Molder Operator Cabinet Wood Door Manufacturing

Corona Millworks is seeking an experienced Molder Operator to join our Cabinet Door Manufacturing team. This position is responsible for independently setting up, operating, adjusting, and maintaining industrial multi-head molders used to machine solid wood components for cabinet door production.

The Molder Operator plays a critical role in producing consistent, high-quality cabinet door components while maintaining productivity, accuracy, safety, and quality standards. This is not an entry-level position. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience setting up molders, changing tooling and cutters, making machine adjustments, troubleshooting issues, and producing components to specification.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor industrial multi-head molders used in cabinet door manufacturing.
• Machine solid wood components used in cabinet door production, including stiles, rails, and other door components.
• Read and interpret work orders, production schedules, drawings, and product specifications before beginning production.
• Select, install, change, and properly secure cutters, tooling, and related machine components.
• Set and adjust machine heads, fences, guides, feed systems, and other machine settings to achieve required profiles and specifications.
• Adjust machine settings to maintain proper widths, thicknesses, profiles, tolerances, and surface quality.
• Perform test runs and inspect initial pieces before beginning full production.
• Monitor production throughout the machining process and make adjustments as needed to maintain quality and consistency.
• Inspect machined components for dimensional accuracy, profile consistency, surface quality, and overall workmanship.
• Identify and correct issues including incorrect profiles, dimensional inconsistencies, tear-out, chatter, poor finish, or other machining defects.
• Troubleshoot machine, tooling, feed, setup, and quality issues and escalate maintenance concerns when necessary.
• Properly handle, maintain, organize, and store cutters, knives, and other tooling.
• Perform routine machine inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and basic preventative maintenance.
• Report equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, and maintenance issues to department leadership.
• Maintain accurate production and quality standards while meeting daily production goals.
• Minimize material waste, scrap, and rework through proper setup, machine operation, and quality checks.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all company safety policies, PPE requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Work collaboratively with Production Leadership and other team members to maintain production flow and meet department goals.
• Cross-train on other equipment or processes within the department as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience operating industrial molders in a manufacturing or woodworking environment.
• Demonstrated experience setting up and operating multi-head molders independently.
• Experience performing tooling, cutter, and knife changes.
• Strong understanding of how machine heads, cutters, feed systems, fences, and guides affect the finished product.
• Ability to independently set up and adjust a molder for different profiles and production requirements.
• Experience machining solid wood and wood components.
• Ability to troubleshoot machine setup, tooling, feed, quality, and production issues.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, production paperwork, drawings, and product specifications.
• Ability to use measuring equipment including tape measures, calipers, and other precision measuring tools.
• Strong understanding of measurements, fractions, decimals, and tolerances.
• Ability to consistently maintain required profiles, dimensions, and quality standards.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to producing quality products.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating Weinig molders.
• Previous experience in cabinet door manufacturing.
• Experience machining cabinet door stiles, rails, and other wood door components.
• Experience working with a variety of hardwood species.
• Strong knowledge of woodworking tooling, cutter heads, knives, and profile tooling.
• Experience performing preventative maintenance and basic machine troubleshooting.
• Experience reducing setup times, material waste, or production inefficiencies.
• Forklift experience preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Frequently lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift heavier materials with assistance or appropriate equipment.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive movements.
• Ability to safely handle wood materials, cutters, tooling, and machine components.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with wood dust, noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, and other required safety equipment.

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Day shift, 8 – 10 hours
• Overtime or occasional weekends as      required

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental/Vision Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• Paid Time Off