Programmer / Manufacturing Technician

Benefits

Pulled from the full job description

Full job description

Programmer / Manufacturing Technician

Company: Paragon Force, Inc.
Location: In-Person, Bloomfield, IN
Employment Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Overview

Paragon Force, Inc. is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Programmer / Manufacturing Technician to support our growing custom foam asset protection and precision manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for programming, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting waterjet systems and CNC router equipment used to manufacture high-quality custom foam inserts, protective packaging solutions, and specialty fabricated products for defense, industrial, and commercial customers.

The ideal candidate will have experience with Autodesk Fusion, FlowPath, and Aspire CNC router software, along with strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on manufacturing experience. This position requires a combination of technical programming ability, machine maintenance knowledge, troubleshooting skills, and pride in producing precise, high-quality finished products.

Key Responsibilities

Programming & CAD Operations

• Create and modify cutting and routing programs using:
• Autodesk Fusion
• FlowPath waterjet software
• Aspire CNC router software
• Import and manipulate CAD drawings and customer specifications.
• Develop optimized layouts and nesting strategies to maximize material utilization.
• Create machine-ready programs for waterjet and CNC router production equipment.
• Adjust tool paths, cut parameters, feeds, speeds, pierce points, and machine settings for optimal production quality and efficiency.

Machine Operation & Manufacturing

• Operate waterjet cutting systems and CNC router equipment.
• Set up materials, fixtures, tooling, and machine parameters for production runs.
• Support prototype development, custom fabrication, and low-to-medium volume production manufacturing.
• Monitor machine performance and inspect finished products for quality and dimensional accuracy.
• Assist production teams with troubleshooting manufacturing issues and improving workflows.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Perform preventative maintenance on waterjet systems, CNC routers, and related shop equipment.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and operational equipment issues.
• Replace worn components and coordinate repairs as necessary.
• Maintain pumps, nozzles, hoses, cutting heads, router spindles, vacuum systems, and related components.
• Maintain organized maintenance records and support equipment uptime initiatives.

Quality & Process Improvement

• Verify measurements and finished product quality using measuring tools and inspection equipment.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, waste reduction, and process optimization.
• Assist with inventory tracking for consumables, tooling, foam materials, and replacement parts.
• Follow company quality standards, safety procedures, and manufacturing processes.

Required Qualifications

• Experience programming and operating CNC manufacturing equipment.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software such as Autodesk Fusion and/or similar systems.
• Experience with Aspire CNC router software preferred.
• Experience with FlowPath waterjet programming software preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Experience performing machine maintenance and preventative maintenance activities.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with manufacturing environments and production workflows.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to work in a hands-on manufacturing environment and lift materials as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with custom foam fabrication, packaging, or protective asset solutions.
• Experience operating waterjet systems and CNC routers in a production environment.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, woodworking, industrial manufacturing, or custom fabrication industries.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles.
• Welding, fabrication, machining, or woodworking experience is a plus.

Desired Traits

• Self-motivated and dependable
• Mechanically inclined problem solver
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively
• Takes pride in craftsmanship and product quality

Why Join Paragon Force, Inc.

• Support meaningful defense and industrial manufacturing programs
• Work in a growing small-business environment where your impact matters
• Opportunity to help expand innovative custom asset protection solutions
• Hands-on, team-oriented culture with opportunities for growth and cross-training

Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 3% Match
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person