CNC Programmer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
CNC Programmer jobs in the U.S. qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B visa, requiring a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. Employers in aerospace, automotive, and precision manufacturing regularly sponsor foreign nationals through H-1B and EB-3 pathways, with PERM labor certification often required for permanent residence.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Bednark Studio is a Brooklyn-based design and fabrication company specializing in custom-built environments, experiential installations, and large-scale projects for some of the world's most recognizable brands. Our team of skilled craftspeople, designers, engineers, and production professionals brings ambitious creative concepts to life. We're looking for an experienced Lead CNC Programmer to join our fabrication team. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines advanced CNC programming expertise with production coordination and team management.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Lead CNC Programmer oversees the daily workflow of assigned projects, guides a team of CNC Programmers and Operators, and ensures work is completed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule.
Key Responsibilities:
- Interpret technical drawings, CAD files, and fabrication specifications to develop accurate and efficient CNC programs.
- Program, nest, scale, and modify CNC cut files, optimizing tooling, material usage, and machining efficiency.
- Lead and support a team of CNC Programmers and Operators, providing daily direction, technical guidance, and hands-on troubleshooting.
- Plan and prioritize production tasks based on project schedules, available machines, staffing, and deadlines.
- Oversee CNC machining operations, ensuring quality, precision, and adherence to project specifications.
- Troubleshoot programming, tooling, machine, and fabrication challenges to minimize downtime and keep projects moving.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Fabrication, and Production teams to determine effective machining strategies and coordinate project handoffs.
- Monitor project progress, labor hours, and resource needs, communicating updates and potential challenges to department leadership.
- Train and mentor team members, supporting skill development and continuous improvement.
- Maintain CNC equipment and workspaces, promote safe operating practices, and identify opportunities to improve department efficiency.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of hands-on CNC programming and machining experience, preferably in custom fabrication, millwork, scenic fabrication, or a related environment.
- Advanced proficiency in CNC programming, CAD/CAM software, nesting, tooling selection, and toolpath optimization.
- Strong ability to read and interpret technical drawings, shop drawings, and fabrication specifications.
- Experience troubleshooting CNC machinery, programming issues, and machining processes.
- Strong knowledge of wood, engineered sheet goods, plastics, metals, cutting tools, and fabrication techniques.
- Demonstrated experience leading, training, or providing technical direction to CNC Programmers and Operators.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
- A collaborative, hands-on leadership style with a commitment to craftsmanship, efficiency, and quality.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in custom architectural millwork, experiential fabrication, scenic construction, or large-scale installations.
- Experience with CNC machine maintenance, repairs, and implementation of new equipment.
BENEFITS:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Collaborative, creative, and hands-on work environment.
INTRODUCTION
Bednark Studio is a Brooklyn-based design and fabrication company specializing in custom-built environments, experiential installations, and large-scale projects for some of the world's most recognizable brands. Our team of skilled craftspeople, designers, engineers, and production professionals brings ambitious creative concepts to life. We're looking for an experienced Lead CNC Programmer to join our fabrication team. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines advanced CNC programming expertise with production coordination and team management.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Lead CNC Programmer oversees the daily workflow of assigned projects, guides a team of CNC Programmers and Operators, and ensures work is completed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule.
Key Responsibilities:
- Interpret technical drawings, CAD files, and fabrication specifications to develop accurate and efficient CNC programs.
- Program, nest, scale, and modify CNC cut files, optimizing tooling, material usage, and machining efficiency.
- Lead and support a team of CNC Programmers and Operators, providing daily direction, technical guidance, and hands-on troubleshooting.
- Plan and prioritize production tasks based on project schedules, available machines, staffing, and deadlines.
- Oversee CNC machining operations, ensuring quality, precision, and adherence to project specifications.
- Troubleshoot programming, tooling, machine, and fabrication challenges to minimize downtime and keep projects moving.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Fabrication, and Production teams to determine effective machining strategies and coordinate project handoffs.
- Monitor project progress, labor hours, and resource needs, communicating updates and potential challenges to department leadership.
- Train and mentor team members, supporting skill development and continuous improvement.
- Maintain CNC equipment and workspaces, promote safe operating practices, and identify opportunities to improve department efficiency.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of hands-on CNC programming and machining experience, preferably in custom fabrication, millwork, scenic fabrication, or a related environment.
- Advanced proficiency in CNC programming, CAD/CAM software, nesting, tooling selection, and toolpath optimization.
