Machine Operator — Woodworking/CNC

Demeter Custom Millwork; Woodridge (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Demeter Custom Millwork in Illinois is seeking a skilled Machine Operator to run the Biesse Rover CNC nesting cell and associated equipment. You will verify tooling, stage materials, and monitor the robotic offload to ensure high-quality parts.

You will perform first-off inspections, conduct ongoing quality checks, and maintain a clean, safe cell while meeting throughput targets and following PM schedules. This role requires experience in production woodworking and careful attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Experience operating production woodworking equipment at a production level.
• Familiarity with Biesse Rover CNC routers and BiesseWorks software.
• Ability to read production programs, cut lists, and part labels.

Responsibilities

• Load CNC programs in BiesseWorks and verify tooling, spoilboard, vacuum zones, and material calls.
• Operate Biesse Rover CNC machines and monitor automated offload and edgebander.
• Perform first-article inspections and ongoing quality checks to prevent scrap.
• Keep the cell clean and safe per 5S and PM tasks.

Skills

CNC operation

First-off inspection

Quality checks

Detail-oriented

Team communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

BiesseWorks

Biesse Rover CNC routers

Automatech Robotik Armony

Barbaric CSF

G-Code

Edge bander setup

Job description

Position SummaryThe Machine Operator runs one or more primary work centers on the shop floor — most commonly the Biesse Rover CNC nesting cell (with its Barbaric CSF panel-storage feed and Automatech Robotik Armony robotic offload), the Biesse Rover Up automated edgebanding line. The operator is responsible for producing accurate, cleanly finished parts from programs, keeping the cell running at target rates, and maintaining the equipment to Demeter's cleanliness, safety, and preventive-maintenance standards.Key ResponsibilitiesMachine operationLoad CNC programs in BiesseWorks and verify tooling, spoilboard condition, vacuum zones, and material call-outs before starting a nestStage sheet goods through the Barbaric CSF panel-storage system; confirm the correct material, thickness, grain, and quantity match the work order and BOM, and protect finish-face material from damage in storage and transitRun the Biesse Rover CNC machines and monitor the Automatech Robotik Armony outfeed for pick-quality, mis-picks, label placement, and sort-rack routing; clear faults and restart cycles safelyOperate the edgebander to run parts at spec — glue temperature and quantity, feed speed, trim, scrape, and buff — and verify edge quality on the first-off (first-piece inspection) and periodic checksQualityPerform first-article inspection on every new work order and periodic in-process checks (dimensions, edge quality, hole locations, finish surface)Reject and quarantine nonconforming partsHousekeeping and PMPerform daily start-up and end-of-shift cleaning of the operator's cell (dust-collection ports, sensors, spoilboard, edgebander glue-pot area, robot vision windows)Complete assigned weekly, monthly, and quarterly preventive-maintenance tasksKeep aisles, sort racks, and staging areas clear per the shop 5S standardRequirementsMinimum Qualifications**At least three years of working experience **operating production woodworking equipment**Experience operating a CNC at production-level output **— we operate Biesse Rover CNC machines**Experience using BiesseWorks **or similar CNC operating/programming software**Knowledge of cabinet manufacturing, materials, and hardware **— sheet goods, edge materials, fasteners, connectors, drawer slides, hinges, and pulls**Experience reading and interpreting production programs, **cut lists, and part labels.**Material-handling and storage techniques **for sheet goods and finished parts, including grain direction, finish-face protection, and safe stacking/staging**Detail-focused **— first-off inspection, in-process checks, and catching issues before they scrap parts**Able to meet deadlines **and consistently hit shift/work-order targets**Able to work overtime and weekends **as production requires**Works well with others **— communicates cleanly with the next station, engineering, and Project ManagersPhysically able to lift up to 75 lb occasionally and 50 lb regularly, stand for a full shift, and safely handle 4×8 and 5×12 sheet goods with the provided material-handling equipmentReliable attendanceAuthorized to work in the United StatesHigh school diploma or equivalentPreferred QualificationsDirect experience on Biesse Rover series CNC routers or comparable Biesse flat-table nesting/pod-and-rail machinesExperience with automated panel storage/retrieval (Barbaric, Homag TLF, Schelling, or similar) and/or robotic unloading cells (Automatech, HOMAG, Biesse Winstore)Experience running an automated edgebander (Biesse Stream, Homag Ambition/Edgeteq, IMA, SCM Stefani), including tape/PUR glue changes and trim/scraper unit setupBasic tooling changeover skills (collets, aggregates, saw blades, edgebander glue changeovers)Forklift certification (electric sit-down and/or reach truck)OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 (General Industry)What Success Looks Like in the First 90 Days**Day 30: **Safely and independently operating the assigned primary work center and running standard Microvellum jobs to spec**Day 60: **Consistently hitting or exceeding target throughput on your cell, running the operator PM checklist without reminders, and catching material or program issues before they scrap parts**Day 90: **Cross-trained on at least one secondary work center, contributing to shift attainment and first-pass yield goals, and comfortable escalating priority or quality issues through the production systemYou should be proficient in:Equipment TroubleshootingCNC ToolingTroubleshooting SkillsCNC ProgrammingCNC Machine RepairOSHA 10-Hour Certification (OSHA 10)G-CodeCNC Machine Setup & ChangeoverPrecision Measurement & Hand MetrologyAdvanced Inspection & Gauge MeasurementSpindle Maintenance & RepairMachine Setups for Production RunsMachines & technologies you'll use:Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (ASRS)CNC Automation SolutionsSit-Down Forklift (Toyota)CNC RouterCAD Software (AutoCAD)ERP SoftwareCAM SoftwareCalipers and MicrometersVision SystemIndustrial Robot (Kuka)Edge Bander