Pre-Production Programmer

KG Stevens, Inc; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance with employer premium

Job summary

KG Stevens, Inc. is seeking a Pre-Production Programmer to translate customer drawings into production‑ready files for Saw, CNC, and WaterJet operations. You will assign CAD layers in AutoCAD, nest parts for stone, and manage a programming queue to keep pre‑production on schedule.

The ideal candidate has AutoCAD/CAM experience, knowledge of DXF structures, and the ability to collaborate with Sales, Purchasing, and Project Coordinators to resolve questions before files reach the floor.

Qualifications

• Prior experience with AutoCAD or comparable CAD software required.
• Experience in stone fabrication or CNC‑driven manufacturing is a plus.
• Familiarity with .dxf structures and CAM/nesting software is needed.
• Ability to collaborate with Production, Sales, Purchasing, and Project Coordinators.

Responsibilities

• Import fabrication files (.dxf) into CAM, verify dimensions and notes against specs.
• Assign CAD layers in AutoCAD to match tooling and cutting sequences.
• Nest parts on slab layouts to maximize material yield considering veining and seams.
• Review programs for accuracy before releasing to operators.
• Coordinate with Project Coordinators to resolve questions and keep production on schedule.

Skills

AutoCAD

CNC nesting

DXF file structures

Stone fabrication knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

AutoCAD

GalileoCAM

CAM software

Job description

• Base Pay $25.00 - $35.00 / Hour
• Employee Type Full Time
• Required Degree High school

Contact information

• Phone [phone]

Description

The Pre-Production Programmer is responsible for translating customer-approved drawings into production-ready files for our Saw, CNC, and WaterJet operators. Working under the direction of the Production Manager, this role assigns tooling- and material-specific CAD layers in accordance with department protocol, then nests parts onto work pieces to avoid flaws and blemishes and maximize material yield. This role also manages a queue within the company's project tracking software, and collaborates with Sales, Purchasing, and Project Coordinators to resolve questions or discrepancies before files reach the floor.

Daily Responsibilities:

• Importing fabrication files (.dxf files) into CAM software, verifying dimensions, cutouts, edge profiles, and fabrication notes against job specifications before releasing files to the floor.
• Assign CAD layers in AutoCAD to match the tooling, bit paths, and cutting sequences required by each specific Saw, CNC, and WaterJet machine.
• Nest parts onto slab layouts for both natural and engineered stone, maximizing material yield while accounting for veining, pattern movement, seam placement, and defect areas.
• Review completed programs for accuracy and completeness before releasing them to operators.
• Coordinate with Project Coordinators to resolve questions about job specs, templates, or scheduling conflicts, keeping jobs moving smoothly through pre‑production.

The Ideal Candidate would have the following skills and experience:

• Prior experience with AutoCAD or comparable CAD software is required, including creating, modifying, and organizing layers; experience in stone fabrication, cabinetry, or another CNC‑driven manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Familiarity with GalileoCAM or comparable CAM/nesting software used to program CNC, saw, or waterjet equipment.
• Working knowledge of .dxf file structures, with the ability to troubleshoot import, formatting, or layer issues between design software and machine‑programming software.
• Understanding of natural and engineered stone slab characteristics (veining, movement, pattern‑matching, seams) sufficient to nest parts for both material yield and finished appearance.
• A team‑oriented communicator who works well with the Production Manager, Project Coordinators, Sales, and Purchasing to resolve job‑specific questions.

Description:

Technical / CAD Proficiency

Accurately creates, edits, and formats CAD files and machine‑specific layers, translating customer‑approved drawings into production‑ready programs.

Spatial Reasoning & Material Yield

Visualizes how parts fit together on a slab and nests layouts that balance material yield with veining, pattern movement, and seam placement.

Organization & Scheduling

Manages a programming calendar/queue in the company's project tracking software, sequencing jobs to keep Saw, CNC, and WaterJet operators supplied with ready‑to‑run files.

Works cross‑functionally with the Production Manager and Project Coordinators to clarify job specs, resolve discrepancies, and keep pre‑production on schedule.

• Offering a full‑time position with competitive pay based on experience and qualifications, job stability, and opportunities for advancement.
• Having a comprehensive benefit package that includes:
• o Health Insurance with employer premium contributions