Architectural Millwork Operator

Higgins Group, Inc.; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

Higgins Group is seeking an Architectural Millwork Operator to safely run CNC machinery and woodworking equipment in a production setting. The role focuses on setting up tooling, loading programs, and maintaining quality in architectural millwork components.

The candidate will review drawings, select appropriate tooling, and coordinate with engineering and production teams to ensure accurate, efficient production while following safety guidelines and maintaining clean work areas.

Qualifications

• Two to three years of CNC operating experience in architectural millwork, cabinetry, woodworking, or related manufacturing.
• Experience setting up and operating vertical CNC machinery.
• Working knowledge of doweling equipment, edge banders, and related millwork machinery.
• Experience selecting, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting CNC tooling.
• Ability to read shop drawings, cut lists, and production specifications.
• Ability to accurately use tape measures, calipers, and other measuring instruments.
• Understanding of machining speeds, feeds, offsets, tolerances, and tool wear.
• Ability to identify and resolve basic machine or production issues.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a production team.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate vertical CNC machines used in architectural millwork production.
• Operate dowel insertion machines, edge banders, and other woodworking equipment.
• Review shop drawings, cut lists, work orders, and production specifications.
• Select, install, and adjust tooling based on material and production requirements.
• Load programs, verify machine settings, and make adjustments as needed.
• Perform tool changes, offsets, calibrations, and basic machine setup.
• Inspect raw materials and completed components for accuracy, quality, and defects.
• Verify dimensions and tolerances using tape measures, calipers, and other measuring tools.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment, tooling, and production issues.
• Perform routine machine cleaning and preventive maintenance.
• Monitor material usage and help reduce waste and rework.
• Label, organize, and stage completed components for assembly or the next production phase.
• Coordinate with engineering, production, assembly, and shop leadership to maintain workflow.
• Maintain accurate production and quality‑control documentation.
• Follow all company safety procedures and equipment manufacturer guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Assist with additional millwork production and shop responsibilities as business needs require.

Skills

CNC operation

Vertical CNC machining

Shop drawings

Dowel/edge banding tooling

Tooling setup

Measurement tools

Quality focus

Independent work

Production teamwork

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Edge banders

Dowel insertion equipment

CNC programming basics

Job description

Architectural Millwork Operator

Full Time | Wichita, KS

Compensation: Hourly, with final compensation depends on experience. Paid weekly.

Position Summary

The Architectural Millwork Operator supports Higgins Group's Architectural Millwork Service by safely and accurately operating CNC machinery and other woodworking equipment used to manufacture custom architectural millwork components. This position requires experience with CNC equipment, tooling, machine setup, and production processes. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, mechanically capable, and committed to producing high-quality work while maintaining an efficient and safe work environment.

Core Responsibilities

• Set up and operate vertical CNC machines used in architectural millwork production.
• Operate dowel insertion machines, edge banders, and other woodworking equipment.
• Review shop drawings, cut lists, work orders, and production specifications.
• Select, install, and adjust tooling based on material and production requirements.
• Load programs, verify machine settings, and make adjustments as needed.
• Perform tool changes, offsets, calibrations, and basic machine setup.
• Inspect raw materials and completed components for accuracy, quality, and defects.
• Verify dimensions and tolerances using tape measures, calipers, and other measuring tools.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment, tooling, and production issues.
• Perform routine machine cleaning and preventive maintenance.
• Monitor material usage and help reduce waste and rework.
• Label, organize, and stage completed components for assembly or the next production phase.
• Coordinate with engineering, production, assembly, and shop leadership to maintain workflow.
• Maintain accurate production and quality‑control documentation.
• Follow all company safety procedures and equipment manufacturer guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Assist with additional millwork production and shop responsibilities as business needs require.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of two to three years of CNC operating experience, preferably in architectural millwork, cabinetry, woodworking, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Experience setting up and operating vertical CNC machinery.
• Working knowledge of doweling equipment, edge banders, and related millwork machinery.
• Experience selecting, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting CNC tooling.
• Ability to read shop drawings, cut lists, and production specifications.
• Ability to accurately use tape measures, calipers, and other measuring instruments.
• Understanding of machining speeds, feeds, offsets, tolerances, and tool wear.
• Ability to identify and resolve basic machine or production issues.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a production team.
• Dependable attendance and ability to meet production schedules.
• Willingness to follow established safety and quality procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience manufacturing commercial architectural millwork or custom cabinetry.
• Experience working with plywood, MDF, laminate, veneer, solid‑surface products, and hardwood.
• Familiarity with CNC programming or CAD/CAM software.
• Experience performing preventive maintenance on CNC and woodworking equipment.
• Forklift or material‑handling equipment experience.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and work on a production floor for extended periods.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, push, pull, and handle materials.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently.
• Ability to safely handle full‑size sheet goods and manufactured components with assistance or material‑handling equipment.
• Ability to work around machinery, dust, noise, and moving equipment while wearing required personal protective equipment.

Work Environment

This position works primarily within an active architectural millwork production facility. The Operator will regularly work around CNC equipment, saws, edge banders, tooling, dust‑collection systems, and material‑handling equipment. Strict compliance with safety requirements is expected at all times.

Higgins Group - Work Hard. Stay Lean. Honor Christ.

Employment contingent upon passing Drug Test, Physical, and E-Verify