Kruger Family Industries (“KFI”) is a family-owned manufacturing conglomerate dedicated to producing high-quality Returnable Packaging, OEM Components, and Automotive Accessories. With multiple manufacturing facilities across key locations, we pride ourselves on fostering a team-oriented environment that emphasizes operational excellence and continuous growth.
Summary
The CNC Programmer / Pattern Maker is the key technical resource responsible for leading KFI's in-house pattern-making operation at the Portage facility. This person owns the entire pattern build process from start to finish, including schedule management, CAM programming, CNC machining, 3D printed pattern trimming, finishing, and inspection. The role carries full accountability for pattern completion dates and is expected to proactively communicate schedule status to Engineering and Operations stakeholders.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Wood & Ren Board Fabrication: Build, construct, and CNC machine master patterns, plugs, and molds from scratch using hardwood, plywood, Ren Shape/polyurethane tooling boards, and epoxy.
- CNC Machining of 3D Printed Tools: Set up and operate 3-axis and 5-axis CNC routers and mills to precisely machine, trim, and finish 3D-printed polymer patterns into production-ready thermoforming plugs.
- Aluminum Mold Maintenance & Modification: Modify, repair, and rework existing cast aluminum molds when engineering changes or production wear require updates; perform precise drilling, milling, and manual bench work on aluminum tooling.
- Post-Processing & Surface Finishing: Sand, fill, polish, and apply heat-resistant coatings to machined 3D prints, wood, Ren board, and aluminum surfaces to achieve optimal, defect-free finishes.
- Apply Draft & Venting: Inspect all tooling to guarantee proper draft angles for clean part release, and drill or clear precise vacuum vent holes to optimize production airflow.
- CNC Programming & G-Code: Load, test, and optimize CNC programs; perform basic G-code edits at the controller to accommodate variations in wood, printed polymers, and cast aluminum.
- Inspect & Verify: Use calipers, micrometers, and depth gauges to inspect finished tools, ensuring they maintain tight engineering tolerances (± 0.005").
- Engineering Collaboration: Partner with the on-site design engineering team to provide feedback on 3D print machining allowances, material stock, and aluminum mold design updates.
- Performs other job duties and assignments as requested or as business needs require.
Education and/or Experience
- High school diploma/GED required; CNC machining certification, tool & die certification, or trade apprenticeship preferred.
- 3+ years of experience in CNC machining, pattern making, mold making, or precision tool/die fabrication.
- Proven experience machining and working with a wide range of materials, including wood, Ren shape/tooling board, plastics (ABS), and metals (cast aluminum).
- Proven track record setting up and running CNC mills or large-format routers. Strong traditional model shop bench-work skills are essential.
- Strong ability to read 3D engineering files, blueprints, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described in this section are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The production area temperatures can fluctuate significantly based on the time of year. The noise levels can be moderate to loud. The use of hearing protection and safety eyewear is required while on production floor. The use of additional specific safety equipment may be required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock and vibration.
***Don't meet every single requirement? KFI is dedicated to building a diverse, well-rounded team and appreciate authentic backgrounds and experiences.. so if you think you'd be a good fit for what you just read, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply anyways! We are always willing to train those who are motivated to learn and you may be just the right candidate for a position with our growing company!***
KFI is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
This is a direct-hire opportunity with KFI. KFI is interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 3% Match
- 401(k) 4% Match
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
