CNC Technician & Prototyping Specialist

Location: Powell, Tennessee, United States

Workplace: on_site

Description

Job Overview

We’re hiring a CNC Fabrication Technician to run our suite of fabrication equipment, including CNC routers, laser cutters, water jet, foam cutters, and knife cutters—and keep production moving with speed, precision, and excellent organization.

You’ll primarily take cut-ready files from the design team, set up jobs, load materials, run parts, and manage multiple machines in parallel. You’ll also own the day-to-day health of the machines, calibration checks, tool life, preventative maintenance, and quick troubleshooting.

Additionally, we're looking for someone crafty, handy, and mechanically inclined, someone who can jump in after parts come off the table to organize, prep, assemble, and prototype using hand tools and basic shop craftsmanship. If you like working with your hands, keeping a shop tight, and producing clean, accurate parts, this is a great fit.

Ideal Candidate

• Self-Motivated & Driven: Takes initiative, solves problems independently, and values action.
• Collaborative: Enjoys working closely with others and can communicate effectively with non-design team members.
• High Attention to Detail: Takes pride in producing high-quality, error-free designs.
• Organized & Disciplined: Stays on top of tasks, keeps files organized, and meets deadlines.

Compensation

• $24 - $26 / hr

Shift

• Day Shift
• Monday - Friday

Requirements

• Operate CNC Fabrication Equipment – Set up and run the full suite of machines on site, including CNC routers, laser cutters, water jet, knife cutters, and foam cutting systems (including hot wire)
• Execute Job Setup From Provided Files – Receive cut-ready files from the design team, review for obvious issues, make minor edits when needed, and confirm material layouts, cut settings, and machine parameters before running.
• Load and Stage Materials Safely – Load sheets and stock accurately, verify alignment/workholding, and stage materials and tooling to keep jobs moving efficiently across multiple machines.
• Run Multiple Machines in Parallel – Manage several jobs at once, monitor cuts, adjust as needed, and maintain tight organization as parts come off different machines throughout the day.
• Post-Process and Quality Check Parts – Unload finished parts, perform basic inspections for cut quality/fit/finish, and prep parts (cleanup, deburr, light finishing) before assembly or handoff.
• Organize Work-in-Process and Finished Parts – Label, sort, and stage parts to the next step, keeping WIP clean and traceable so assemblies and deliveries stay organized and on schedule.
• Maintain Machine Health, Calibration, and Tool Life – Perform routine checks and monthly maintenance, track tool wear, sharpen/clean/replace cutting tools, and keep machines running reliably through basic calibration and preventative upkeep.
• Support Assembly, Prototyping, and Hands-On Build Work – Use hand tools and basic craftsmanship to assist with assembly and prototype builds after parts are cut, helping turn fabricated components into finished subassemblies.
• Support Inventory and Shop Operations – Help manage raw materials and consumables, maintain organized storage, and keep tools/workstations labeled, clean, and ready for efficient production.
• Drive Workflow and Process Improvements – Contribute ideas and hands-on improvements that reduce scrap, improve repeatability, increase throughput, and strengthen shop organization as the FabLab grows.
• Own Daily Task Execution and Communication – Take initiative to prioritize work, track job progress, and communicate clearly with the team to keep timelines, machine utilization, and quality on target.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience operating CNC fabrication equipment, such as CNC routers, laser cutters, water jet, knife cutters, or foam cutting systems.
• Comfort working from provided cut files and machine settings, with the ability to make basic edits when needed.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to perform basic troubleshooting, calibration checks, and routine maintenance.
• High attention to detail—able to hold quality and organization while running multiple machines in parallel.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced shop environment where priorities shift and teamwork matters.
• Ability to safely lift and handle materials and follow shop safety procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM workflows (even if you’re not the primary designer), and familiarity with preparing/optimizing cut files.
• Experience working with a wide range of materials: foam, plastics, wood, composites, cardboard, and similar substrates.
• Background in signage, custom fabrication, prototyping, or light mechanical assembly.
• Strong “maker” mindset—hands-on hobbies or experience using tools and building things.