Millwork Engineer / CNC Programmer

Location: Lafayette, New Jersey
Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Industry: Commercial Millwork, Foodservice and Hospitality

Position Overview

Bon Chef is seeking an experienced Millwork Engineer / CNC Programmer to support our commercial millwork manufacturing operation in Lafayette, New Jersey.

This is a hands-on technical position focused on millwork engineering, shop drawings, CNC programming, machine setup, and production support. The Millwork Engineer / CNC Programmer will convert architectural and sales drawings into accurate, manufacturable designs and CNC-ready files while working closely with production personnel to ensure projects are fabricated efficiently and correctly.

Key Responsibilities

• Review architectural, sales, and customer drawings for constructability and manufacturing feasibility.
• Identify design conflicts, missing dimensions, and potential production issues before fabrication begins.
• Review detailed, production-ready shop drawings for custom cabinetry, counters, fixtures, and Banquet millwork.
• Engineer millwork assemblies using design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Create accurate CNC programs, machining files, nesting layouts, cut lists, and production documentation.
• Program HOMAG or comparable industrial CNC woodworking equipment.
• Set up and operate CNC machinery as needed to support production.
• Select appropriate tooling, machining strategies, feeds, speeds, and processing methods.
• Verify CNC programs before production and perform first-piece inspections.
• Troubleshoot programming, machining, tooling, material, and assembly issues.
• Optimize material yield, machining efficiency, cycle times, and production repeatability.
• Create and maintain bills of material, hardware specifications, and fabrication details for production use.
• Work directly with CNC operators, cabinetmakers, assemblers, and production leadership.
• Support the shop floor with technical questions, revisions, and problem resolution.
• Maintain accurate drawing and programming revisions throughout production.
• Develop and improve engineering standards, construction methods, CNC processes, and manufacturing documentation.
• Ensure completed components conform to drawings, specifications, and quality standards.

Required Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in commercial millwork, cabinetry, casework, architectural woodworking, or custom manufacturing.
• Strong ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, millwork drawings, specifications, and field dimensions.
• Experience creating detailed shop drawings and production documentation.
• Experience programming industrial CNC woodworking equipment.
• Practical knowledge of cabinet construction, joinery, hardware, materials, and assembly methods.
• Strong understanding of design for manufacturing and shop-floor producibility.
• Ability to troubleshoot CNC machining and fabrication issues.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to drawing, programming, and dimensional accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively with engineering, production leadership, and shop-floor personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Mozaik Cabinet Software, including CNC output.
• Experience with HOMAG CNC equipment.
• Working knowledge of WoodWOP.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Fusion 360, or similar CAD/CAM software.
• Experience with CNC machine setup and operation.
• Familiarity with tooling selection, nesting, material optimization, and machining strategies.
• Familiarity with solid-surface and acrylic fabrication.
• Familiarity with metal fabrication and mixed-material assemblies.
• Experience with commercial foodservice fixtures, hospitality millwork, serving systems, counters, or custom casework.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Millwork Engineer / CNC Programmer will consistently release accurate, complete, and manufacturable drawings and CNC programs to production.

Projects should reach the shop floor with clear documentation, correct dimensions, appropriate construction methods, and verified machining files. Success will be reflected in reduced rework, fewer production questions, improved material utilization, consistent CNC output, and efficient movement from design through fabrication.

The ideal candidate is comfortable moving between CAD/CAM software, CNC machinery, and the production floor throughout the workday.

About Bon Chef

Bon Chef is a manufacturer serving the commercial foodservice and hospitality industries. Our Lafayette, New Jersey facility combines custom millwork, metal fabrication, powder coating, assembly, and other manufacturing capabilities to produce coordinated solutions for our customers.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Millwork: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $35 - $45