COMMUNITY • SPECIALISTS • INDUSTRY
Why Connection Matters
When people talk about the manufacturing skills gap, they usually point to numbers like unfilled positions and credential shortages. But behind those statistics, there is something more personal: somewhere along the way, we stopped showing the world how beautiful this trade really is.
Founded by educator, machinist, and designer Blake Horton (Senior Instructional Designer for the Machinists Institute), The CNC Specialists was created as a bridge between two worlds: students who don't know precision manufacturing exists as an empowering career, and employers searching for qualified talent without an organic pipeline.
Unified Ecosystem
Whether you are an aspiring machinist stepping into a shop for the first time, a seasoned 5-axis programmer, or a manufacturer seeking precision capacity — there is a dedicated space for you.
Designed for students, vocational learners, STEM teachers, and instructors seeking classroom-ready content and trade visibility.
Built for verified CNC specialists, multi-axis programmers, toolmakers, and mentors seeking direct project RFQs and trade recognition.
Created for machine shops, aerospace suppliers, OEMs, and hiring managers to submit RFQs, track projects, and recruit vetted talent.
Active Opportunities
Explore active contract projects, aerospace prototyping requests, full-time tooling positions, and educational partnerships. Filter by trade competencies and apply with verified credentials.
Unified Hub
The CNC Specialists platform deploys a synchronized opportunities engine where industry members submit validated RFQs, and vetted specialists bid with direct portfolio references.
Post An Opportunity
Trade Culture & Stories
True trade mastery is passed down through shared experiences, honest challenges, and the courage to build something that lasts. Read personal essays and trade dispatches from our founder.
“When people talk about the manufacturing skills gap, they usually point to numbers like unfilled jobs and credential shortages. But somewhere along the way, we stopped showing the world how beautiful this work really is. We are the keepers of the craft, and now we must be bridge builders.”
“From building drift trikes and space capsules at Teague, to live-fire testing superalloy rocket engine fixturing at Aerojet Rocketdyne, and building machines with no safety net. The most meaningful part of this work isn’t what we build. It’s who we build it with.”
Rep the craft. Premium hats, workwear tees, hoodies, and shop gear custom designed for precision machinists, toolmakers, and makers who take pride in chips, coolant, and tight tolerances.
Step-by-step interactive walkthroughs and video guides showing you how to submit RFQs, navigate the Work Board, claim your verified specialist badge, and manage active opportunities.
Interactive On-Ramp
Select your role, define your machining capabilities or requirements, and get matched with active opportunities or start posting RFQs.
Knowledge & Support
Everything you need to know about membership access, Work Board verification, RFQ workflows, and privacy across the network.
Invest in the Future
Support our mission to preserve the art of making things, tell inspiring maker stories, and equip vocational classrooms and young apprentices with cutting tools and precision equipment.