CNC Router Operator

Bridgewater Studios Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and sick time

Dental insurance

Wellness benefits

Job summary

Bridgewater Studio in Chicago's Back of the Yards neighborhood is seeking a skilled CNC Router Operator to join our fast-moving, collaborative team. You will set up and operate CNC machinery to produce wood components for diverse, custom fabrication projects.

This onsite, full-time role emphasizes attention to detail, safety, and teamwork to follow work orders and meet deadlines. We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Experience setting up and operating CNC machinery in woodworking or fabrication.
• Ability to read and follow work orders and production instructions.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to identify defects and communicate issues to supervisor.
• Safety-minded with PPE compliance.

Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, and operate CNC machinery to fabricate wood parts per orders.
• Load and unload materials per procedures.
• Monitor production for accuracy, consistency and quality.
• Identify defective materials and report issues to supervisor.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and cleaning.
• Work with team to meet deadlines.

Skills

CNC operation

Wood fabrication

Quality control

Read work orders

Troubleshooting

Safety procedures

Independent work

Tools

CNC machines

Job description

Join the Bridgewater Studio Team: CNC Router Operator

Date: 10/21/2026

Bridgewater Studio is growing! We're looking for a skilled and detail-oriented CNC Router Operator to join our fast-moving, creative, and collaborative team.

Who We Are

Located in Chicago's Back of the Yards neighborhood, Bridgewater Studio is a nationally recognized Experiential Design and Production Agency. We create immersive, story-driven environments for some of the world's most recognizable brands and institutions, including the Smithsonian, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Universal Studios, Nike, and LinkedIn.

Every project is different, and our team works together to bring big ideas to life through custom design, fabrication, and production. We're looking for problem solvers, self-starters, and team players who enjoy hands-on work and take pride in what they create.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a CNC Router Operator who enjoys working with their hands, solving problems, and producing high-quality custom parts. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a fast-paced fabrication environment, managing multiple priorities, and following computer-based work orders with minimal supervision.

What Makes a Great Candidate

• Experience setting up and operating CNC machinery, preferably in a woodworking or custom fabrication environment.

• Knowledge of CNC machine setup, calibration, and operation.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Ability to read and follow work orders and production instructions.

• Ability to identify defective materials, recognize quality issues, and communicate concerns to the department supervisor.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot basic equipment issues.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a team.

• Commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

• Ability to stand for extended periods and repeatedly lift up to 75 pounds.

• Willingness to follow all safety procedures, including wearing safety glasses and hearing protection.

The Role

As a CNC Router Operator, you'll help bring custom fabrication projects to life by setting up and operating CNC machinery to produce wood components of varying sizes and complexity. Our shop handles frequent machine setups and low-volume, custom production, so no two days are exactly alike.

Responsibilities include:

• Setting up, calibrating, and operating CNC machinery to fabricate wood parts according to work orders and quality standards.

• Loading and unloading materials in accordance with established company procedures.

• Monitoring production to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality.

• Identifying and reporting defective materials or production issues to the department supervisor.

• Performing routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting as needed.

• Keeping machinery, tools, and work areas clean, organized, and properly maintained.

• Following manufacturer instructions and established safety procedures.

• Working with the production team to prioritize tasks and meet project deadlines.

This is a hands-on opportunity to develop your CNC skills while contributing to a wide variety of custom fabrication projects.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, onsite position in Chicago, offering competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical and dental insurance

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid vacation and sick time

• 401(k) with company match

• Wellness benefits

• Employee assistance program

Equal Opportunity Employer

Bridgewater Studio is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences.

Bridgewater Studio Hiring Team

4834 S Oakley Ave, Chicago, IL 60609