It would. Our CNC guys (mostly wire EDM) were technicians though who loaded programs and monitored the machines. They didn't write the code or translate the CAD

It would. Our CNC guys (mostly wire EDM) were technicians though who loaded programs and monitored the machines. They didn't write the code or translate the CAD into instructions or design anything; that's what the desk engineers did. I don't think you'll find the end-to-end tinkering experience of code + handson in any established manufacturing environment. It's too risky, each side requires specialized skills. You might find it at a startup though.