CNC Programmer / Machinist
About the job
- Ability to write and edit G-Code offline or at the machine.
- Basic mill and lathe experience.
- Computer-aided design experience, preferably SolidWorks.
- Ability to generate programs for mills and dual-spindle lathes using Mastercam.
- Ability to manage tooling selection for milling centers and turning centers.
- Ability to learn processes and generate programs for computer numerical control laser welding.
- Ability to pay attention to detail and follow instructions.
- Ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications.
- Good math skills.
- Proven proficiency in computer numerical control programming and machining.
- Knowledge of tooling equipment.
- Good attendance record.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Completion of, or current enrollment in, a trade school for a related subject.
- Ability to perform full-body movement and maintain close mental and visual attention to detail.
- Critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong communication skills.
- Willingness to accept new challenges and be flexible.
- Ability to lift up to 60 pounds.
- Ability to work with a team in manufacturing and research areas.
- Use manual equipment and program, set up, and operate computer numerical control equipment to assist the Mechanical Design/R&D group and Fabrication group with projects and production of parts.
- Work closely with Engineering on the design and planning of projects.
- Participate in process development and approval exercises for projects.
- Keep the work area neat and clean.
About the company
Knowles makes micro-acoustic, audio processing, and MEMS components for OEMs. It has three segments: Audio (balanced armature speakers and microphones for hearing health, premium audio, and communications), Precision Devices (high-performance capacitors and RF filters for defense, medical, and industrial use), and Consumer MEMS Microphones (MEMS mics for smartphones, wearables, and IoT). Products combine acoustics, materials science, and signal processing to meet tight performance and miniaturization needs and are sold to a global OEM base. Knowles differentiates by deep expertise in acoustics and materials science, a diversified, high-performance product line, and focus on miniaturized components for demanding markets; its goal is steady supply of reliable components and growth in MEMS microphones and professional audio markets.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Itasca, Illinois
Founded
1946
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Q2 2026 revenue reached $166.8 million, up 14%, with full-year growth guided at 10-12%.
- Elucent chose Knowles on August 12, 2026, validating its manufacturing and micro-molding capabilities.
- September 2026 launches in hearing health and RF expand share opportunities in defense and medtech.
What critics are saying
- Knowles still depends on narrow specialty markets after selling Consumer MEMS Microphones in 2023.
- October 22, 2026 results can expose margin pressure if defense bookings or medtech ramps slip.
- Sonion, TDK, and Vishay attack Knowles’ sockets; one lost platform can erase years of design wins.
What makes Knowles unique
- Knowles sells mission-critical micro-acoustics, RF parts, and medical components with tight engineering tolerances.
- September 30, 2026 ATT A-Series broadens Knowles’ RF chain from DC to 20 GHz.
- HiFit 2.0 and Elucent manufacturing show deep design-in relationships across hearing health and medtech.
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Benefits
Professional Development Budget
Flexible Work Hours
Company News
Knowles Corporation has launched its ATT A-Series Attenuators, expanding its RF component portfolio. The new surface mount attenuators deliver stable electrical performance and repeatable attenuation from DC to 20 GHz using precision thin-film technology. The A-Series combines attenuation accuracy, high power handling, and wideband performance in a compact, industry-standard footprint. Products are available in standard attenuation values from 0 dB to 20 dB, with custom configurations offered. The attenuators target applications including radar systems, phased-array antennas, satellite communications, and RF test equipment. The launch advances Knowles' strategy to become a comprehensive source for high-performance RF components. The Illinois-based company manufactures specialty electronic components for MedTech, Defence, and Industrial markets.
