Lead CNC & Digital Fabrication Specialist

About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled, organized, and dependable Lead CNC & Digital Fabrication Specialist to provide technical leadership across CNC machining, machine setup, and digital fabrication production for fast-paced, creative projects.

Responsibilities

• CNC Programming, Machining & Digital Fabrication
  • Program, set up, and support CNC production using Fusion 360 CAM and related shop workflows
  • Translate Rhino models, drawings, and project documentation into accurate, production-ready machine workflows
  • Develop and optimize CNC machining strategies for complex, 2-sided, sculptural, and nested sheet-good workflows
  • Select appropriate CNC tooling, feeds, speeds, fixturing, and machining parameters based on part and machine requirements
  • Select appropriate digital fabrication strategies, materials, settings, and setup methods across related equipment
  • Operate Homag, Weeke, laser, 3D printing, thermoforming, and related equipment in accordance with shop standards
  • Monitor machine performance and troubleshoot programming, tooling, or machine-related issues
  • Inspect digitally fabricated components for accuracy, finish quality, and alignment with design intent
• Workflow Coordination & Cross-Department Collaboration
  • Collaborate with Project/Production Managers, and Technical Designers to align scope, schedule, and shop capacity
  • Develop fabrication means, methods, and production strategies for complex builds
  • Execute assigned machine queues while supporting planning around staffing, training, and production capacity
  • Communicate production status and flag capacity, schedule, tooling, machine, material, or consumable concerns
  • Participate in pre-production planning and post-project reviews to support execution and improve workflows
  • Support peak-period AM/PM shift coverage, extended hours, evenings, or weekends when workload requires
  • Collaborate across departments and take on tasks as needed to support overall shop capacity
• Standards, Organization & Continuous Improvement
  • Maintain organized CAM files, machine settings, handoff notes, reports, and production documentation
  • Support machine incident reports, production reports, and project-based material usage tracking
  • Support development of department standards, SOPs, training materials, and documentation systems
  • Coordinate material workflows, including sheet staging, nesting priorities, and machine readiness
  • Proactively identify bottlenecks, documentation gaps, and opportunities for workflow improvement
  • Utilize CutRite and material management systems to support workflow optimization and material efficiency
  • Support preventive maintenance and upkeep of CNC and related equipment, ensuring machines remain production-ready
  • Stay current with relevant digital fabrication tools, materials, and production methods
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, following all shop safety protocols
  • Mentor, train, support, and onboard CNC Operators, Digital Fabrication Technicians, and freelance/seasonal support

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; background in industrial design, architecture, or related field preferred
• 4+ years of CNC machining and CAM programming experience in fast-paced creative production workshops
• Demonstrated proficiency in Fusion 360 CAM and Rhino; Grasshopper, WoodWop, WoodCAD|CAM, or similar software a plus
• Ability to execute complex machining operations, including multi-operation setups and 2-sided machining
• Strong understanding of materials, tooling, feeds/speeds, fixturing, and fabrication methods
• Experience working with wood, MDF, plywood, plastics, foams, acrylics, laminates, and specialty sheet goods
• Experience with Homag/Weeke systems, CutRite, WoodWop, WoodCAD|CAM, or Intellistore preferred
• Hands-on experience with laser cutting and 3D printing workflows, including file prep, setup, and troubleshooting
• Working knowledge of thermoforming, plexi-polishing, fabrication, assembly, and material preparation methods
• Working knowledge of MS Office suite and Windows-based workflows, especially Excel
• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and leadership maturity when working cross-functionally
• Calm, collaborative, detail-oriented, and adaptable in fast-paced production environments
• Professional, punctual, and dependable, with a strong sense of accountability
• Available to work extended hours, evenings, and weekends during peak fabrication periods
• Forklift / hi-lo experience or willingness to be trained and authorized preferred
• Eligible to work in the U.S.