Automation Technician - 2nd Shift

At Wilsonart, we don’t just make surfaces—we build careers. When you join our team, you become part of a company driven by innovation, grounded in values, and powered by people who care. You’ll work with teammates who take pride in their work, have opportunities to learn, grow, and make a real impact, and enjoy a culture that respects work‑life balance.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and life insurance
• Company‑paid short‑ and long‑term disability
• FSAs and dependent care options
• Vision and legal benefits
• Gym discounts and wellness clinics
• Tuition reimbursement for you and your dependents
• Clear paths to promotion and internal mobility
• Training, coaching, mentorship, and development programs
• Paid vacation and holidays in your first year

About the role

The Automation Technician is responsible for the setup, programming, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance support of advanced CNC and automated manufacturing equipment used to fabricate hard‑surface components. This role requires advanced knowledge of CNC machining processes—including 3‑axis and 5‑axis equipment, G/M coding, machine offsets, tooling, feeds and speeds—and the ability to interpret engineering drawings and production specifications. The technician also supports robotic and automated systems, assists with equipment deployment, collects operational data, escalates complex issues to engineering, and trains new Machine Operators.

Responsibilities

• Operate advanced automated CNC equipment to fabricate solid surface parts.
• Maintain a full and current understanding of CNC machinery, including G and M coding and maintenance.
• Read and analyze drawings for accurate pattern customization.
• Interpret and load work order ticket programs on all CNC machinery.
• Program and operate CNC mills, lathes, or routers according to work instructions and safety guidelines.
• Troubleshoot major diagnostics and perform maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Verify piece dimensions against ticket requirements using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other measuring tools.
• Perform machine offsets and minor adjustments to maintain part quality.
• Maintain or exceed expected output on pieces per hour.
• Train all new Machine Operators as necessary.
• Follow all safety and quality standards and keep the work area clean and orderly.
• Operate and monitor robotic systems during testing and production activities.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and support robot deployment, setup, and operational readiness checks.
• Collect operational data, maintain activity logs, and verify task completion and quality standards.
• Assist with hardware swaps and peripheral equipment replacement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 5+ years CNC machining experience.
• Expert knowledge of machining processes and shop safety practices, including 3‑axis and 5‑axis CNC machining.
• Familiarity with CAD software workflows and CNC programming concepts (toolpaths, feeds and speeds, G/M codes).
• Ability to read and use measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and indicators.
• Ability to interpret simple engineering drawings, basic tolerances, and part features.
• Mechanical aptitude, strong attention to detail, problem‑solving skills, and commitment to producing quality parts.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, handle repetitive tasks, and lift moderate weights (40–50 lb) as required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while maintaining a safe work environment.

Education

High School Graduate. Vocational training, machining coursework, or certifications in CNC operation, CAM programming, or 5‑axis machining technology are preferred.

Experience

5+ years in a manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Stand, walk, and move between workstations for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Lift, carry, push, or pull materials, tooling, and parts up to 40–50 lb on a regular basis.
• Sufficient hand‑eye coordination and manual dexterity to operate CNC controls, handle precision tools, and load/unload parts.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, or reach as needed for machine setup, maintenance, and part inspection.
• Adequate vision—corrected or uncorrected—to read measurement tools, view CNC displays, and inspect parts.
• Tolerate working near running machinery, coolant systems, and moderate noise levels with proper PPE.
• Remain focused and attentive while performing repetitive tasks in a fast‑paced production environment.