JOB SUMMARY:
At Merit Kitchens, The Cabinetmaker will work in all areas of manufacturing and is responsible for crafting, finishing, assembling, and repairing wooden cabinets using hand tools, woodworking and CNC machines. The cabinet maker will work with a variety of woods and laminates to construct and repair wooden cabinets.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Wood Joinery:
- Work with different materials including engineered wood products, veneers, laminates, and fine hardwoods.
- Understand the different species of wood, and select and verify the quality of wood to meet required specifications.
- Read and interpret plans, blueprints, drawings, and part specifications.
- Use shapers, molders, rulers, measuring tape, and electronic equipment to accurately measure wood for cutting and shaping.
- Cut and detail wood for production.
- Adjust wood parts to be in sequence with the paperwork and transport to subsequent departments.
- Create standard components of cabinets including dovetails, door parts, and columns, and assemble the sides, tops, and bottoms of the cabinets.
- Ensure excellent fit, finish, and operability of finished cabinets and parts.
- Trim joints and fit parts and subassemblies together to form a complete unit using glue and clamps and reinforce joints using nails, screws, or other fasteners.
Woodworking Machine Operation (CNC):
- Set up, program, and operate various CNC woodworking machines, manual woodworking machines, and equipment to fabricate wooden parts for and components for cabinets. These may include Crane, Saws, jointers, dowel makers, overhead routers, planers, edge banders, presses, shapers, drills, sanders, and glue machines.
- Cut panels, rails, and window valence/modified mullion for dovetail boxes.
- Perform basic and preventative maintenance tasks on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machines.
Finishing:
- Sand and detail wooden surfaces using a variety of hand tools and machines.
- Operate and tend equipment to clean, strip, sand, or otherwise prepare wood for finishing application.
- Operate hand-held spray guns to apply primer, stain, veneer, and topcoat to panels, doors, and parts on a moving conveyor system.
- Select or mix paint using mixing equipment according to predetermined formulas.
- Maintain a clean working area free from sawdust and debris between tasks and at the end of the day.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Skills & Experience:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Manufacturing/Woodworking experience: Minimum previous experience in cabinet manufacturing, woodworking, or advanced assembly operations required.
- Technical skills: Strong ability to operate specialized woodworking and assembly equipment, including edge banders and production machinery.
- Attention to detail: Strong craftsmanship skills with a focus on precision, fit, finish, and overall product quality.
- Problem-solving: Ability to identify production issues, troubleshoot minor equipment concerns, and recommend corrective actions.
- Teamwork: Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented production environment.
- Leadership support: Ability to assist with coaching and supporting junior team members when required.
- Work ethic: Reliable, safety-conscious, and capable of maintaining productivity in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to stand for extended periods during the shift.
- Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm movements throughout the workday.
- Ability to bend, twist, reach, and handle cabinet components safely and efficiently.
- Manual dexterity to safely operate machinery, hand tools, and pneumatic equipment.
Working Conditions:
- Exposure to industrial noise, wood dust, adhesives, and manufacturing equipment.
- Fast-paced production environment with repetitive tasks.
- Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Frequent standing, lifting, and repetitive movement.