CNC Programmer & Machinist

Company Summary: Elemental Hardware Enrichment is on a mission to empower kids with confidence-boosting, hands-on curriculum that builds competence through project-based learning opportunities. As a vertically integrated manufacturer and program provider, we’re uniquely positioned to uphold excellence across every step of the educational journey — from product design to classroom instruction. Our programs introduce students to woodworking, engineering, electricity, agriculture, design thinking, and other career-connected learning experiences that help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications. Job Summary: The CNC Programmer & Machinist will own the programming and operations of our CNC machines. Working alongside the Manufacturing and Innovation teams, you’ll transform product designs into efficient manufacturing processes and drive the prioritization of CNC production for our hands-on educational programs, custom jigs, quality control tools, and other special projects that streamline our manufacturing process. We primarily work with wood, acrylic, and soft metal materials. This role will create reliability, predictability, and visibility into our CNC production schedule. By helping determine how we manufacture, you’ll play a key role in making our products faster, more cost-effective, and more consistent to manufacture. Day-to-day, you will plan and prioritize program testing and production needs, identify opportunities to increase throughput and quality for CNC routed parts, and operate and maintain CNC equipment and safety standards. This role does not see the same program day after day. We manage an inventory of over 60 different SKUs of hands-on projects that are made up of several different parts, and you will play a role in new product development. You’ll thrive in this role if you have strong planning and communication skills, keen attention to detail, love process optimization, and are eager to roll up your sleeves and get the work done. This role reports to our Head of Innovation and Machining and partners closely with Manufacturing leadership. What you’ll do: CNC Programming & Production Program and optimize CNC toolpaths using VCarve and Aspire Test and select optimal tooling, feeds, speeds, and machining strategies for wood, acrylic, and soft metals Provide input on manufacturing feasibility of new product concepts Provide machining recommendations during product development Maintain accurate CNC program files and version control Record testing and production data Provide inputs on expected machining time, tool and material needs Maintain and manage tools, supplies, and equipment Prioritize CNC testing and production needs Operate CNC machines according to production needs Troubleshoot machining issues and reduce machine downtime Continuous Improvement Identify opportunities to reduce machining time, material waste, and loading / unloading time Design jigs, fixtures, templates, and tooling that improve manufacturing consistency Standardize machining processes and documentation Support preventative maintenance of CNC routers, dust collection systems, and vacuum pumps Equipment & Software we regularly work with: Laguna Tools 5’ x 10’ SmartShop II Pro CNC Felder Profit H08 CNC VCarve and Aspire for programming CNC files Fusion 360 and SketchUp for blueprinting and 3D modeling Fulcrum Pro as our ERP system Google Workspace products ClickUp for project and task management Who you are: Character Collaborative – you communicate well across different functions and are more interested in finding the best solution than being right Process-minded – you enjoy creating repeatable systems and processes Accountable – you don’t wait to be told what needs to be done or what needs improvement Detail-oriented – you notice small issues before they become large ones Requirements 4 - 6 years of experience in a manufacturing environment operating and programming CNC routers Experience machining wood materials, acrylic, and soft metals CNC certification or formal training Experience and familiarity with data input, tracking, and inventory management preferred Proficiency in Google Workspace Products (Google Sheets, Google Docs, Google Slides, etc.) and ERP or MRP softwares to track and log production time and quantities Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment (exposure to noise, dust, temperature variations, etc.) High school diploma or equivalent Must be able to pass a Standard Motor Vehicle & Background Check Must possess a valid driver's license and reliable form of transportation Available Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Occasional overtime and Saturdays (with advanced notice) Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, manuals, and other forms of written and digital plans Preferred Skills & Qualifications OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification Forklift Certification Safety-first thinking CPR-certified Spanish-speaking is a plus Benefits Starting Pay Range – $30 - $37 / hr depending on technical experience and demonstrated experience improving machining capacity Health Plans – We offer plans for medical, vision, and dental benefits and partially cover the employee’s plan 401k match (up to 5%) – When you invest in your future, we’ll invest in it too. We want to see you succeed at Elemental Hardware, and elsewhere. Paid time off – Earn up to 10 days of paid time off, 5 days of sick paid time off, and enjoy 7 paid company holidays Pay: $30.00 - $37.00 per hour Benefits: 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance Work Location: In person