CNC Programmer/Operator

Special-Lite; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insu

401(k) with Company Match

Performance and Holiday Bonuses

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Tuition Reimbursement/Educational Assi

Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays

Parental Leave

Job summary

Special-Lite in Michigan is seeking a skilled CNC Programmer/Operator who translates CAD/CAM designs into precise CAM instructions and sets up CNC machines for first-run productions. You will read engineering drawings, document programs clearly for operators, and collaborate across teams to maintain quality and on-time delivery.

You will perform in-process inspections and participate in design reviews while contributing ideas for continuous improvement and workflow optimization.

Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED plus 2+ years CNC programming and machining experience.
• Comfortable reading written instructions and detailed engineering drawings.
• Strong attention to detail and a self-starter mindset.
• Clear communicator with ability to work with diverse teams.
• Ability to stay steady under deadline pressure.

Responsibilities

• Program CNC machinery from engineering drawings and CAD files, translating design intent into precise CAM instructions.
• Create and modify programs, and document them clearly so operators can run them accurately.
• Set up and operate CNC machines according to established procedures.
• Perform in-process inspections and quality checks using standard inspection equipment.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams on schedules and capabilities.
• Participate in design reviews to ensure parts meet specifications before production.
• Contribute ideas for continuous improvement and process optimization.

Skills

CNC programming

Machining experience

Reading engineering drawings

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree in precision machining or related field (plus)

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Job description

Job Description

We’re a growing, privately owned manufacturer looking for a skilled CNC Programmer/Operator who takes pride in precision work and wants to be part of a company where craftsmanship and career growth go hand in hand. If you know your way around CAD/CAM software, can read a print like a second language, and enjoy solving the puzzle of turning a design into a program that runs clean the first time — we want to talk to you. What You’ll Do

• Program CNC machinery from engineering drawings and CAD files, translating design intent into precise CAM instructions
• Create and modify programs, and document them clearly enough that any operator can pick them up and run them accurately
• Set up and operate CNC machines according to established procedures
• Perform in-process inspections, preventative maintenance, and quality checks using standard inspection equipment
• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams on production schedules and capabilities
• Participate in design reviews to help ensure parts conform to spec before they ever hit the floor
• Bring forward ideas for continuous improvement — your feedback helps shape how we work What You Bring
• High school diploma/GED plus 2+ years of CNC programming and machining experience in a tool shop or manufacturing setting (Associate's degree in precision machining or a related field is a plus, not a requirement)
• Comfortable working from written/verbal instructions and detailed engineering drawings
• Strong attention to detail and a self-starter mindset — you can troubleshoot independently
• Clear communicator, comfortable working with people at every level of the organization, plus internal and external customers
• Ability to stay steady under deadline pressure without losing quality or attitude Physical Requirements
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate office equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to talk and hear.
• Frequently required to sit for long periods of time.
• Required to occasionally stand and walk.
• Occasionally required to lift, push, pull and/or move up to 125-pounds with assistance.
• Specific vision abilities required include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work Environment:
• Safety glasses are required on the production floor at all times.
• Hearing protection is required in designated areas.
• Occasionally subject to hazards including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electric current and exposure to heat and chemicals.
• Occasionally subject to conditions including one or more of the following that affect the respiratory system or the skin: fumes, odors, dust, mists, or poor ventilation.
• Occasionally exposed to cold, hot, wet and/or humid shop conditions. Benefits at Special-Lite: A competitive salary and opportunities to advance in your career are just the beginning. Special-Lite offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family, including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Performance and Holiday Bonuses
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Tuition Reimbursement/Educational Assistance and Professional Development Support
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays About Special-Lite We manufacture custom door, frame, and interior solutions for new construction and retrofit projects across educational, commercial, institutional, industrial, and municipal applications—combining hands‑on craftsmanship with advanced technology to deliver exceptional quality, performance, and reliability. Built to last in high usage and challenging environments, our high-quality and made‑to‑order solutions are unique in the industry. The products we build welcome, protect, and enhance spaces across the U.S. and beyond. You would probably recognize more than a few of our famous customers. As one of the largest volume producers of commercial FRP doors, you may have even already walked through one of our solutions. For more than 55 years, we have been driven to grow through relationships as strong as our products. We are committed to the success of our employees, our customers, and our communities. We stand behind our products with passion and excellent customer service. People. Passion. Performance. Visit special-lite.com to learn more. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic

