Job Title: CNC Operator – Level I, II, and III Swing Shift

Department: Production

Job type: Fulltime, non-exempt

Reporting To: Production Supervisor

Location: Columbia Falls, MT

Travel: None

SmartLam North America offers exceptional engineered wood products and for that, we are steadily growing. Creating phenomenal employment opportunities within the wood product industry. As the company grows, employee’s opportunities grow within the organization. Come join the team! We’re seeking candidates with the mechanically aptitude and drive to succeed.

• Sometimes, progress happens when you think nothing is happening, but sometimes you need to make a change to see progress. Let’s talk.

Swing Shift: M – F, 4:00 P.M. – 12:30 A.M. ($1.00 shift differential)

Starting Wage: $19.00 to $23.00 (depending on experience)

Lead Wage: $24.00 – 28.00 (depending on experience)

Exceptional Benefits Package: Health, dental, vision, life, short/long term, PTO, holiday pay with no waiting period and more.

Job Summary

The CNC Operator is accountable for the safe and efficient fabrication of cross laminated timber (CLT) parent panels into child panels and other mass timber component fabrication. Meeting production schedules and targets, while producing precise products according to design and shop drawing requirements.

Lever I: CNC Assistant Operator / Wage: $19.00 – $20.00 (D.O.E.)

CNC operators are responsible for stocking materials and running parts. They ensure specific directions are followed in order to create an end product that meets the required specifications. This is an entry-level position and can serve as a starting point for those who want to work their way up in the industry. Willing to train the right candidate.

To be successful in this role, operators must have the following traits:

• A keen eye for detail.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• The ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Basic understanding of computer programming and CAD/CAM software.
• Ability to comply with safety guidelines.
• Strong problem-solving and multi-tasking skills.
• Highly proficient with use of tape measures and other basic tools.
• Highly proficient with use of calipers and precision measuring equipment.
• Reliable individual with an excellent time and attendance record.
• Computer skills required.
• Verbal and written communication in the English language is required.
• High School Diploma or GED preferred. Combination of other education, working knowledge in wood manufacturing environment and other skills set may be considered.

Level II: CNC Operator / Wage: $20.00 – $23.00 (D.O.E.)

The essential role of a CNC Operator is to set up and operate CNC machines and equipment. On any given day, an operator may unload raw materials, prepare a test run to ensure a machine is working properly and inspect and measure finished products to ensure they meet requirements.

To be successful in this role, operators must have the following skills and experience:

• Must meet all the requirements of Level I CNC.
• High School Diploma or GED; Technical degree in manufacturing, machining or related field preferred. Combination of other education, working knowledge in wood manufacturing environment and other skills set may be considered.
• Experience in trouble shooting problems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Strong math skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Strong written and verbal communicator.
• Capable of lifting at least 50 pounds & being on feet for most of the day.
• Well organized, creative problem solver, and maintains a positive attitude.
• Capable of operating effectively and meeting aggressive deadlines.
• Self-motivated and capable of operating with minimal supervision.
• Reliable individual with an excellent time and attendance record.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Lead.

Level III: CNC Lead / Wage: $24.00 – $28.00 (D.O.E.)

Work as part of a team of elite individuals building and improving the production systems. Be there on the ground floor, getting your hands dirty and contributing directly to the success of future projects.

Leads the transition/changeover between production runs on various CNC machines such as mills and lathes then operate select machines through the remainder of the production run while ensuring quality parts from the work machine centers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Allocate work based on operator competency and machine capability, engage in machine maintenance and repair efforts, provide feedback and interface with customers and Engineering to maximize efficiency, all while maintaining a positive team-oriented attitude.
• Maintain product flow and meets production schedule.
• Complete set-up of machining operations from blueprints, drawings, 3D models and/or verbal instructions.
• Maintains operational readiness and monitors machine for maintenance requirements.
• Identify defects in panel or product before milling.
• Downloads and reviews toolpaths and run simulations prior to cutting as required.
• Runs calibration checks as needed.
• Maintain production information and Kanban status in Zoho.
• Accurately labels child pieces from parent pieces.
• Effectively communicates with supervisor, programmer and design team.
• Measure dimensions of finished panels to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
• Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished panel dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
• Identify remove and replace dull cutting tools.
• Removes trimmings and falloff during interruptions as needed to avoid machine damage.
• Must meet all the requirements of Level I and II CNC.
• Keeps inside of CNC machine, tools, and overall system (tables, cable trays, etc.) clean.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Skills and Experience:

• Must meet all the requirements of Level I and 2 CNC.
• Technical degree in manufacturing, machining or related field preferred.
• Experience with CNC or conversational programming.
• Experience operating a variety of machines.
• Familiar with Lean Manufacturing techniques such as error proofing, standardized work, set up reduction, continuous flow, and pull.
• Experience in trouble shooting problems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Strong math skills.
• Highly proficient with use of tape measures and other basic tools.
• Highly proficient with use of calipers and precision measuring equipment.
• Strong computer skills with CNC programs; MS 365 Outlook, Word, Excel, with the ability to learn new programs.
• Effective written and verbal communicator.
• Capable of lifting at least 50 pounds & being on feet for most of the day.
• Well organized, creative problem solver, and maintains a positive attitude.
• Capable of operating effectively and meeting aggressive deadlines.
• Self-motivated and capable of operating with minimal supervision.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

We welcome walk-ins.