

Working & Environmental Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an R&D laboratory with moderate noise and mechanical equipment. Regular use of CNC machines and power tools requires compliance with all safety and PPE procedures. Occasional work near high-voltage or high-current test areas may be required under controlled safety conditions.

It is the policy of Powell Industries to promote safe working conditions for ALL employees, to make available where necessary special equipment to protect employees against specific hazards, to reduce accidents through prevention programs, and to establish rules that are designed for the safety of all. It is the responsibility of each employee to adhere to this policy, as well as to observe all safety practices and exercise every precaution for the safety of accidents.

More Information

This job description outlines the essential functions of the job and does not contain a comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

#LI-CAB

In our 75+ year history, Powell has always known that our employees are at the heart of our success. Without question, we have the most talented people in all parts of our organization. As a manufacturer, we recruit and hire experienced and knowledgeable applicants to ensure our product is engineered, fabricated, and assembled to customer specifications!

Powell’s culture has and will always be founded in our "can do" attitude. If we can imagine it, we can do it. Become a part of our story and let us help you write yours. Hard work pays off in all our teams, with opportunity for advancement and promotion without sacrificing work-life balance. Successful candidates must have a legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis, with only those candidates selected for interview contacted.

Powell offers comprehensive health insurance for you and your family, 401k savings, annual bonus potential, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, company-sponsored wellness programs, and a collaborative work environment.

EOE Protected Veterans/Disability

If you need an accommodation in the hiring process, you may contact 713.378.2685. Application status inquiries will not be accepted in this manner.