CNC Router Operator / Programmer – Full-Time
Royal Foam US | Jacksonville, FL
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
1099 Independent Contractor Position
Compensation: $25–$35/hour, based on experience and qualifications
About Royal Foam US
Royal Foam US is a U.S. manufacturing company specializing in architectural and decorative products, custom 3D signage, large-scale structures, and advanced custom fabrication.
Our Jacksonville manufacturing facility combines traditional craftsmanship with modern digital manufacturing technologies, including CNC routing, hot-wire cutting, 3D fabrication, and other automated production processes.
We are looking for a technically skilled, hands-on CNC professional who can take responsibility for CNC production — from reviewing drawings and preparing machining files to machine setup, production, quality control, and routine equipment maintenance.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced CNC Router Operator / Programmer to join our manufacturing team in Jacksonville, Florida.
This is not simply a machine-loading position. The successful candidate should be able to understand a production assignment, read drawings and dimensions, prepare or modify CNC files, select appropriate tooling and machining parameters, set up the machine, run the job, inspect the finished product, and troubleshoot production issues.
Our CNC equipment is used to machine EPS foam, XPS foam, plastics, PVC, wood, MDF, composites, and other materials for architectural products, signage, molds, prototypes, and custom 3D fabrication.
Key ResponsibilitiesCNC Setup & Operation
- Set up and operate CNC routers for production
- Load, verify, and execute CNC programs and G-code
- Establish machine zero, work coordinates, and tool offsets
- Properly position and secure workpieces before machining
- Select appropriate router bits and cutting tools for different materials
- Determine appropriate feeds, speeds, spindle RPM, depth of cut, and machining strategies
- Perform tool changes and machine setup between different jobs
- Monitor machining operations and make adjustments when required
- Safely stop and correct operations when machining problems occur
CAD/CAM & CNC Programming
- Read and interpret technical drawings, sketches, dimensions, and production specifications
- Prepare CNC cutting and machining files based on project requirements
- Create and modify toolpaths
- Generate and review G-code before production
- Make basic manual G-code modifications when necessary
- Verify toolpaths, dimensions, cutting depths, and machining sequences before running a job
- Optimize nesting and material layouts to minimize material waste
- Optimize machining strategies to reduce production time while maintaining quality
2D & 3D Machining
- Perform 2D cutting, profiling, pocketing, drilling, and engraving operations
- Perform 3D roughing and finishing operations
- Machine complex architectural and decorative shapes
- Produce components for signs, molds, prototypes, architectural elements, and custom structures
- Work with both individual parts and large-format workpieces
Quality Control
- Inspect finished parts for dimensional accuracy and overall quality
- Compare finished components with drawings and production specifications
- Use measuring tools to verify dimensions and tolerances
- Identify machining defects and determine their root causes
- Correct problems related to tooling, machine setup, programming, material positioning, or machining parameters
- Reduce scrap, rework, and unnecessary material waste
- Maintain consistent production quality from one job to the next
Troubleshooting & Machine Maintenance
- Diagnose basic CNC machine, tooling, and machining problems
- Replace worn or damaged router bits and cutting tools
- Inspect tooling before and during production
- Sharpen or arrange replacement of cutting tools when required
- Perform routine and preventive CNC machine maintenance
- Inspect lubrication, dust collection, vacuum systems, fixtures, and other machine components
- Maintain a clean and organized CNC work area
- Identify mechanical or electrical problems requiring additional service
- Communicate equipment problems clearly to management or maintenance personnel
Required Qualifications
- Hands-on CNC router or CNC machining experience
- Strong mechanical and technical aptitude
- Ability to read technical drawings and understand dimensions
- Understanding of CNC machining principles
- Understanding of cutting tools, feeds, speeds, spindle RPM, and depth of cut
- Ability to work accurately with measurements and tolerances
- Ability to troubleshoot machining problems
- Strong attention to detail and product quality
- Ability to work independently and take responsibility for assigned production jobs
- Ability to follow safety procedures and maintain an organized workplace
- Reliable, responsible, and punctual
Preferred Qualifications
- 1+ years of CNC router or CNC machining experience
- CNC programming experience
- Strong understanding of G-code
- Experience with Vectric Aspire, VCarve, Fusion 360, Mach3, or similar CAD/CAM and CNC control software
- Experience creating CNC toolpaths from CAD or 3D models
- Experience with 3D CNC machining
- Experience machining EPS/XPS foam, PVC, plastics, MDF, plywood, wood, or composite materials
- Experience with vacuum tables and different workholding methods
- Experience with large-format CNC routers
- Experience manufacturing signs, architectural products, molds, prototypes, or custom fabricated products
- Experience maintaining or repairing CNC or industrial equipment
- Mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, or automation experience
- Technical college or university degree in engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, automation, CNC technology, or a related field
Additional Skills We Value
We are particularly interested in candidates who:
- Can independently take a project from drawing/file → CAM → G-code → machine setup → finished part
- Understand how different materials require different tooling and machining strategies
- Can identify ways to reduce machining time and material waste
- Can troubleshoot problems instead of simply stopping production
- Are comfortable learning new machines, software, and manufacturing technologies
- Have experience working with custom, one-off, or low-volume production
- Are interested in advanced digital manufacturing and automation
Future Growth Opportunities
As our manufacturing capabilities continue to expand, qualified team members may have opportunities to learn and work with:
- 5-axis CNC machining
- Large-format CNC systems
- CNC hot-wire cutting systems
- Advanced 3D machining
- CAD/CAM programming
- Automated and robotic manufacturing systems
- Custom tooling and fixture development
This position can develop into a Senior CNC Programmer / CNC Production Lead role for a candidate who demonstrates strong technical ability, leadership, and responsibility.
Compensation & Position Details
- $25–$35 per hour, depending on CNC programming ability, experience, and technical qualifications
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Full-time workload
- Paid training
- Long-term opportunity with a growing manufacturing company
- Professional development in CNC programming, CAD/CAM, 3D machining, and automation
- Career growth opportunities as our CNC department expands
- This position is classified as a 1099 Independent Contractor position
Job Type: Full-Time / 1099 Independent Contractor
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Compensation: $25.00–$35.00 per hour
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour
Language:
- Russian (Required)
- Ukrainian (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Jacksonville, FL 32219 (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Jacksonville, FL 32219: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person