UCW CNC Specialist

UCW CNC Specialist

Location: Garland, TX

Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site

Compensation: $75,000–$95,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

Company Description Quest Window Systems Inc (“Quest”) is a manufacturer of a window wall system designed for high-rise residential developments, based in Toronto, Ontario Canada. Quest services clients from all over North America, including major metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Toronto and Vancouver.

Role Description We are seeking an experienced CNC Saw & 5-Axis Machining Specialist/Programmer to support the launch, setup, programming, and optimization of newly acquired 5-axis CNC machining equipment and automated saw systems used in the manufacturing of unitized curtain wall systems.

Primary Responsibilities (Include but are not limited to):

This is a hands-on technical position responsible for taking equipment from installation and commissioning through production-ready operation. The successful candidate will help establish machining processes, develop CNC programs, select and qualify tooling, create fixtures and workholding strategies, establish cutting parameters, troubleshoot machining issues, and optimize cycle times and quality. The ideal candidate has strong experience machining aluminum extrusions, understands CNC programming and CAD/CAM processes, and can translate engineering drawings and curtain wall fabrication requirements into efficient, repeatable manufacturing processes. Experience with unitized curtain wall, curtain wall, window wall, storefront, architectural aluminum, or commercial fenestration manufacturing is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations

• CNC Equipment Startup & Commissioning
• Lead or support the setup and commissioning of newly purchased 5-axis CNC machining equipment and CNC saw systems.
• Work with equipment manufacturers and technical representatives during installation, startup, calibration, and acceptance.
• Develop machine setup standards and operating procedures.
• Verify machine accuracy and repeatability.
• Establish appropriate machine parameters for aluminum extrusion machining.
• Assist with machine acceptance testing and production qualification.
• Identify and resolve startup issues before equipment is released to full production.
• Develop preventative maintenance and tooling requirements in conjunction with Maintenance and equipment suppliers.
• Train CNC operators and production personnel on machine operation, setup, tooling, and basic troubleshooting.
• CNC Programming
• Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs for unitized curtain wall aluminum components.
• Program complex 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining operations as required.
• Develop programs for drilling, milling, routing, tapping, slotting, pocketing, notching, sawing, and other aluminum fabrication processes.
• Translate engineering drawings, CAD models, fabrication details, and work orders into production-ready CNC programs.
• Establish appropriate feeds, speeds, depths of cut, tool paths, and machining sequences.
• Optimize tool paths to minimize cycle time while maintaining dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
• Identify opportunities to combine machining operations and reduce handling.
• Maintain program revision control and ensure the correct program is released for production.
• CNC Saw Programming & Optimization
• Develop and optimize CNC saw programs for cutting aluminum curtain wall extrusions.
• Establish efficient cutting strategies to maximize material utilization and minimize scrap.
• Develop optimized cut lists and sequencing based on production requirements.
• Account for kerf, blade thickness, material tolerances, machining allowances, and finished-part requirements.
• Work with Production and Engineering to establish efficient saw-to-machining workflows.
• Troubleshoot cut-length variation, saw accuracy, blade issues, material movement, and automated handling problems.
• Develop standardized setup and verification procedures for saw operators.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Experience programming 5-axis CNC machining centers.
• Experience commissioning or launching new CNC equipment.
• Experience with CNC aluminum extrusion fabrication.
• Experience with architectural aluminum systems.
• Experience with unitized curtain wall manufacturing.
• Experience with commercial curtain wall, storefront, window wall, or commercial window systems.
• Experience with CNC saw optimization and automated cutting systems.
• Experience with CAD/CAM software.
• Experience developing CNC programs directly from 3D CAD models.
• Experience selecting and qualifying carbide tooling.
• Experience developing custom fixtures and workholding.
• Experience with automated material handling systems.
• Experience with ERP/MRP manufacturing systems.
• CAD/CAM & Technical Skills
• CNC machine-specific programming software
• CAD/CAM software
• 3D CAD modeling
• G-code / CNC code
• Toolpath generation
• CNC simulation
• Parametric programming
• Automated cut optimization software

What We Offer

At Quest, we recognize that our employees play an important role in our continued success. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

- Medical, dental, and vision insurance

- 401(k) retirement plan with company match

- Paid time off and company holidays

- Opportunities for professional development and career growth

Equal Opportunity Employer

Quest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable law.