CNC​/Laser Operator & CAD-CAM Technician

Position: CNC / Laser Operator & CAD-CAM Technician
Role Summary The CNC / Laser Operator & CAD-CAM Technician is a hands-on Production role responsible for operating CNC router and laser equipment used in Woodwright’s custom architectural wood products, samples, templates, panels, signage, and related production components. This role requires more than basic machine operation. The employee must be able to prepare production files, verify toolpaths, run CNC and laser jobs safely, inspect first articles, troubleshoot file or machine issues, and maintain repeatable setup records.

The ideal candidate is an operator-plus: someone who can run the machines, understand the files, identify problems before they become scrap, and support repeatable production standards. This position is part of the Production team and works closely with production leadership, sample making, CAD/design, finishing, and installation teams.

Key Responsibilities CNC Router and Laser Operation Operate CNC router and laser equipment safely and consistently. Run jobs involving wood, plywood, veneer, MDF, plastics, acrylics, templates, samples, signage, panels, and related production materials. Set up materials, spoilboards, fixtures, jigs, vacuum hold-down, clamps, machine origins, tools, bits, lenses, and job parameters. Select appropriate tooling and machine settings based on material, thickness, finish requirement, tolerance, and production objective.

Monitor jobs while running and respond quickly to issues involving quality, tooling, hold-down, dust collection, burn, tear-out, alignment, or machine performance. Stop production when a file, setup, machine condition, or material issue creates a quality or safety risk. CAD/CAM and File Preparation Prepare and organize CAD/CAM files for production. Clean up vectors, layers, nests, panel layouts, and toolpath geometry. Use Vectric Aspire or comparable CAD/CAM software to create, modify, and verify CNC router toolpaths.

Generate and verify CNC output files, including G-code or machine-specific code. Read, verify, and troubleshoot machine code generated from CAD/CAM software. Make basic G-code or machine-code edits when appropriate and within approved operating procedures. Identify file problems such as open vectors, overlapping lines, incorrect cut order, wrong cut depth, lost origin, poor nesting, toolpath conflicts, or unintended cuts. Quality Control Run and inspect first articles before full production.

Verify dimensions, cut quality, engraving quality, edge condition, alignment, surface condition, and overall job conformance. Use tape measures, calipers, squares, templates, shop drawings, and production instructions to confirm accuracy. Identify whether a quality issue is caused by the file, toolpath, machine setup, tooling, material, hold-down, laser settings, or operator procedure. Prevent scrap and rework by catching problems before full production runs.

Communicate quality concerns promptly to the Production Manager or appropriate team lead. Documentation and Standard Work Maintain organized digital job folders, setup notes, toolpath records, machine logs, and repeatable work instructions. Document setup steps so repeat jobs can be run consistently by the same operator or another trained operator. Support prototype-to-production transitions by helping convert custom work into repeatable production files and standard operating methods.

Assist with panelization of oversized artwork, templates, or large-format designs into manufacturable sections when needed. Follow Woodwright standard work, file naming, job documentation, and production-control expectations. Maintenance and Safety Perform routine machine cleaning, basic maintenance, bit changes, calibration checks, lens/mirror care, and safety inspections. Follow PPE, dust collection, fire prevention, laser safety, lockout/tagout, housekeeping, and safe material-handling procedures. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe CNC/laser work area.

Report machine maintenance needs, unsafe conditions, tooling problems, or recurring production issues to the Production Manager.

Required Qualifications Prior experience operating CNC router equipment in a production, woodworking,…