Infocomm TechnologyISCO 2514
Numerical tool and process control programmer
Numerical tool and process control programmers develop computer programs to control automatic machines and equipment involved in manufacturing processes. They analyse blueprints and job orders, conduct computer simulations and trial runs.
Check yourself in a minute: numerical tool and process control programmer
Rate 5 of the 51 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
troubleshoot
read standard blueprints
ensure equipment availability
use CAD software
use measurement instruments
About numerical tool and process control programmer
As a numerical tool and process control programmer, you will develop sophisticated computer programs that control automated machinery and manufacturing equipment used in modern industrial production. Your work involves analyzing technical blueprints, job orders, and production specifications to create precise code that manages everything from robotic arms to CNC machines. You will conduct computer simulations and trial runs to verify that your programs produce the desired results, troubleshoot any issues, and optimize production cycles for efficiency and quality. This role requires strong problem-solving skills and technical expertise, as even small programming errors can impact product quality or halt production lines. The career offers excellent long-term prospects with opportunities for advancement into senior programming roles, systems architecture, or production management positions in Poland's growing manufacturing and industrial automation sectors.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a numerical tool and process control programmer.
1
Program development and coding
- Write and develop control programs in multiple programming languages (Java, C#, Python, etc.) for automated manufacturing equipment
- Create custom algorithms to optimize machine performance and production cycles
- Implement statistical process control methods within code to ensure consistent product quality
2
Technical analysis and design
- Analyze technical blueprints, job orders, and production requirements to determine programming specifications
- Design program logic and workflows that interface with machinery hardware and control systems
3
Testing and simulation
- Conduct computer simulations and virtual trial runs to verify program correctness before deployment
- Perform quality and cycle time optimization testing to ensure programs meet production standards
- Debug and troubleshoot code issues identified during testing or production runs
4
Machine integration and deployment
- Install and configure programs on manufacturing equipment and control systems
- Collaborate with production teams during equipment startup and commissioning phases
5
Documentation and technical support
- Create comprehensive technical documentation including program logic, flowcharts, and user manuals
- Provide ongoing technical support and maintenance to production facilities using developed programs
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (51)
statistical process controlstatistical process controlMethod of quality control that uses statistics to monitor processes.Visual BasicVisual BasicThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Visual Basic.Java (computer programming)Java (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Java.computer programmingcomputer programmingThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms (e.g. object oriented programming, functional programming) a...quality and cycle time optimisationquality and cycle time optimisationThe most optimal rotation or cycle time and over-all quality of a tool or a machine's processes.Assembly (computer programming)Assembly (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Assembly.C#C#The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in C#.RRThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in R.Microsoft Visual C++Microsoft Visual C++The computer program Visual C++ is a suite of software development tools for writing programs, such as compiler, debugger, code editor, code highlights, packaged in a unified user interface. It is dev...CAD softwareCAD softwareThe computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.ICT system programmingICT system programmingThe methods and tools required to develop system software, specifications of system architectures and interfacing techniques between network and system modules and components.C++C++The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in C++.MATLABMATLABThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in MATLAB.Python (computer programming)Python (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Python.blueprintsblueprintsMust be able to read and understand blueprints, drawings and plans and maintain simple written records.Pascal (computer programming)Pascal (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Pascal.troubleshoottroubleshootIdentify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.read standard blueprintsread standard blueprintsRead and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.ensure equipment availabilityensure equipment availabilityEnsure that the necessary equipment is provided, ready and available for use before start of procedures.use CAD softwareuse CAD softwareUse computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.use measurement instrumentsuse measurement instrumentsUse different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.program a CNC controllerprogram a CNC controllerSet up the desired product design in the CNC controller of the CNC machine for product manufacturing.set up the controller of a machineset up the controller of a machineSet up and give commands to a machine by dispatching the appropriate data and input into the (computer) controller corresponding with the desired processed product.apply control process statistical methodsapply control process statistical methodsApply statistical methods from Design of Experiments (DOE) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) in order to control manufacturing processes.GroovyGroovyThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Groovy.LispLispThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Lisp.OpenEdge Advanced Business LanguageOpenEdge Advanced Business LanguageThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in OpenEdge Advanced Business Language.Prolog (computer programming)Prolog (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Prolog.Scratch (computer programming)Scratch (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Scratch.ScalaScalaThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Scala.HaskellHaskellThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Haskell.ABAPABAPThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in ABAP.AJAXAJAXThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in AJAX.Common LispCommon LispThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Common Lisp.PerlPerlThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Perl.Objective-CObjective-CThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Objective-C.Smalltalk (computer programming)Smalltalk (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Smalltalk.ErlangErlangThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Erlang.VBScriptVBScriptThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in VBScript.CoffeeScriptCoffeeScriptThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in CoffeeScript.TypeScriptTypeScriptThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in TypeScript.ASP.NETASP.NETThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in ASP.NET.COBOLCOBOLThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in COBOL.Swift (computer programming)Swift (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Swift.APLAPLThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in APL.SAP R3SAP R3The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in SAP R3.Ruby (computer programming)Ruby (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Ruby.ML (computer programming)ML (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in ML.PHPPHPThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in PHP.SAS languageSAS languageThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in SAS language.JavaScriptJavaScriptThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in JavaScript.
Optional (14) — show
manufacturing processesmanufacturing processesThe steps required through which a material is transformed into a product, its development and full-scale manufacturing.electrical engineeringelectrical engineeringThe field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.mathematicsmathematicsMathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to pr...lathe machine partslathe machine partsThe different parts of a lathe machine and their applications, such as the compound, the bed, the sadle, the cross slide, the cutting tool, the lathe dog and more.3D modelling3D modellingThe process of developing a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of an object via specialised software. The product is called a 3D model. It can be displayed as a two-dimension...mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.perform data analysisperform data analysisCollect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.advise on safety improvementsadvise on safety improvementsProvide relevant recommendations following the conclusion of an investigation; ensure that recommendations are duly considered and where appropriate acted upon.use computer-aided engineering systemsuse computer-aided engineering systemsUse computer-aided engineering software to conduct stress analyses on engineering designs.use CAM softwareuse CAM softwareUse computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programmes to control machinery and machine tools in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation as part of the manufacturing processes of workpieces.advise client on technical possibilitiesadvise client on technical possibilitiesRecommend technical solutions, including systems, to the client within the framework of a project.use technical documentationuse technical documentationUnderstand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.tend lathetend latheTend a lathe designed for cutting manufacturing processes on metal, wooden, plastic materials and others, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.engineering principlesengineering principlesThe engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a numerical tool and process control programmer do?
Numerical tool and process control programmers develop computer programs to control automatic machines and equipment involved in manufacturing processes. They analyse blueprints and job orders, conduct computer simulations and trial runs.
What skills does a numerical tool and process control programmer need?
A numerical tool and process control programmer needs 51 essential skills, including statistical process control, Visual Basic, Java (computer programming), computer programming, quality and cycle time optimisation.
Will AI replace numerical tool and process control programmer jobs?
The AI disruption score for numerical tool and process control programmer is 50/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: statistical process control, ensure equipment availability, perform data analysis. Most resilient: lathe machine parts, mechanics, computer programming.
AI Replacement Risk
50/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
SectorInfocomm Technology
ISCO GroupInformation and communications technology professionals
Essential Skills51
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