Machine Operator
Job Summary
We are seeking a dependable and motivated Machine Operator to join our manufacturing team. This is an entry-level position designed for someone interested in learning how to operate industrial metal-cutting equipment and developing into a skilled fiber laser machine operator.
The Machine Operator will receive hands-on training on an industrial fiber laser cutting machine. Initial responsibilities will include loading raw material, unloading finished parts, separating and cleaning laser-cut components, maintaining an organized work area, and assisting experienced operators with daily machine operations.
The ideal candidate is safety-conscious, mechanically inclined, willing to learn, and comfortable working in a fast-paced metal fabrication environment. Previous experience in a metal shop or manufacturing environment is preferred but not required.
Responsibilities
- Assist with the daily operation of the fiber laser cutting machine.
- Load sheets of carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other materials onto the laser cutting system.
- Safely unload completed sheets, skeletons, scrap material, and finished parts from the machine.
- Separate laser-cut parts from the remaining sheet material.
- Remove slag, burrs, sharp edges, and other imperfections from finished parts using appropriate hand tools and equipment.
- Clean, inspect, count, organize, label, and stage completed parts for the next manufacturing operation.
- Verify part quantities and identify parts using work orders, drawings, labels, and production paperwork.
- Assist with changing consumables, cleaning machine components, and performing basic preventive maintenance under supervision.
- Learn how to operate the machine control system and understand basic fiber laser cutting procedures.
Training and Development
The employee will be trained to develop the skills necessary to independently operate a fiber laser cutting machine. Training may include:
- Safe machine startup and shutdown procedures.
- Material identification and proper material handling.
- Reading basic shop drawings, work orders, and production instructions.
- Understanding material thicknesses, grades, finishes, and part orientation.
- Loading laser programs and verifying job information.
- Checking nozzles, lenses, consumables, assist gases, and cutting conditions.
- Recognizing cut-quality problems and basic machine alarms.
- Performing routine cleaning and preventive maintenance.
- Measuring finished parts using tape measures, calipers, squares, and other inspection tools.
- Properly identifying, counting, labeling, and staging completed parts.
Continued advancement will be based on demonstrated skill, safety performance, attendance, productivity, quality, and the ability to operate the machine independently.
Qualifications
- Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn industrial equipment.
- Associates degree in machine technology.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to read basic measurements and perform simple shop math.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
- Dependable attendance and ability to arrive on time for scheduled shifts.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a production team.
- Willingness to perform hands-on work throughout the shift.
- Ability to communicate machine, material, safety, and quality concerns to a supervisor.
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Previous experience working in a metal shop, fabrication shop, machine shop, or similar manufacturing environment.
- Competency using common metalworking hand tools and shop equipment.
- Familiarity with grinders, deburring tools, files, scrapers, clamps, hammers, wrenches, and other basic metalworking tools.
- Ability to safely remove burrs, slag, sharp edges, and surface imperfections from metal parts.
- Familiarity with tape measures, calipers, squares, and other basic measuring tools.
- Experience using forklifts, pallet jacks, overhead cranes, vacuum lifts, or other material-handling equipment.
- Basic understanding of carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other common metal materials.
- Previous coursework in machine shop technology, welding, industrial maintenance, manufacturing, or a related technical field.
- Basic computer skills and willingness to learn machine-control software.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during the work shift.
- Ability to bend, reach, kneel, push, pull, and perform repetitive tasks.
- Ability to regularly lift and move parts or materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to use assistance or mechanical lifting equipment for heavier materials and parts.
- Ability to safely handle sheet metal and finished parts that may contain sharp edges.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with noise, machinery, metal dust, temperature changes, and moving equipment.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and safety-toe footwear.
Safety Expectations
Safety is a primary responsibility of every employee. The Machine Operator must follow all established safety procedures and immediately report unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, machine alarms, injuries, and near misses.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
