Panel Saw Operator - 2nd shift

Handmake Your Career at Gilmore Furniture

At Gilmore we make custom contract furniture that is hand-crafted, not manufactured. Attention to detail is what makes us different.

We are seeking a skilled Panel Saw Operator to join our wood manufacturing team for a new 2nd shift. Must be able to train on 1st shift (6:00 am - 2:30 pm).

The panel saw operator is responsible for operating and maintaining panel saw equipment under minimal supervision to accurately cut wood panels and components. This role ensures materials are cut to specification, production schedules are met, and quality and safety standards are consistently followed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Pull various types of material from stock using hi-lo, placing material on lift table adjacent to panel saw.
• Load material onto panel saw bed by raising and lowering lift table and sliding material over to bed.
• Operate panel saw to cut plywood, MDF, particleboard, and solid wood panels according to production drawings and cut lists.
• Read and interpret shop drawings, cutting schedules, and work orders.
• Set up machine, including blade changes, fence adjustments, and material alignment.
• Measure and inspect cut parts to ensure dimensional accuracy and quality standards.
• Optimize material usage and minimize waste through efficient cutting practices
• Count, sort, and stack finished work pieces by work order and next work center.
• Deliver work pieces to next work center using a manual pallet jack or hi-lo.
• Perform routine machine maintenance, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of PPE and machine guards.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with 5S or lean manufacturing principles.
• Communicate production issues, material defects, or equipment malfunctions to team leader and manager(s).
• Work collaboratively with other production team members to meet daily output goals.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Education/Experience/Skills:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience operating panel saws or similar woodworking machinery.
• Knowledge of woodworking materials, grain direction, and cutting techniques.
• Ability to read tape measures, calipers and technical drawings accurately.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Forklift (hi-lo) certification or ability to obtain certification upon hire.
• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.

Physical Effort and Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift and handle materials up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to raise or lower up to 50 lb. object from one level to another.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, squat, or bend and use hands and arms to push, pull, reach or grasp 8-10 hours per day, 40-60 hours per week.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for machine operation.
• Good hand/eye coordination and eyesight (corrected).
• Work environment is a manufacturing setting which includes exposure to wood and metal dust, noise, machinery in operation, and smells associated with woodworking, finishing and metal shop environments.
• Use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and hearing protection is required; gloves optional.
• Manufacturing facility is not air-conditioned.
• Position is on-site only.

Reports to: Team Leader/Production Manager

Benefits:

• 401k (matching)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short-Term Disability insurance
• Long-Term Disability insurance
• $15,000 company-paid life insurance policy
• Additional life insurance available
• Flexible Spending Account (Healthcare, Dependent Care)
• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• 8 Paid Holidays