Ballistic Fabrication
Sheet Metal Operator / CAD Technician
Department: Manufacturing / Fabrication
Reports To: Production Manager / Engineering Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: Ballistic Fabrication
Position Summary
Ballistic Fabrication is seeking a skilled and motivated Sheet Metal Operator / CAD Technician to support our manufacturing and fabrication operations.
This position combines hands-on sheet metal manufacturing with CAD design and machine programming. The ideal candidate is mechanically minded, comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and capable of taking a part from a drawing or concept through CAD, programming, cutting, forming, and final inspection.
This role will work closely with engineering and production teams to manufacture high-quality off-road and automotive components.
Primary Responsibilities
Sheet Metal Manufacturing
- Operate CNC press brakes and other sheet metal fabrication equipment.
- Set up tooling, dies, back gauges, and machine parameters for production jobs.
- Form steel, stainless steel, and aluminum components according to drawings and specifications.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, bend drawings, and work instructions.
- Verify bend angles, dimensions, hole locations, and overall part geometry.
- Use calipers, micrometers, angle gauges, tape measures, and other inspection equipment.
- Perform first-piece inspections before beginning production runs.
- Make machine and tooling adjustments when necessary to maintain dimensional accuracy.
- Deburr, finish, and prepare components for the next production operation.
- Maintain proper material identification and organization.
- Identify manufacturing problems and recommend improvements to tooling, drawings, or processes.
CAD / Programming
- Create and modify 2D and 3D CAD models for fabricated components.
- Develop sheet metal flat patterns and manufacturing drawings.
- Modify existing Ballistic Fabrication products and drawings when required.
- Convert engineering designs into production-ready files.
- Create DXF files and other manufacturing files for CNC equipment.
- Review drawings for manufacturability before releasing parts to production.
- Determine appropriate bend allowances, bend deductions, material thicknesses, and tooling requirements.
- Assist with nesting and programming components for laser or CNC cutting equipment.
- Maintain organized CAD files, revisions, and manufacturing documentation.
- Work with engineering and production personnel to improve part designs for manufacturability and production efficiency.
- Reverse engineer existing components when necessary by taking accurate measurements and recreating them in CAD.
Quality Responsibilities
- Manufacture parts to Ballistic Fabrication quality standards.
- Perform dimensional inspections throughout the manufacturing process.
- Identify and report nonconforming parts.
- Prevent defective parts from continuing into coating, assembly, or shipping.
- Maintain accurate production and inspection documentation when required.
- Help identify root causes of recurring manufacturing issues.
Required Qualifications
- Experience operating CNC press brakes or similar sheet metal equipment.
- Experience with CAD software and mechanical drawings.
- Ability to create or modify 2D and 3D parts.
- Strong understanding of sheet metal fabrication principles.
- Ability to read blueprints and engineering drawings.
- Understanding of tolerances, dimensions, bend angles, and material thickness.
- Experience using precision measuring equipment.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently while also supporting a production team.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to maintain an organized and clean work area.
Preferred Qualifications
- Automotive, off-road, suspension, chassis, or performance fabrication experience.
- Experience designing fabricated automotive components.
- Experience with CNC laser programming and nesting.
- Experience with CNC press brake programming.
- Experience with SolidWorks, Fusion 360, AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar CAD software.
- Knowledge of GD&T.
- Experience with steel, stainless steel, and aluminum fabrication.
- Experience taking a component from CAD → laser cutting → forming → assembly.
- Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM).
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Ballistic Fabrication candidate is not simply a machine operator. We are looking for someone who understands how parts are designed and how they are actually manufactured.
This person should be able to look at a CAD model or print, understand how the component needs to be cut and formed, identify potential manufacturing problems, and make recommendations that improve quality and production efficiency.
We value employees who take ownership of their work, solve problems, and continuously look for better ways to manufacture our products.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and work around manufacturing equipment for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and maneuver sheet metal, tooling, and fabricated components.
- Ability to lift approximately 50 lbs when necessary.
- Ability to safely operate manufacturing equipment and use appropriate PPE.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing and fabrication environment.
Performance Expectations
Success in this position will be measured by:
- Part accuracy and quality.
- Production efficiency.
- Machine setup and changeover performance.
- Scrap and rework reduction.
- Accuracy of CAD drawings and manufacturing files.
- Ability to troubleshoot production issues.
- Equipment care and workplace organization.
- Attendance and reliability.
- Communication and teamwork.
- Continuous improvement of manufacturing processes.
About Ballistic Fabrication
Ballistic Fabrication designs and manufactures high-performance suspension, steering, chassis, and fabrication components for the truck, Jeep, SUV, and off-road markets.
Our manufacturing operation relies on a combination of engineering, CNC machining, laser cutting, sheet metal forming, and fabrication to produce durable components designed for demanding applications.
We are looking for individuals who take pride in manufacturing quality products and want to help Ballistic Fabrication continue improving how our products are designed and built.
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
