CNC​/Laser Operator & CAD-CAM Technician

Job Overview

The CNC / Laser Operator & CAD-CAM Technician is a hands‑on production role responsible for operating CNC router and laser equipment used to create Woodwright’s custom architectural wood products, samples, templates, panels, signage, and related components.

This position requires more than basic machine operation. The employee must 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 role is part of the Production team and works closely with production leadership, sample making, CAD/design, finishing, and installation teams.

• Operate CNC router and laser equipment safely and consistently.
• Run jobs involving wood, plywood, veneer, MDF, plastics, acrylics, templates, samples, signage, panels, and related materials.
• Set up materials, spoil boards, fixtures, jigs, vacuum hold‑down, clamps, machine origins, tools, bits, lenses, and job parameters.
• Choose appropriate tooling and machine settings based on material, thickness, finish requirement, tolerance, and production objective.
• Monitor jobs while running and respond quickly to quality or performance issues.
• Stop production when a file, setup, machine condition, or material issue creates a quality or safety risk.

• Prepare and organize CAD/CAM files for production.
• Cleanup vectors, layers, nests, panel layouts, and toolpath geometry.
• Use Vectric Aspire or comparable 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 edits when appropriate and within approved 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Prior experience operating CNC router equipment in a production, woodworking, cabinet, signage, or architectural millwork environment.
• Experience operating or supporting laser cutting and/or laser engraving equipment.
• Working knowledge of CAD/CAM workflow, toolpaths, vectors, nesting, layers,…