Machine Operator – Fabrication Overview
Trident Maritime Systems is seeking experienced Machine Operators to join our fabrication team at our Fishersville, Virginia facility.
The Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring sheet-metal fabrication equipment used to manufacture components for naval modular furniture and outfitting systems. Equipment may include punch machines, panel benders, automated bending machines, and other metal-forming equipment.
This is a hands-on manufacturing position that requires previous manufacturing or machine-operation experience, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to identify and correct routine production issues. Machine Operators are responsible for producing accurate parts while maintaining safety, quality, and production requirements.
Machine Setup & Operation
· Set up and operate assigned punch, bending, and sheet-metal fabrication equipment.
· Operate punch machines, panel benders, automated bending machines, and related fabrication equipment.
· Load approved programs or job settings and verify machine setup against traveler and production requirements.
· Select, install, and inspect tooling as required for assigned equipment and level of training.
· Load, position, and remove sheet-metal materials and completed parts safely.
· Verify material type, thickness, orientation, part number, and job requirements before beginning production.
· Perform first-piece runs and verify part accuracy before continuing full production quantities.
· Monitor equipment throughout the production cycle and make routine operating adjustments as needed.
· Recognize machine alarms, tooling issues, material problems, and abnormal operating conditions.
· Make basic machine, tooling, positioning, or program adjustments within established procedures and training.
· Stop production and escalate issues when machine or quality problems cannot be corrected through normal operator adjustments.
Blueprint, Traveler & Job Interpretation
· Read and interpret blueprints, flat patterns, production travelers, work instructions, and job-specific notes.
· Verify part numbers, materials, quantities, revisions, and routing requirements before processing work.
· Understand basic dimensions, bend locations, hole locations, forming requirements, and part orientation.
· Confirm required operations have been completed before moving work to the next production process.
· Maintain material identification and job traceability throughout the manufacturing process.
Quality & Inspection
· Inspect first-piece and in-process parts to verify dimensional and visual requirements.
· Use measuring equipment including calipers, tape measures, squares, protractors, gauges, and other inspection tools as required.
· Compare completed parts to blueprints, travelers, templates, and established quality requirements.
· Identify defects including incorrect dimensions, missing or incorrect holes, improper bends, distortion, tooling marks, and other nonconforming conditions.
· Monitor production for repeated quality issues and stop the process when continuing production could result in additional defective material.
· Document inspections, scrap, rework, and production issues as required.
· Work with Quality, Engineering, Production, and Maintenance personnel to resolve equipment or part discrepancies.
Tooling, Material Handling & Equipment Care
· Safely handle, move, load, and position sheet-metal materials and fabricated components.
· Inspect tooling for wear or damage and report tooling requiring repair or replacement.
· Perform routine operator-level machine maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, and inspections.
· Maintain proper material identification, FIFO, and traceability requirements.
· Keep machines and surrounding work areas clean, organized, and aligned with 5S expectations.
· Report mechanical, electrical, tooling, or equipment problems requiring Maintenance or technical support.
Production & Continuous Improvement
· Follow production schedules and job priorities established by Planning and Production leadership.
· Accurately report job quantities, completed work, scrap, downtime, and other required production information.
· Support the efficient movement of work between fabrication processes.
· Troubleshoot routine machine, tooling, material, and part-quality issues.
· Participate in Lean manufacturing and continuous-improvement activities.
· Identify and communicate recurring machine, tooling, setup, or production problems affecting quality or throughput.
· Assist with improving machine setups, part flow, standard work, and operating procedures.
· Cross-train on additional fabrication equipment as business needs require.
Safety
· Operate machinery in accordance with company safety requirements and equipment-specific procedures.
· Follow machine guarding, lockout/tagout, material-handling, and personal protective equipment requirements.
· Maintain awareness of pinch points, moving equipment, sharp sheet metal, tooling, and other hazards associated with metal fabrication.
· Immediately report unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, or safety concerns.
Requirements
· Previous experience in a manufacturing environment or operating production machinery is required.
· Experience operating punch, bending, forming, or other sheet-metal fabrication equipment is preferred.
· Ability to read basic blueprints, production drawings, travelers, and work instructions.
· Ability to use calipers, tape measures, gauges, and other basic inspection equipment.
· Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to understand how machine settings and tooling affect part quality.
· Ability to identify machine alarms, tooling issues, material problems, and visible part defects.
· Ability to make routine machine and operating adjustments after appropriate training.
· Ability to safely handle sheet-metal components and materials.
· Ability to follow standardized work while independently recognizing and escalating abnormal conditions.
· Ability and willingness to cross-train on multiple machines and fabrication processes.
· Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining quality and safety standards.
· Ability to successfully complete a skills-based assessment covering reading, math, measurement, inspection, mechanical aptitude, and problem-solving.
Work Environment
· This position is performed in an active manufacturing and warehouse environment.
· The production facility is not temperature controlled, and employees should expect seasonal changes in temperature, including warmer conditions during the summer and colder conditions during the winter.
· The position requires regular work around operating machinery, metal fabrication equipment, moving materials, and typical manufacturing noise.
· Employees are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and follow all facility and machine-specific safety requirements.
· The position requires prolonged standing, walking, bending, reaching, and the safe handling and movement of sheet-metal parts and materials throughout the workday.
Compensation & Schedule
Pay: $22.00–$26.00 per hour, based on experience.
Available Shifts:
· Monday–Friday, 3:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
· Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Work Location: Fishersville, Virginia – In person
Benefits
Trident Maritime Systems offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Health savings account
- Flexible spending account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee referral program
- Advancement and development opportunities
About Trident Maritime Systems
The Fishersville Division of Trident Maritime Systems manufactures modular naval furniture and outfitting systems for the U.S. Navy. Our team takes pride in precision workmanship, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Our products are built for demanding marine environments, and every part of the manufacturing process contributes to delivering safe, reliable, high-quality products to our customers.
Application Question
· Are you able to pass a drug test?
· Are you able to pass a background check?
Other Duties
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time based on business and production needs.
The Fishersville Division of Trident Maritime Systems manufactures modular naval furniture and outfitting systems for the U.S. Navy. Our team takes pride in precision workmanship, safety, and continuous improvement. We are dedicated to delivering consistent, high-quality results that stand up to the toughest marine environments.
Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to pass a drug test?
- Willing to submit to a background check?
Work Location: In person
