CNC Programming Lead (Trade Shows & Events)

Socket.dev; Addison (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Jack Morton is seeking a CNC Programming Lead to own and advance our CNC programming function for custom exhibits and experiential environments. This hands‑on role focuses on translating designs into efficient CNC programs and optimizing materials usage.

You will partner with designers, project managers, fabricators, and production teams to set standards, troubleshoot challenges, and improve manufacturability. Onsite work in Addison, IL is required.

Qualifications

• 4+ years CNC programming/manufacturing experience in custom fabrication or related environment.
• Strong experience programming CNC equipment and CNC production workflows.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD 2D/3D or similar CAD software.
• Solid understanding of materials, tooling, machining processes, tolerancing and fabrication methods.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and translate design intent into manufacturable solutions.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop CNC programming processes for exhibits, trade show booths, and experiential environments.
• Translate 2D/3D designs into CNC-ready files and efficient machining programs.
• Program and optimize CNC equipment for cutting wood, plastics, foam, and other exhibit materials.
• Select materials, tooling, feeds, speeds, and machining strategies for each application.
• Continuously improve CNC workflows, programming standards, and production efficiency.
• Collaborate with Designers, Project Managers, Fabricators, and Estimators to determine best manufacturing approaches.

Skills

CNC programming

AutoCAD 2D/3D

Materials knowledge

Drawing interpretation

Problem solving

Tools

CAD tools

Job description

Experience Without Limits Come shape the future of brand experience.

At Jack Morton, we design and buildhead-turning, smile-inducing, impact-driving brand experiences that redefine what experiential marketing can achieve. We help our clientsunlock the full value of experiences by turning bold ideas into meaningful connections.

That takes a team that’s bold, curious, and acts as one. We build on each other’s ideas, challenge conventions, and show up for one another every day. Here, you’ll do your best work, grow quickly, and partner across clients, disciplines, and global teams to bring new ideas to life.

This is a place where curiosity drives what’s next, boldness raises the bar, and every win is shared. Where ownership is expected, egos are left at the door, and the work reflects the passion and talent of the people behind it.

Experience without limits—in your work, your growth, and your impact.

*Must be able to work onsite in either Oakville, CA, Dayton, NJ, Addison, IL or Las Vegas, NV 5 days a week*

Do you enjoy taking creative concepts and turning them into precise, manufacturable reality? Are you passionate about CNC programming, digital fabrication, and solving the technical challenges that bring custom environments to life?

We’re looking for a CNC Programming Lead to take ownership of our CNC programming function and play a key role in transforming custom exhibit, trade show, and experiential designs into precision-built components. This is a hands‑on opportunity to own, develop, and continuously improve CNC programming processes while collaborating with designers, project managers, fabricators, and production teams.

You’ll work at the intersection of design and manufacturing—translating creative intent into efficient CNC programs, optimizing material usage and machining processes, troubleshooting production challenges, and helping establish best practices as our capabilities grow.

What You’ll Do

• Own and develop CNC programming processes for custom exhibits, trade show booths, experiential environments, and specialty fabrication.
• Translate 2D/3D designs and production drawings into CNC-ready files and efficient machining programs.
• Program and optimize CNC equipment for cutting wood, plastics, foam, and other exhibit materials.
• Select appropriate materials, tooling, feeds, speeds, and machining strategies for each application.
• Continuously improve CNC workflows, programming standards, tooling strategies, and production efficiency.
• Partner with Designers, Project Managers, Fabricators, and Estimators to determine the best approach for manufacturing complex components.
• Troubleshoot CNC and fabrication challenges and develop practical solutions that improve quality and manufacturability.
• Optimize material usage and machining time to support cost‑effective, high‑quality production.
• Interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and design intent to produce accurate components.
• Set up CNC jobs and verify programs prior to production.
• Inspect finished parts for dimensional accuracy and quality.
• Maintain CNC files, libraries, tooling information, and programming documentation.
• Help establish and maintain CNC standards and best practices as the department evolves.
• Perform basic CNC equipment troubleshooting and preventative maintenance.
• Utilize precision measuring tools including calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, and indicators.
• Assist with material handling and operate forklifts as needed.

Production & Detailing Support

While CNC programming is the primary focus, you’ll also provide technical support to the production process by:

• Reviewing designs for manufacturability and identifying potential issues before fabrication.
• Making minor modifications to CAD files when needed to support CNC production.
• Creating or updating select fabrication and assembly drawings.
• Applying value engineering and manufacturing best practices to improve designs.
• Supporting shop teams with technical information, dimensions, and production documentation.

What You Bring

• 4+ years of CNC programming/manufacturing experience, ideally in custom fabrication, millwork, cabinetry, exhibits, or a related environment.
• Strong experience programming CNC equipment and working with CNC production workflows.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD 2D/3D or similar CAD software.
• Strong understanding of materials, tooling, machining processes, tolerancing, and fabrication methods.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and translate design intent into manufacturable solutions.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a hands‑on, production‑minded approach.
• Ability to optimize programs for accuracy, efficiency, material utilization, and production speed.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and production priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Bonus Points If You Have

• Experience in trade shows, exhibits, experiential marketing, millwork, scenic fabrication, or custom manufacturing.
• Experience developing CNC processes or standards within a growing production environment.
• Experience with nesting and material optimization.
• Knowledge of ADA requirements and trade show/exhibit regulations.
• Experience working directly with fabrication and installation teams.
• Forklift experience.
• Familiarity with value engineering and cost‑conscious manufacturing.

Last but not least, we believe in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Jack Morton is an equal opportunity employer; we strongly value diversity at our companies. We do not discriminate on race, religion, color, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at [e-mail]. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.