What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sheet Metal Laser / Forming Programmer position at DeWys Manufacturing?
Position Summary
DeWys Metal Solutions is a people-first, family-owned contract manufacturer where real people are doing big things. The company reinvests a significant percentage of its profits into leadership development, innovation, capital equipment, and its workforce. Serving blue-chip customers across uniquely diverse industries, none of it automotive, DeWys has built a reputation that consistently impresses customers, employees, and industry partners alike. The business is financially strong, growth-oriented, and grounded by a strategic planning process that is both active and collaborative, built from the top down and the bottom up. Lean manufacturing, innovation, workforce development, and strong community partnerships are not buzzwords here, they are the foundation of how the company operates. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, this is an opportunity to join a manufacturing organization that is investing aggressively in its future while remaining deeply committed to its people and culture.
We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Sheet Metal Programmer to join our manufacturing team. This role is responsible for programming CNC laser cutting and sheet metal forming brake press machines for new and existing products. The successful candidate will have strong technical expertise, a commitment to quality, and the ability to work cohesively with other departments to achieve successful product launches. This position will report directly to the engineering manager and support the outputs of the engineering department to the rest of the company.
Duties & Responsibilities
Programming & Nesting:
- Develop and optimize CNC laser programs using SigmaNest and Amada AP100US software based on engineering drawings and production specifications.
- Develop and optimize sheet metal forming programs using BySoft, Amada Production Designer, and Metal Studio using existing and new tooling libraries.
- Create efficient nesting layouts to maximize material utilization and minimize waste.
- Develop and optimize PEM and other value add insertion programs using Haeger Insertion Logic.
- Utilize knowledgebase to recommend design for manufacturability principles on new / existing product.
- Utilize Global shop to track parts through the product development process
- Work with operators to answer forming questions and adjust programs accordingly.
Quality Assurance:
- Work with the product development engineering team to review incoming designs and flag any discrepancies that may lead to non-conforming components.
- Address and resolve defects or discrepancies in a timely manner.
Continuous Improvement:
- Analyze production data to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, material utilization, and scheduling.
- Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance overall productivity.
Work with outside vendors to develop and procure new form tooling for new and existing projects
Requirements
Knowledge & Skills
- Familiarity with CAD/CAM software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar).
- 2 years of experience with SigmaNest
- Familiarity with or desire to learn BySoft. Amada Production Designer. Amada AP100US. Haeger Insertion Logic. Metal Studio
- Strong understanding of part nesting and sheet metal forming principles with carbon steel, stainless steel and other non-ferrous materials.
- Attention to detail and ability to provide clear and concise feedback to other team members.
- Familiarity with laser cutting equipment and technologies (e.g., Trumpf, Amada, Bystronic).
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities to coordinate across departments.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent (required); technical certification or associate’s degree in a related field (preferred).
- Proven experience as a CNC Laser Programmer or in a similar manufacturing role.
- Proven experience as a sheet metal forming programmer.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the team members regularly communicate with team members, shop floor team members, and occasionally with customers. This position requires frequent standing and walking on the shop floor. The team member is required to work on a computer terminal daily. Occasionally may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
The work environment includes both office and manufacturing floor settings. While on the manufacturing floor, the team member may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and loud noise levels. Appropriate PPE is required in designated areas.