Machine Operator

Machine Operator

This role operates a variety of metal fabrication machinery, including brake presses, lasers, drilling machines, punch presses, and shears, to produce high-quality parts with precision and consistency. You will set up your own equipment, interpret blueprints, and use precision measuring tools to ensure products meet exact specifications. The position involves material handling, including loading and unloading machines and using overhead cranes, in a clean and quiet production environment with a small team and strong focus on safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Operate brake presses, lasers, drilling machines, punch presses, and shears to produce parts according to specifications.
• Set up your own machinery, including selecting tooling, adjusting settings, and preparing equipment for production runs.
• Read and interpret blueprints to understand part dimensions, tolerances, and fabrication requirements.
• Use precision measuring tools such as micrometers and calipers to inspect and verify part dimensions.
• Perform in-process and final inspection of parts to ensure they meet quality and specification standards.
• Load and unload materials and parts into and out of machinery safely and efficiently.
• Operate overhead cranes to move materials, components, and finished products as needed.
• Lift and handle materials weighing 50 pounds or more as part of daily operations.
• Monitor machines during operation and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality and productivity.
• Follow established safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment at all times.
• Work in pairs and collaborate with team members on the production floor to complete jobs efficiently.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to support a safe and efficient production environment.
• Adhere to attendance and reliability expectations, including compliance with the established attendance policy.

Essential Skills

• 35 years of machine operating experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• Hands-on experience operating brake presses, lasers, and shears.
• Ability to set up and operate brake presses, lasers, drilling machines, punch presses, and related equipment independently.
• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Proficiency using precision measuring tools, including micrometers and calipers, for inspection and quality verification.
• Experience performing inspection of fabricated parts to ensure they meet specified tolerances and quality standards.
• Ability to operate overhead cranes safely for material handling.
• Capability to lift 50 pounds or more on a regular basis.
• Commitment to following safety procedures and maintaining a safe work environment.
• Reliable attendance and ability to comply with a structured attendance policy.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a fabrication or metalworking environment.
• Comfort working in a smaller shop environment with a close-knit team.
• Willingness to learn new machines and processes as new equipment is introduced.
• Interest in cross-training and moving into other departments as opportunities arise.
• Strong attention to detail and quality-focused mindset.
• Ability to work collaboratively in pairs and communicate effectively with team members.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that allows you to choose only the coverage you need, along with a 401(k) plan featuring a tiered employer match to support your long-term financial goals. Paid time off grows with your tenure, including multiple weeks of PTO over time, eight paid holidays, and floating holidays that help you enjoy a day off nearly every month. You can take advantage of tuition reimbursement to continue your education and develop your skills, and you receive an annual safety allowance to purchase items such as steel-toe footwear and safety glasses. Most required equipment is provided, and the company is actively investing in modern machinery, with several new machines added in the last two years, creating a modern and evolving workplace. There are clear opportunities for growth and movement into other departments if you want to learn new skills and expand your career.

Work Environment

You will work in a clean, quiet production environment that maintains a small shop feel, with approximately 13 people on the floor including leadership. Work is typically performed in pairs, fostering teamwork and close collaboration. The facility currently operates a single shift, with first shift hours from Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Overtime is available on Fridays, typically between 5 and 8 hours, and is currently voluntary, though it may become mandatory if voluntary coverage is insufficient. The workplace emphasizes safety and provides most necessary equipment, with an additional allowance to purchase personal safety items such as steel-toe footwear and safety glasses. An attendance policy is in place, using a progressive system where an initial call-in serves as a warning and subsequent occurrences accrue points, with three strikes resulting in termination, reinforcing the importance of reliability and consistent presence on the job.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Watertown, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52000.00 - $62400.00/yr. Benefits/Insurance - sign up for what you need rather than having to sign up for everything 401k, 3% match (if you're contributing 100%) 2% (if you're contributing 50%) PTO: 1 week after 1 year, 2 weeks after 2 years, 3 weeks after 5 years, 4 weeks after 10 years (PTO is prorated based on when you start) 8 paid holidays, use the floating holidays so you get one day off a month from a holiday Tuition Reimbursment Each year you get $100 to spend on anything safety related (steel toes, glasses, etc.) Provide everything besides weld helmet and steel toes Growth opportunities - able to move to other departments if you're interested in learning something new Putting a lot of money into newer machines, within the last two years there's been 3 new machines added

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Watertown, WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.