Job Description

We’re a growing, privately owned manufacturer looking for a skilled CNC Programmer/Operator who takes pride in precision work and wants to be part of a company where craftsmanship and career growth go hand in hand. If you know your way around CAD/CAM software, can read a print like a second language, and enjoy solving the puzzle of turning a design into a program that runs clean the first time — we want to talk to you. What You’ll Do

• Program CNC machinery from engineering drawings and CAD files, translating design intent into precise CAM instructions
• Create and modify programs, and document them clearly enough that any operator can pick them up and run them accurately
• Set up and operate CNC machines according to established procedures
• Perform in-process inspections, preventative maintenance, and quality checks using standard inspection equipment
• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams on production schedules and capabilities
• Participate in design reviews to help ensure parts conform to spec before they ever hit the floor
• Bring forward ideas for continuous improvement — your feedback helps shape how we work What You Bring
• High school diploma/GED plus 2+ years of CNC programming and machining experience in a tool shop or manufacturing setting (Associate's degree in precision machining or a related field is a plus, not a requirement)
• Comfortable working from written/verbal instructions and detailed engineering drawings
• Strong attention to detail and a self-starter mindset — you can troubleshoot independently
• Clear communicator, comfortable working with people at every level of the organization, plus internal and external customers
• Ability to stay steady under deadline pressure without losing quality or attitude Physical Requirements
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate office equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to talk and hear.
• Frequently required to sit for long periods of time.
• Required to occasionally stand and walk.
• Occasionally required to lift, push, pull and/or move up to 125-pounds with assistance.
• Specific vision abilities required include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work Environment:
• Safety glasses are required on the production floor at all times.
• Hearing protection is required in designated areas.
• Occasionally subject to hazards including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electric current and exposure to heat and chemicals.
• Occasionally subject to conditions including one or more of the following that affect the respiratory system or the skin: fumes, odors, dust, mists, or poor ventilation.
• Occasionally exposed to cold, hot, wet and/or humid shop conditions. Benefits at Special-Lite: A competitive salary and opportunities to advance in your career are just the beginning. Special-Lite offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family, including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Performance and Holiday Bonuses
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Tuition Reimbursement/Educational Assistance and Professional Development Support
• Parental Leave
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays About Special-Lite We manufacture custom door, frame, and interior solutions for new construction and retrofit projects across educational, commercial, institutional, industrial, and municipal applications—combining hands‑on craftsmanship with advanced technology to deliver exceptional quality, performance, and reliability. Built to last in high usage and challenging environments, our high-quality and made‑to‑order solutions are unique in the industry. The products we build welcome, protect, and enhance spaces across the U.S. and beyond. You would probably recognize more than a few of our famous customers. As one of the largest volume producers of commercial FRP doors, you may have even already walked through one of our solutions. For more than 55 years, we have been driven to grow through relationships as strong as our products. We are committed to the success of our employees, our customers, and our communities. We stand behind our products with passion and excellent customer service. People. Passion. Performance. Visit special-lite.com to learn more. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic

About Special Lite Inc

We don’t just build doors—we build careers. For more than 50 years, we’ve been a leader in manufacturing and engineering architectural products for new construction and replacement installations. Our commercial entrance systems, restroom partitions, and interior products feature a unique blend of hands‑on craftsmanship, cutting‑edge technology, customization, and innovative design. The result? Products built to last and a life‑long career to match. When you join Special‑Lite, you become part of a team that values quality, creativity, and personal commitment. We believe in doing things the right way, not the easy way, and we take pride in building products that help make spaces safer, easier to maintain, more productive, healthier, and inspiring.