Role snapshot
Picture your day starting at 6:30 AM in a precision plastics shop, opening a new SolidWorks model and mapping out the cleanest toolpaths for a multi‑axis CNC router. By mid‑morning, you've tuned a CAM program, built a quick fixture to stabilize a thermoformed part, and walked out to the floor to validate speeds, feeds, and hold-down strategy. After lunch, you troubleshoot a setup, coach a teammate on GD&T callouts, and close the loop by documenting the engineering change for future runs. You wrap at 3:00 PM having shipped quality parts and set up the next improvement.
This is a direct, hands-on role that reports to the Head of Engineering and blends CAD/CAM programming, fixture/tooling design, and shop‑floor problem solving. You’ll be a key contributor in a growing, custom plastics operation focused on thermoforming and precision fabrication—with a clear pathway to technical leadership while staying close to the work.
What you’ll do
- Create and update CAD models, manufacturing drawings, and tooling/fixture designs for thermoformed and fabricated plastic components.
- Program, refine, and verify CAM for CNC machining and routing, including multi‑axis applications.
- Support setups and production on CNC routers and related equipment; validate toolpaths on the floor.
- Design fixtures, molds, and production aids to improve throughput, repeatability, and quality.
- Partner with engineering and production to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.
- Troubleshoot programming, tooling, and setup challenges at the machine.
- Conduct DFM reviews and recommend process enhancements for manufacturability.
- Assist with estimating, project planning, and workflow coordination.
- Maintain organized documentation for ECNs, tooling, fixtures, and CNC programs.
- Apply blueprint interpretation and GD&T; support inspection and quality verification.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced teammates.
What you bring
- 5+ years of CAD/CAM programming in a manufacturing setting.
- Depth in CAD design, CAM programming, and CNC machining fundamentals.
- Track record designing tooling, fixtures, and production aids.
- Hands-on CNC setup experience, including multi‑axis equipment.
- Strong grasp of machining principles, manufacturing processes, and production flow.
- Fluency reading drawings/blueprints with GD&T.
- Excellent troubleshooting, problem solving, and collaboration skills.
- Comfort working independently while supporting cross‑functional teams.
Preferred
- Background in plastic fabrication, thermoforming, CNC routing, or similar environments.
- Programming experience on 3‑axis and 5‑axis CNC equipment.
- Familiarity with SolidWorks, CAMWorks, or comparable CAD/CAM tools.
- Mentoring, training, or technical leadership experience.
- Experience with Fagor or similar CNC controls.
Compensation, schedule, and location
Pay: $35.00 – $42.00+ per hour (DOE)
Schedule: Monday – Friday | 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Reports to: Head of Engineering
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire | Non-Exempt
Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
Why you’ll thrive here
- Direct hire role with long-term growth and a path toward technical leadership.
- Highly technical, hands-on engineering in a custom plastics environment.
- Close collaboration with engineering leadership and cross‑functional teams.
- Diverse work spanning design, CAM, tooling, and on‑the‑floor support.
- Growing company with meaningful investment in expansion.
- Stay hands‑on while elevating standards through mentorship and continuous improvement.
Core proficiencies
- GD&T
- Equipment Troubleshooting
- CNC Tooling
- Troubleshooting Skills
- CNC Programming
- G-Code
- Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
- M-Code
- Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology
- Advanced Inspection & Gauge Measurement
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Machine Setups for Production Runs
Machines & technologies you’ll use
- CNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC)
- CAM Software
- CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC)