CNC Programmer & Pattern Maker

Kruger Family Industries; Portage (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kruger Family Industries in Portage, WI is seeking a CNC Programmer / Pattern Maker to lead the in-house pattern-building operation at our Portage facility. You will own the pattern build process from start to finish, manage schedules with Engineering and Operations, and handle CAM programming, CNC machining, 3D printed pattern trimming, finishing, and inspection.

The role requires strong pattern making experience, CAM programming proficiency, and meticulous attention to tolerances.

Qualifications

• Experience in pattern making and tooling fabrication.
• Proficiency with CAM programming and CNC machines.
• Strong attention to detail and precision measurement.
• Ability to manage schedules with engineering and operations.

Responsibilities

• Build, fabricate, and CNC machine master patterns, plugs, and molds from hardwood, plywood, Ren Shape tooling boards, and epoxy.
• Set up and operate 3-axis and 5-axis CNC routers and mills to finish patterns into production-ready plugs.
• Modify, repair, and rework aluminum molds as needed due to changes or wear.
• Sand, fill, polish, and apply coatings to machined patterns and surfaces.
• Ensure proper draft angles and vent holes for part release and airflow.
• Load, test, and optimize CNC programs; perform basic G-code edits.
• Inspect finished tools with calipers, micrometers, and gauges to maintain tolerances.

Skills

CNC programming

CAM programming

G-code editing

3-axis CNC

5-axis CNC

Pattern making

Inspection & metrology

Tools

CNC routers

CNC mills

CAM software

Job description

AtKruger Family Industries, parent company ofPenda CorporationandTriEnda Holdings, our passion is to bring great products to life through an exceptional area of thermoformed solutions. We are the North America leader in heavy gauge thermoformed plastics. We are committed to delivering highly engineered, high quality material handling products and automotive accessories that reduce the weight and cost of traditional composite, fiberglass, wood and metal products, making this an opportunity to work in an innovative environment during an exciting growth phase.

SUMMARY

The CNC Programmer / Pattern Maker is the key technical resource responsible for leading KFI's in-house pattern-making operation at the Portage facility. This person owns the entire pattern build process from start to finish, including schedule management, CAM programming, CNC machining, 3D printed pattern trimming, finishing, and inspection. The role carries full accountability for pattern completion dates and is expected to proactively communicate schedule status to Engineering and Operations stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Wood & Ren Board Fabrication: Build, construct, and CNC machine master patterns, plugs, and molds from scratch using hardwood, plywood, Ren Shape/polyurethane tooling boards, and epoxy.
• CNC Machining of 3D Printed Tools: Set up and operate 3-axis and 5-axis CNC routers and mills to precisely machine, trim, and finish 3D-printed polymer patterns into production-ready thermoforming plugs.
• Aluminum Mold Maintenance & Modification: Modify, repair, and rework existing cast aluminum molds when engineering changes or production wear require updates; perform precise drilling, milling, and manual bench work on aluminum tooling.
• Post-Processing & Surface Finishing: Sand, fill, polish, and apply heat-resistant coatings to machined 3D prints, wood, Ren board, and aluminum surfaces to achieve optimal, defect-free finishes.
• Apply Draft & Venting: Inspect all tooling to guarantee proper draft angles for clean part release, and drill or clear precise vacuum vent holes to optimize production airflow.
• CNC Programming & G-Code: Load, test, and optimize CNC programs; perform basic G-code edits at the controller to accommodate variations in wood, printed polymers, and cast aluminum.
• Inspect & Verify: Use calipers, micrometers, and depth gauges to inspect finished tools, ensuring they maintain tight engineering tolerances (± 0.005