Production Designer/CNC Programmer

Job Description

Job Description

Production Designer and CNC Programmer

Bring your precision, creativity, and CNC expertise to an organization where innovation meets manufacturing excellence. Enjoy competitive pay, 100% company-paid medical and dental, and a 401(k) with up to 4% company match at one of the largest and most advanced manufacturing facilities in Northwest Arkansas.

NXA Manufacturing is seeking a highly skilled Production Designer & CNC Programmer to serve as the critical link between engineering intent and shop-floor execution. This role ensures manufacturability, material efficiency, drawing accuracy, and balanced workflow across laser and press brake operations.

In addition to core production responsibilities, this position plays a key role in supporting design initiatives within our Consumer Products Division and serves as the lead design drafter for special projects.

If you thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, value precision, and are driven to continuously improve systems and processes — we want to hear from you.

Company Overview

Founded in 2003, NXA began its journey as a family-owned business specializing in process and utility piping work. Over the years, we have grown and diversified into two separate companies, expanding our offerings to include a comprehensive range of high-quality products and solutions. Today, NXA Manufacturing operates as its own entity, designing and fabricating custom stainless-steel equipment with an emphasis on products for the food, beverage, and dairy industry.

As an industry leader, we hold our team members to the highest standards, ensuring that we hire the best talent available. Our reputation for work safety, meeting deadlines, delivering quality products, and staying within budget underscores our commitment to excellence. As a family-owned business, we also understand the importance of investing in our team members and giving back to our local community.

Why you should join the NXA Manufacturing Team:

• Competitive pay with opportunity for advancement –  as the company grows, you can move up the ranks. We are a career driven company where there are very real and achievable advancement opportunities.  
• Phenomenal Leadership – the owner of the company has over 40 years of experience in the industry. He has built the company on a strong foundation and continues to invest in the company by purchasing the latest technology and equipment in the industry. As a leader in the industry, we hold our team members to an elite standard by hiring the best of the best.
• Safety – We strive to keep a clean and safe working environment.
• Great Work Culture – Join a team of highly skilled tradesman that work very well together because of the team-based mentality. 
• Arkansas Business of the Year Finalist in 2020 
• 2022 Diversity in the Workplace Award
• Voted Best Manufacturer in the 2022 Arkansas Best of Biz Awards
• Committed to Sustainability: 2021 Mayor’s Environmental Stewardship Award | Green & Sustainable Business of the Year.  
• Top 10 Best Places to Live in the U.S.:  Fayetteville has been ranked in the top 10 “Best Places to Live” according to the U.S. News & World’s Annual Reporting list for a consecutive 8 years in a row.

Design & Drafting

• Produce detailed 2D shop drawings from 3D SolidWorks models
• Convert between 2D drawings and 3D models as needed
• Assist in development and modification of conveyors, platforms, tanks, and sheet metal assemblies
• Ensure drawings meet company, customer, and fabrication standards
• Identify manufacturability concerns and communicate design improvements
• Maintain revision control through PDM and ERP systems
• Standardize drawing templates and modeling practices
• Create and maintain BOMs within ERP/MRP systems

CNC Programming & Nesting

• Develop CNC programs using DXF files for laser and press brake operations
• Create optimized nesting layouts to maximize sheet utilization
• Build press brake programs including tooling selection and bend sequencing
• Determine nest order and routing for balanced production workflow
• Support drop management and material reuse strategy
• Troubleshoot program errors and resolve production discrepancies
• Minimize scrap through optimization and proactive review

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Verify material availability and coordinate with Purchasing
• Collaborate with Machining to confirm part profiles before secondary operations
• Support stencil marking and identification processes
• Ensure tolerances align with both engineering intent and machine capability
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within pre-production systems
• Maintain ultra-low error rates in drawings and programs

Secondary Responsibilities

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and product performance
• Stay informed on industry trends and emerging manufacturing technologies
• Collaborate with customers’ engineering teams to develop customized solutions
• Maintain accurate records of design modifications and approvals
• Provide troubleshooting support for ERP systems, design issues, and shop-floor challenges
• Gather and apply shop feedback to improve quality and reduce lead times
• Support cross-training efforts across departments
• Submit at least two improvement recommendations per quarter to the Sr. Vice President
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Proven experience in production design and CNC programming within a manufacturing environment
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (3D modeling and drawing creation)
• Experience with laser cutting and press brake programming
• Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication principles and tolerancing
• Experience working with ERP/MRP and PDM systems
• Strong understanding of nesting optimization and material utilization
• High attention to detail with a commitment to ultra-low error rates
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Pre-employment drug screen and background check required.

Benefits & Compensation:

• Dental Coverage- premium paid for team member, Payroll deduction for dependents after 60 days
• 100% Company-Paid Medical (High-Deductible) for team member, Payroll deduction for dependents after 60 days
• Buy-Up Copay Medical Plan Option for team member and dependents, Payroll deduction after 60 days
• STD, LTD, Accident, Critical and Life Insurance- payroll deducted after 60 days
• Vision Coverage- payroll deducted after 60 days
• 401K up to 4% match after 60 days 
• Virtual Health/Mental Health- Paid for team members and dependents starting date of hire
• Paid Vacation and Holidays

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, genetic information, status as a military veteran, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.