CNC Programming/Manufacturing Support Specialist

Position Title: CNC Manufacturing Support Specialist
Department: Engineering & Design Services
Company: Protocase Inc.
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
Work Arrangement: On-site
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Shift: Day Shift
Level: Mid-Level (Expected Experience: 3+ Years)

Full Transparency: We Work a Little Differently Around Here.

This isn't just another job where you punch in and punch out. We come to work every day because we strive to earn a living in a meaningful way. Too many people exist without finding joy or purpose in their work, and we believe that's just wrong. After all, we spend at least a third of our lives working—so why not create workplaces where people want to come to work in the morning and feel good when they leave at the end of the day?

At Protocase, your ideas don't just matter—they shape our future. We thrive on collaboration and innovation, where every voice is heard, valued, and makes a real impact.

Protocase specializes in custom sheet metal enclosures, panels, and parts for engineers and innovators worldwide, built with unmatched speed and quality.

Learn more about us: 👉 https://workdifferently.info/

About the Role

This is a hands-on technical support role that connects CNC Production with Engineering & Design Services.

You'll help troubleshoot issues that arise on the production floor, complete appropriate hot fixes, support CNC programming, and make sure more complex issues are routed to the right technical resource.

The goal is simple: keep production moving while protecting quality, customer requirements, and engineering standards.

What You'll Do

• Support CNC Machining Department with programming, design, build-sheet, and manufacturing issues.
• Assess problems and determine whether they can be corrected immediately or require escalation.
• Complete fixes.
• Escalate complex issues to EDS Leads, programmers, engineers, or other technical resources.
• Submit NCRs and feedback and maintain clear records of production issues and corrective actions.
• Create, modify, verify, and troubleshoot CNC mill and lathe programs.
• Review drawings, blueprints, build sheets, and work instructions to determine machining requirements.
• Prepare CNC code, setup instructions, tooling information, and production documentation.
• Identify recurring problems and implement practical, long-term process improvements.
• Improve CNC programs, tooling, machines, workstations, and manufacturing processes.

What You Need (Required Qualifications)

Education

Machining diploma, trade certification, Engineering Technology diploma, or equivalent hands-on experience.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of CNC machining, programming, manufacturing engineering, or related experience.
• Experience troubleshooting CNC machining and production issues.
• Experience reading engineering drawings, blueprints, and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience independently solving technical manufacturing problems.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of CNC milling and/or turning.
• Experience with CAM software and CNC programming.
• Knowledge of G-code, tooling, speeds, feeds, and machining fundamentals.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple production issues and make sound technical decisions.
• Strong communication, organization, and documentation skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset and hands-on approach.

Certifications / Licenses

None required.

Other Requirements

• Must be legally eligible to work in the USA.
• Ability to work on-site in Wilmington, North Carolina.

What Would Be Considered an Asset

• Experience with ESPRIT or similar CAM software.
• Experience programming both CNC mills and lathes.
• Experience with NCR, corrective-action, or quality-management processes.
• Experience with 5-axis machining.
• Experience supporting CNC Production Dispatch or a similar technical support function.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with machine installation, equipment integration, or process development.

About You

You’re a hands-on CNC professional who enjoys solving problems, supporting production, and finding practical ways to keep work moving without compromising quality.

You’re comfortable stepping into a production issue, assessing what’s happening, making an appropriate correction when possible, and recognizing when a problem needs to be escalated to another technical resource.

You’ll likely thrive in this role if you:

• Have strong CNC machining knowledge and understand the realities of working in a fast-paced production environment.
• Enjoy troubleshooting programming, tooling, drawing, setup, and manufacturing issues.
• Can confidently read engineering drawings, build sheets, and manufacturing documentation.
• Take initiative and work independently when solving technical problems.
• Know when to make a practical hot fix and when a deeper engineering or programming review is required.
• Communicate clearly with machinists, programmers, engineers, leads, and other production teams.
• Stay organized while balancing multiple production priorities.
• Document problems and corrective actions clearly so others can learn from them.
• Look beyond the immediate issue to identify recurring problems and opportunities for long-term improvement.
• Are adaptable, collaborative, and interested in helping build reliable CNC support processes as our Wilmington operation grows.

Most importantly, you’re someone who takes ownership. When production encounters a problem, you want to understand it, help solve it, and leave the process better than you found it.

Why Us?

At Protocase, we believe in recognizing and rewarding hard work and dedication.

Our starting annual total compensation package—including base salary and performance incentives—ranges from $56,000 to $80,000 USD, depending on experience.

In addition, you can look forward to:

🏆 Training & Growth: Technical training, leadership development, and opportunities to grow with our Wilmington operation.

👩‍⚕️ Comprehensive Health Care: Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, and Group Insurance following the applicable eligibility period.

🏖️ Vacation: Start with two weeks of paid vacation, increasing to three weeks after three years and four weeks after five years.

🏋️ Wellness Support: Participate in wellness initiatives and available wellness benefits.

🎉 Social Events: Join a growing team that values collaboration and celebrates success.

🌊 Wilmington Lifestyle: Enjoy coastal living, beaches, a vibrant downtown, and a growing innovation community.

Ready to Apply?

If you're energized by solving CNC production problems, supporting machinists, and helping keep manufacturing moving, we'd love to hear from you! 🚀