Senior CNC Programmer — Wood & CAD/CAM

Smartlam-North-America; Columbia Falls (MT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

SmartLam North America is seeking a CNC Programmer in Columbia Falls, MT to translate engineering drawings and CAD/CAM models into CNC programs for wood manufacturing. You will develop, test, and optimize programs to meet design specs, material requirements, tolerances, and quality standards.

Responsibilities include reading blueprints, creating toolpaths, programming CNC routers and machining centers, and collaborating with engineering and production teams to ensure efficient, safe operations.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required; technical training, associate degree, or certification in CNC programming, machining, manufacturing technology, or a related field preferred.
• 2-5 years of CNC programming, CNC operation, CNC setup, or related manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience in wood manufacturing, engineered wood products, panel processing, cabinetry, millwork, or related production environment preferred.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar programming/modeling software.
• Working knowledge of CNC programming concepts, G-code, machining principles, tooling, feeds and speeds, nesting, toolpaths, and machine sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret technical blueprints, shop drawings, engineering drawings, CAD models, cut lists, and production specifications to determine part requirements, tolerances, machining sequences, and material needs.
• Create, write, edit, and maintain CNC programs using CAD/CAM software and machine-specific programming requirements, including toolpaths, cutting speeds, feed rates, tool selection, offsets, and sequencing.
• Program CNC routers, saws, machining centers, or other CNC equipment used in wood manufacturing to produce panels, components, parts, and assemblies according to required specifications.
• Set up or support setup of CNC machines by loading programs, verifying tooling, confirming material placement, checking fixtures, and running test programs or first articles before full production.
• Optimize CNC programs to improve efficiency, reduce cycle times, minimize waste, improve yield, extend tool life, and support consistent production flow.
• Modify existing programs to accommodate design changes, material changes, quality requirements, out-of-square paneling, production improvements, or machine limitations.
• Inspect finished parts and quality control samples using measuring tools and shop drawings to verify accuracy, dimensions, tolerances, edge quality, and overall conformance to specifications.
• Troubleshoot programming, tooling, material, setup, and machine performance issues, and make adjustments as needed to maintain quality and production efficiency.
• Maintain accurate documentation of CNC programs, program revisions, setup notes, tooling requirements, machine parameters, production changes, and quality-related adjustments.
• Collaborate with engineers, production leads, operators, quality personnel, and managers to resolve design, setup, production, and quality concerns.
• Provide technical guidance to CNC operators regarding program operation, setup requirements, tooling, quality expectations, and safe work practices.
• Maintain and inspect tooling and equipment, monitor tooling condition, and communicate needs for replacement tooling, machine service, or purchase requests.
• Follow all workplace safety procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, machine guarding practices, housekeeping expectations, and company policies while working around CNC equipment.
• Review production information, schedules, job priorities, and system updates in Zoho or other production reporting systems as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by managers.

Skills

CNC programming

CNC operation

CNC setup

G-code

Quality control

Blueprint interpretation

Problem-solving

Communication

Independent work

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Technical training or certification in CNC programming or related field

Tools

Mastercam

Fusion 360

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

SmartLam North America is seeking a CNC Programmer in Columbia Falls, MT to translate engineering drawings and CAD/CAM models into CNC programs for wood manufacturing. You will develop, test, and optimize programs to meet design specs, material requirements, tolerances, and quality standards.

Responsibilities include reading blueprints, creating toolpaths, programming CNC routers and machining centers, and collaborating with engineering and production teams to ensure efficient, safe operations.