Mass Timber CNC Operator

Western Forest Products•Vancouver, WA

9d•$27 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

Western Forest Products is hiring a Mass Timber CNC Operator at its Fruit Valley location in Vancouver, Washington. This hands-on technical role sets up, programs, operates, and performs routine maintenance on CNC timber-processing equipment used to fabricate glulam and other structural wood components. The operator works with shop drawings and digital fabrication information, prepares and verifies CNC programs, manages tooling, establishes machining parameters, and troubleshoots machining or equipment issues. The role requires understanding how cutting speed, feed rate, chip load, tool geometry, material properties, and workpiece orientation affect machining quality, tool life, productivity, and safety. The operator will work alongside experienced operators to learn CNC machining processes, equipment operation, tooling, and quality requirements. The position is expected to produce safe, quality work, recognize potential machining or equipment issues, and seek guidance when corrective action is needed. With experience, the operator will develop the knowledge and skills needed for more advanced CNC responsibilities. The position is performed in person at Western Forest Products' Fruit Valley location. The hourly pay range is $26.74–$28.96, based on skill level, qualifications, and experience.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Basic mechanical aptitude and interest in learning CNC machining and manufacturing processes.
Ability to read and interpret basic shop drawings, measurements, and production instructions.
Ability to use a tape measure and other basic measuring tools.
Basic computer skills and ability to learn machine-control software and production systems.
Ability to work safely around automated machinery and large structural components.
Willingness to learn CNC machine setup, operation, tooling, and troubleshooting under experienced operators' guidance.
Ability to identify equipment or machining issues and seek help from experienced operators when needed.
Familiarity with basic cutting tools and willingness to learn tool inspection and maintenance procedures.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, repeatable work.
Commitment to personal safety, sustainable management, and environmental stewardship.
Strong work ethic and willingness to learn new skills.
Basic mechanical and troubleshooting abilities.
Ability to follow instructions, work procedures, and quality standards.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Good communication and organizational skills.
Ability to adapt to changing production priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Dependable, safety-focused, and detail-oriented.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a manufacturing, production, woodworking, construction, or industrial environment.
Experience operating production equipment, CNC machinery, or automated manufacturing equipment.
Experience in woodworking, fabrication, timber manufacturing, millwork, or a related industry.
Familiarity with basic hand tools and measuring devices.
Experience operating forklifts, overhead cranes, or other material-handling equipment.
Exposure to CNC, CAD/CAM, or manufacturing software through work, school, or training programs.

Responsibilities

Perform work in accordance with OSHA and WISHA regulations, company policies, site rules, lockout/tagout procedures, and safe work practices.
Conduct pre-operational inspections and identify unsafe conditions.
Safely load, position, process, and unload glulam and timber members.
Follow procedures for machine access, tool changes, clearing jams, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Maintain a clean and safe work area, use required personal protective equipment, and participate in safety meetings, hazard assessments, and continuous improvement activities.
Set up and operate the Hundegger Robot-Max CNC glulam/timber processing machine.
Review shop drawings, fabrication drawings, cutting lists, work orders, and digital production information before machining.
Import, review, and process CNC files using CAM and machine-control software.
Verify CNC programs before production, including member orientation, reference surfaces, dimensions, machining operations, clearances, and tooling.
Make program or machining adjustments as needed to produce conforming parts.
Monitor machine operation and safely respond to faults, alarms, tooling problems, or unexpected machine behavior.
Understand the relationship between digital models, CAM output, machine coordinate systems, tooling, and finished components.
Select cutters, drills, saws, and other tooling based on the operation and material.
Apply machining concepts such as feed rate, spindle speed, cutting speed, chip load, depth of cut, tool diameter, and tool engagement.
Recognize improper machining conditions, including poor surface finish, tearout, burning, excessive vibration, tool deflection, premature tool wear, and chip evacuation problems.
Inspect cutting tools for wear or damage and perform or coordinate tool changes.
Balance machining quality, tool life, productivity, and safe operation when selecting or adjusting machining parameters.
Maintain accurate tool information and verify installed tooling against machine and program requirements.
Account for wood and engineered wood characteristics, including grain direction, knots, moisture, member orientation, and material variability.
Perform cutting, drilling, routing, notching, slotting, profiling, and other operations required for structural glulam and timber fabrication.
Read and interpret shop drawings and understand how machined features relate to the completed part and connection.
Verify finished components with tape measures and appropriate precision measuring equipment.
Identify dimensional, machining, or material defects before components move to subsequent production operations.
Apply fabrication tolerances and distinguish cosmetic conditions from those affecting fit-up or conformance.
Maintain production, downtime, material usage, and quality records.
Perform daily and periodic operator maintenance, inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and machine checks.
Troubleshoot mechanical, tooling, software, programming, and material-related problems.
Identify abnormal machine conditions, including vibration, unusual noise, damaged tooling, alignment issues, or deteriorating cut quality.
Assist Maintenance and technical support personnel in diagnosing machine faults and completing repairs.
Keep the machine, tooling, work area, and supporting equipment orderly to support reliable production.
Recognize potential machining or equipment issues and seek guidance when corrective action is needed.

Benefits

Hourly range of $26.74–$28.96, based on skill level, qualifications, and experience.
100% employer-paid dental and medical benefits.
401(k) retirement savings plan with immediate Safe Harbor match.
Basic life insurance.
Employee assistance program.
Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
Opportunities for growth and a long-term career.
On-the-job training and continuing education.
Competitive total rewards and recognition.
An energetic, team-oriented environment.
A safe workplace.