- Strong ability to read and interpret technical drawings, shop drawings, and fabrication specifications.
- Experience troubleshooting CNC machinery, programming issues, and machining processes.
- Strong knowledge of wood, engineered sheet goods, plastics, metals, cutting tools, and fabrication techniques.
- Demonstrated experience leading, training, or providing technical direction to CNC Programmers and Operators.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
- A collaborative, hands-on leadership style with a commitment to craftsmanship, efficiency, and quality.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in custom architectural millwork, experiential fabrication, scenic construction, or large-scale installations.
- Experience with CNC machine maintenance, repairs, and implementation of new equipment.
BENEFITS:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Collaborative, creative, and hands-on work environment.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding CNC Programmer Jobs
Document your CAD/CAM software credentials formally
Certifications in Mastercam, Siemens NX, or Fusion 360 help establish specialty occupation for H-1B purposes. Gather official transcripts, degree certificates, and any manufacturer-issued credentials before you apply, since USCIS scrutinizes whether a CNC Programmer role genuinely requires a bachelor's degree.
Use OFLC Wage Search to target compliant employers
Pull prevailing wage data for CNC Programmer roles by metro area using OFLC Wage Search before you apply. Employers offering wages below the Level I or II threshold for your region are unlikely to get LCA certification, so focus your applications on shops already paying above that floor.
Prioritize aerospace and defense manufacturers for sponsorship
Aerospace and defense manufacturers commonly sponsor CNC Programmers because the precision tolerances they require make a degreed specialist genuinely necessary, strengthening the specialty occupation argument. Job titles like 'CNC Applications Engineer' or 'NC Programmer' at these employers often come with established immigration workflows.
Find sponsors on Migrate Mate before cold-applying
Search CNC Programmer roles on Migrate Mate, which lists employers with verified LCA sponsorship history by role and location. Applying to a shop that has never filed an LCA for this occupation forces them to build a sponsorship process from scratch, which most small manufacturers won't do.
Clarify H-1B portability rules when changing employers mid-process
If you're already in H-1B status and switching to a new CNC shop, your new employer must file a fresh I-129 petition with USCIS before you start. You can begin work once the petition is filed, not after approval, so confirm your offer letter includes a start date that accommodates that timeline.
Expect PERM to require documented recruitment for your role
If your employer pursues EB-3 sponsorship, PERM labor certification requires them to demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers applied and were rejected. For CNC Programmer roles, 'qualified' typically means a degree plus relevant programming experience, so your credentials need to match the job description filed with DOL exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a CNC Programmer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B?
It can, but it's not automatic. USCIS evaluates whether the specific position normally requires a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or computer science. A generic CNC operator role typically won't qualify, but a programming position that involves CAD/CAM software, GD&T interpretation, and complex multi-axis toolpath development has a stronger case. Your employer's job description needs to reflect that level of technical complexity.
What degree do I need to get H-1B sponsorship as a CNC Programmer?
A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or a closely related technical field is the standard baseline. If your degree is in a different field, your employer may need to demonstrate through O*NET and industry evidence that the specific role routinely requires that credential. A three-year Australian or international bachelor's degree is generally accepted as equivalent by USCIS when evaluated by a credential assessment service.
Which visa pathways are realistic for CNC Programmer sponsorship?
H-1B is the primary nonimmigrant path if the role meets specialty occupation standards. EB-3 skilled worker is the most common employment-based green card route for this occupation and doesn't require the same specialty occupation threshold, though it does require PERM labor certification. TN visa is not available for CNC Programmer roles since the occupation isn't listed on the USMCA profession list. H-2B visa doesn't apply because CNC Programmer work isn't temporary or seasonal in nature.
How do I find CNC Programmer jobs where the employer already sponsors visas?
Search for CNC Programmer roles on Migrate Mate, which shows employers with verified sponsorship history. This saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering the employer has never sponsored a visa. Focus your outreach on roles where the employer has an established immigration process rather than trying to persuade a new shop to build one for your application.
Will a CNC Programmer role qualify for EB-3 green card sponsorship even without a four-year degree?
EB-3 skilled worker requires at least two years of training or experience but has no minimum degree requirement, which makes it accessible for experienced CNC Programmers who lack a four-year degree. Your employer still needs to file a PERM labor certification with DOL demonstrating they tested the labor market and found no qualified U.S. workers. The job requirements in the PERM application must match your actual qualifications, so your experience documentation needs to be thorough and verifiable.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored CNC Programmer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.