Knowles expands hearing health portfolio at EUHA 2026. September 21, 2026 HANOVER, GERMANY - Knowles Corporation will showcase an expanded portfolio of hearing health technologies at EUHA 2026, including its new HiFit 2.0 receiver-in-canal (RIC), MM60 MEMS microphone, and a range of balanced armature receivers and specialty audio components. The company, exhibiting at Booth 213, develops audio components designed for hearing health applications, including compact, low-power microphones and balanced armature receivers used in hearing devices. Knowles says its technologies are designed to help manufacturers balance acoustic performance with increasingly tight size and power requirements. Among the technologies highlighted at EUHA will be the new HiFit 2.0 RIC, designed to provide higher acoustic performance within a smaller receiver form factor. HiFit 2.0 targets improved fit and acoustic performance. Receiver selection requires manufacturers and hearing care professionals to balance physical fit within the ear canal against the acoustic output needed for an individual's hearing loss. Smaller receivers can accommodate a wider range of ear-canal anatomies but have traditionally provided less output, while higher-output receivers tend to require larger form factors. Knowles says HiFit 2.0 was developed to address that trade-off by combining high acoustic performance with the company's smallest receiver form factor. The design incorporates an optimized straight nozzle and side cable exit intended to improve placement across a broader range of ear-canal anatomies. According to testing reported by Knowles, fit rates increased from 48% to 94% on one platform and from 33% to 85% on another. The company also reports that an integrated metal receiver casing and RIC housing reduce the form factor by approximately 34% while increasing shock resistance by nearly 40%. The design is intended to give hearing-device manufacturers greater flexibility in balancing output, physical fit, comfort, and discretion. MM60 MEMS Microphone for AI-Enabled Hearing Aids. Knowles will also showcase its MM60 MEMS microphone, which was introduced at EUHA 2025 and is now shipping. The MM60 combines a new MEMS motor with an advanced ASIC and is designed specifically for AI-enabled hearing-aid chipsets. The microphone is intended to provide high-quality audio input while operating within the power and space constraints of modern hearing devices. As hearing aid manufacturers incorporate increasingly sophisticated signal processing and AI-based features, microphone performance plays an important role in providing those systems with a consistent audio input for downstream processing. Broader specialty audio portfolio. Knowles will also display hearing health microphones, subminiature electret microphones, balanced armature receivers, and its multi-way balanced armature technology. The company's T202, T303, T404, and T408 multi-way balanced armature drivers combine technologies including dual-diaphragm woofers and supertweeters in preconfigured packages with integrated crossover circuits. Originally developed for premium in-ear monitors, the products demonstrate approaches for integrating multiple balanced armature technologies into compact audio devices. Knowles will exhibit at Booth 213 during EUHA 2026 in Hanover, Germany.
Knowles introduces CLS Flatpack aluminum electrolytic capacitors. The new series offers up to 83,000 μF, 300 V ratings and 10,000-hour endurance for demanding compact power applications. September 11, 2026 Knowles has broadened its Cornell Dubilier capacitor lineup with the new Type CLS Flatpack aluminum electrolytic capacitors, designed to operate at temperatures of up to 105°C. The series is aimed at compact, high-density power supplies and other systems that need high bulk capacitance in a space-saving package but do not require a 125°C-rated capacitor. The CLS range adds a new 105°C temperature option to the existing Flatpack family. This lineup also includes the MLPS series, rated for 85°C, and the MLSG series, rated for 125°C. The additional rating gives engineers greater flexibility when balancing operating temperature, capacitance, and available space. According to Knowles, the CLS capacitors have successfully undergone 10,000 hours of endurance testing at 105°C. This makes them suitable for applications where dependable long-term performance is essential, including high-density commercial power supplies, military systems, and other mission-critical equipment. The capacitors feature a low-profile stainless-steel housing designed to aid heat dissipation. This construction provides a compact form factor while supporting efficient operation and reliability in space-constrained applications. The wider Flatpack range offers voltage ratings of up to 300 V and capacitance values reaching 83,000 μF. The devices are built to handle demanding environments involving vibration, mechanical shock, and high ripple currents, providing both electrical and mechanical durability. Designers can choose from multiple low-profile stainless-steel case sizes and mounting options, allowing the capacitors to be adapted to different system layouts. Their high capacitance in a single compact package can also reduce PCB connection points and make system assembly simpler. The Flatpack family additionally offers hermetic and near-hermetic sealing options for applications requiring extended service life and improved resistance to vibration. With the launch of the 105°C CLS series, Knowles adds another option for engineers developing compact, high-density power systems where space, reliability, and thermal performance are important considerations.
Knowles has repositioned itself around specialty electronic components for medical technology, defense and industrial markets, divesting approximately $400 million in lower-margin revenue between 2017 and 2023. Chief Executive Officer Jeff Niew said the company generated just under $600 million in 2025 revenue and employs about 5,000 people globally. The company operates through two segments: Precision Devices, supplying RF filters and capacitor technologies; and MedTech & Specialty Audio, selling miniature microphones and speakers for hearing-health applications. Knowles sold its Consumer MEMS Microphone business roughly three years ago, which served smartphone and earbud manufacturers but carried lower margins. The remaining businesses delivered an 8% revenue compound annual growth rate and 11% EBITDA growth between 2017 and 2025, including acquisitions.
Knowles reported Q2 revenues of $166.8 million, up 14.3% year on year and exceeding analyst expectations by 6.3%. The electronic components manufacturer also beat EPS guidance and revenue estimates for next quarter. "We delivered second quarter revenues exceeding the high end of our guided range," said Jeffrey Niew, president and CEO of Knowles. The company, which designs high-performance capacitors, microphones, and speakers for medical technology, defence, and industrial applications, achieved the largest analyst estimate beat amongst its peers in the electronic components and manufacturing sector. Despite the strong results, Knowles' stock has fallen 2.6% since reporting earnings, currently trading at $37.81. The decline suggests investor expectations may have been higher than Wall Street's published projections.