Case Pre-Production Engineer

Description:

Job Summary:

The Casework Pre-Production Engineer converts approved shop drawings into accurate, machine-ready production data, including Cabinet Vision models, cut lists, CNC programs, labels, and parts reports. Serving as the primary link between engineering and production, this role ensures the shop floor receives complete, accurate information to manufacture casework efficiently and to specification.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Ability to read and understand architectural documents and shop drawings. Identify errors, omissions, and conflicts in shop drawings.
• Build cabinet and casework models in Cabinet Vision from approved shop drawings, elevations, and field dimensions. Generate cut lists, bills of material, panel optimizations, part labels, and assembly reports for each release.
• Post CNC output through Screen-to-Machine (S2M Center); verify toolpaths, machining, and part orientation before release. Coordinate with Custom Pre-Production team on parts needing custom programming outside Cabinet Vision.
• Develop and maintain library objects, standard construction methods, materials and hardware databases, and machining standards. Keep library aligned with shop practice: joinery, edgebanding, shelf-pin and hardware boring, and drawer box construction.
• Recommend value-engineering alternatives in materials, hardware, and construction methods, with clear trade-offs for project management and the design team.
• Document standards and workflows for other engineers to work from.
• Check models against approved drawings, specs, and change orders before release; catch conflicts early and route questions back to drafting or project management.
• Release work in phases to match the production schedule; update job tracker as releases go out. Troubleshoot machining errors, mislabeled, or miscut parts with the shop floor and correct the root cause in the library.
• Manage time and priorities across multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Requirements:

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Advanced understanding of commercial building construction methods and how millwork interfaces with adjacent trades
• Advanced knowledge of Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) Standards.
• Advanced analytical ability toward solving production-related concerns.
• Advanced knowledge CAD software and other architectural programs
• Ability to review others’ work critically and give clear, constructive feedback
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on Cabinet Vision work in commercial millwork or casework
• Working knowledge of S2M Center: posting, nesting, and label output.
• Advanced proficiency in casework construction, sheet goods, edge banding, common hardware, and CNC manufacturing processes.
• A strong understanding of drafting and engineering principles, standards, and terminology.
• Proficiency in Bluebeam Revu for drawing review and markups
• Ability to read and understand architectural drawings.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including intermediate Excel skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Periods of standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching.
• Periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasionally lift and/or move objects over 25 pounds.