CNC Operator

Carter Lumber; Millersburg (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k)

Paid time off

Growth opportunities

Dental coverage

Job summary

Carter Lumber Company is seeking a CNC Operator for architectural millwork. The role involves interpreting architectural blueprints, setting up CNC equipment, and producing detailed millwork submittals for commercial and residential projects.

The position requires careful inspection, adherence to machining data, and safe operation of woodworking machinery. Teamwork and problem-solving are essential in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in CNC machining within woodworking, cabinetry, or millwork preferred.
• Ability to read work orders, machining sheets, cut lists, drawings, and technical docs.
• Familiarity with CNC machine controls, tooling, offsets, vacuum hold-down, spoilboards and basic G-code concepts preferred.
• Proficient with measurement and inspection tools; apply shop math, fractions, and decimals accurately.
• Basic computer skills and navigating CNC/CAM programs and production records.
• Mechanical aptitude to recognize tool wear, defects, and abnormal machine conditions.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Review production schedule, work orders, approved machining data, nesting sheet, and drawing details before starting.
• Verify program revision, material type, thickness, color, grain direction, and part orientation.
• Inspect raw sheet goods for damage or defects before machining.
• Set up tooling, fixtures, stops, spoilboards, vacuum zones, dust collection, and other machine parameters as trained.
• Load approved programs and perform setup verification, dry runs, and first-piece checks.
• Safely load, position, secure, and unload material; prevent injury and damage.
• Operate CNC routers and related woodworking machinery per procedures and manufacturer requirements.
• Monitor machine operation, vacuum hold-down, dust extraction, tool condition, and alarms.
• Make authorized adjustments and elevate changes for review; respond to alarms or tool breakage.
• Organize finished parts by job, room, unit, sequence, and part ID for next operation.
• Inspect first-piece and in-process parts for dimensions and tolerances.
• Record job status, quantities, downtime, material usage, and quality checks in CAM systems.
• Coordinate with Engineering when data or materials do not align; do not run unverified revisions.
• Meet production priorities while safeguarding safety and downstream schedule.

Skills

CNC machining

Blueprint reading

CNC controls

Shop math

CNC/CAM software

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Teamwork

Tools

CNC routers

Vacuum hold-down

Spoilboards

G-code

Job description

A Carter Architectural Millwork CNC Operator is responsible for utilizing computer-aided-design systems to create detailed millwork submittal drawings. Strong ability to examine and interpret architectural blueprints for commercial/residential construction. This includes but is not limited to assembly drawings, sketches, and diagrams including all necessary notes and details required for manufacturing. A strong belief in the mission and goals of the company are necessary to this position.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Previous CNC machining experience in woodworking, cabinetry, furniture, architectural millwork, or a similar manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Ability to read work orders, machining sheets, cut lists, labels, shop drawings, and basic technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of CNC machine controls, tooling, offsets, vacuum hold-down, spoilboards, and basic G-code concepts is preferred.
• Ability to use measuring and inspection tools and apply shop math, fractions, decimals, and basic geometry accurately.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to navigate approved CNC/CAM programs, job files, and production records.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to recognize tool wear, machining defects, and abnormal machine conditions.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, communication, and ability to work productively in a team environment.

Responsibilities of the Position

Machine Setup

• Review the production schedule, work order, approved machining data, nesting sheet, cut list, labels, and drawing details before starting the job.
• Verify the correct program and revision, material type, thickness, color, grain direction, finished face, part orientation, tooling, and quantity.
• Inspect raw sheet goods and components for damage, warp, surface defects, or specification conflicts before machining.
• Set up tooling, collets, aggregates, fixtures, stops, spoilboards, vacuum zones, dust collection, work offsets, and other machine parameters within training and authorization.
• Load approved programs and perform required setup verification, dry runs, test cuts, or first-piece checks before releasing full production.

Machine Operation

• Safely load, position, secure, and unload material while preventing injury, part movement, surface damage, and incorrect orientation.
• Operate CNC routers, machining centers, boring equipment, or related woodworking machinery in accordance with approved procedures and manufacturer requirements.
• Monitor machine operation, vacuum hold-down, dust extraction, tool condition, cutting quality, cycle status, and alarms throughout the run.
• Make only authorized adjustments to feeds, speeds, offsets, tooling, or approved machine parameters; elevate program or engineering changes for review.
• Respond to alarms, tool breakage, poor cut quality, lost vacuum, or other abnormal conditions by stopping the process safely and communicating the issue.
• Separate, label, stack, and protect completed parts by job, room, unit, sequence, and part identification for the next operation.

Quality and Production Control

• Inspect first-piece and in-process parts for overall dimensions, hole patterns, dado and groove location, depth of cut, edge quality, surface condition, and conformity to approved requirements.
• Use tape measures, calipers, gauges, templates, and other inspection tools appropriate to the required tolerance.
• Identify and segregate nonconforming parts; document scrap or rework and coordinate replacement needs with Engineering and Production.
• Record job status, completed quantities, labor, downtime, material usage, quality checks, and production issues in CAM's designated systems or work documentation.
• Coordinate with Engineering when machining data, drawings, labels, or materials do not agree; do not run unverified or unauthorized revisions.
• Meet production priorities while protecting safety, machine condition, material yield, part quality, and downstream schedule requirements.

Routine Equipment Care and Safety

• Complete required pre-start inspections and routine operator maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication checks, spoilboard care, tool and collet inspection, and approved consumable replacement.
• Maintain accurate tooling, maintenance, and downtime records and promptly report mechanical, electrical, software, vacuum, or dust-collection concerns.
• Follow machine-guarding, lockout/tagout, compressed-air, dust-control, lifting, housekeeping, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Keep the machine and surrounding work area clean and organized and participate in daily coordination, cross-training, and continuous-improvement activities.

Benefits Provided (full-time employees):

• Health, Dental, and Vision coverage (single and family plans) available after 30 days of employment
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Company-paid life insurance and AD&D
• Optional supplemental life insurance
• Company-match 401(k)
• Vacation time and paid holidays
• Vendor incentives
• Room for growth; we promote from within!
• Military encouraged to apply!