Machine Operator - Saw / CNC Plasma

Job Description

Job Description

Machine Operator – Semi-Automatic Saw / 2D Laser / CNC Plasma

Pay: $20–$25 per hour, + 10% differential for night shift (depending on years of experience)

Duration: Long term contract

Shifts: Day & Night

Position Overview

The Machine Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating semi-automatic saws, 2D laser machines, CNC plasma tables, and related material-handling equipment. This position involves setting up machines, loading and aligning materials, reading work orders and technical drawings, monitoring cut quality, performing routine maintenance, operating cranes and forklifts, and maintaining accurate production and inventory records.

The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and capable of troubleshooting equipment and cut-quality issues in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate semi-automatic saws, 2D laser machines, CNC plasma tables, and conveyor systems.
• Load, align, secure, and unload plate and structural materials.
• Verify material type, thickness, size, and grade before cutting.
• Select and run the correct cutting program for each job.
• Read and understand shop drawings, blueprints, cut sheets, work orders, BOMs, and product specifications.
• Nest work orders to maximize material usage, improve machine efficiency, and reduce waste.
• Monitor laser heads, plasma torches, saws, and cutting processes during operation.
• Inspect finished products for accuracy, quality, dimensions, and proper cut completion.
• Recognize and correct poor cut quality, including excessive slag, rough edges, bad pierces, bevel issues, poor hole quality, burning, and incomplete cuts.
• Stop the machine when safety, material setup, machine operation, or cut quality is incorrect.
• Change and maintain plasma consumables, including tips, electrodes, nozzles, shields, and torch components.
• Inspect and replace laser-related consumables, including nozzles, lenses, protective glass, and cutting-head components.
• Use tape measures and other measuring tools to verify finished parts.
• Sort, mark, organize, and identify finished parts, drops, skeletons, scrap, and usable remnant material.
• Operate overhead cranes and forklifts after proper training or certification.
• Properly rig and move heavy plate and structural materials.
• Perform daily inspections, routine maintenance, and preventive maintenance on machines, conveyors, cutting tables, and related equipment.
• Troubleshoot machine and cut-quality issues by checking consumables, gas pressure, material setup, program selection, and machine parameters.
• Assist with material inventory audits and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Document machine settings, maintenance activities, production output, scrap, and material usage.
• Follow all safety procedures, including PPE, machine guarding, laser safety, fire prevention, crane safety, forklift safety, and material-handling requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area while following 5S principles.
• Participate in safety training and report hazards or equipment concerns to supervision.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Previous experience operating a 2D laser, CNC plasma table, semi-automatic saw, Messer plasma machine, or similar CNC cutting equipment preferred.
• Ability to read shop drawings, blueprints, BOMs, cut sheets, work orders, and technical manuals.
• Ability to read a standard tape measure and perform basic shop math.
• Ability to convert common fractions to decimals.
• Knowledge of plate material, structural steel, and material identification.
• Understanding of how material type, thickness, gas pressure, cutting speed, pierce settings, and consumable condition affect cut quality.
• Ability to identify when machine consumables require cleaning, adjustment, inspection, or replacement.
• Ability to perform routine and preventive maintenance.
• Experience with overhead crane operation and safe rigging practices preferred.
• Forklift experience or certification preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and inventory management.
• Ability to communicate clearly with operators, supervisors, fitters, and production team members.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Good command of written and verbal English.

Education and Training

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Vocational training, machine-operation certification, crane certification, or forklift certification is a plus.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and 5S practices is preferred.