Saw Operator

Saw Operator

The Saw Operator is responsible for safely and accurately preparing raw material for production by operating industrial saw equipment in accordance with work orders, material specifications, and established procedures. This role supports production readiness by ensuring material is correctly identified, cut to required dimensions, properly labeled, and accurately transacted within the ERP system.

The Saw Operator is responsible for maintaining material traceability throughout the cutting process and works closely with Materials Control, Production Control, Production, and Quality to ensure the correct material is available when required. The Saw Operator also serves as a qualified resource for training other Materials Control personnel in safe and proper saw operation as business needs require.

Key Responsibilities

• Saw Operation & Material Cutting
• Operate horizontal and vertical band saws and related material-cutting equipment safely and efficiently
• Review work orders, drawings, cut instructions, and material requirements before beginning work
• Measure and cut bar, plate, tubing, forgings, and other raw materials to specified dimensions and quantities
• Select appropriate blades, speeds, feeds, and cutting methods based on material type and geometry
• Verify cut dimensions using appropriate measuring equipment
• Monitor equipment during operation and identify blade wear, abnormal conditions, or equipment issues

• Material Identification & Traceability
• Verify raw material type, alloy, size, heat/lot identification, and certification requirements before cutting
• Maintain positive material identification and traceability throughout cutting, staging, and return-to-stock activities
• Properly identify and label cut pieces, remnants, and work-order material
• Prevent mixing or loss of traceability between different material lots or specifications
• Escalate material identification or documentation discrepancies before processing material

• Inventory & Material Control
• Pull raw material from designated inventory locations according to authorized work requirements
• Accurately perform ERP transactions associated with material issue, consumption, remnants, and inventory movement
• Return usable remnants to appropriate inventory locations with correct identification and traceability
• Report material shortages, discrepancies, excessive scrap, or inventory inaccuracies to Materials Control leadership
• Support cycle counting and inventory accuracy activities as required

• Production Support & Material Flow
• Stage completed material for timely delivery to production work centers
• Coordinate cutting priorities with Materials Control and Production Control based on production requirements
• Support timely movement of raw material to minimize production delays
• Communicate material, equipment, or capacity issues that could affect production readiness

• Equipment Care & Work Area Organization
• Perform routine operator-level inspection and preventive maintenance on saw equipment
• Replace blades and perform basic machine adjustments within established procedures and qualifications
• Maintain coolant levels, chip removal, and general equipment cleanliness
• Report equipment problems requiring Maintenance support
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe raw-material and saw work area

• Training & Team Support
• Train designated Materials Control personnel in safe and proper saw setup, operation, material handling, measurement, and documentation practices
• Reinforce material identification, traceability, and safety requirements during operator training
• Assist Materials Control leadership in evaluating operator readiness and identifying additional training needs
• Promote consistent execution of established saw operating procedures across trained personnel

• Safety & Compliance
• Follow established machine safety, material-handling, lockout/tagout, and PPE requirements
• Safely operate forklifts, hoists, cranes, and other material-handling equipment when trained and authorized
• Follow applicable procedures for handling sharp, heavy, or irregularly shaped materials
• Maintain compliance with company quality, safety, material traceability, and documentation requirements

Execution Authority

The Saw Operator is authorized to:

• Operate assigned saw and material-handling equipment within established qualifications
• Cut and stage material in accordance with approved work orders and instructions
• Perform required inventory and material transactions
• Stop processing and escalate material, equipment, safety, or traceability concerns
• Reject material from processing when identification or required documentation cannot be verified
• Train designated Materials Control personnel in saw operation within established procedures and qualification requirements

The Saw Operator does not have authority to:

• Substitute material types, alloys, specifications, or heat lots without appropriate authorization
• Change production quantities or work-order requirements independently
• Bypass material traceability or quality requirements
• Operate equipment outside documented training or authorization

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Prior manufacturing, saw operation, warehouse, or material-handling experience preferred
• Ability to read work orders, basic drawings, material specifications, and dimensional requirements
• Ability to use tape measures, calipers, and other basic measuring equipment
• Basic understanding of raw-material identification and manufacturing traceability preferred
• ERP or inventory-system experience preferred
• Forklift, hoist, or crane experience preferred; ability to obtain required certifications
• Ability to effectively demonstrate work methods and train other employees
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and safety awareness
• Adherence to production cutting priorities
• Effective training and qualification support of additional saw operators

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and perform repetitive material-handling activities
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or move materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or material-handling equipment used when appropriate
• Ability to safely use ladders, forklifts, hoists, cranes, carts, and other material-handling equipment when trained and authorized
• Ability to handle raw stock and cut materials that may have sharp edges or irregular shapes
• Regular exposure to manufacturing conditions including noise, machinery, metal chips, cutting fluids, oils, temperature variation, and moving equipment
• Ability and willingness to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety footwear, gloves when appropriate, and other task-specific protective equipment
• Ability to work overtime, alternate shifts, or weekends when required by production and operational needs

This position involves access to export-controlled information and/or items. To be eligible, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must be able to perform all job duties in compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations without current or future employer-sponsored export authorization.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications associated with this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or working conditions. Responsibilities and duties may change at any time based on business needs, and the employee may be required to perform other tasks as assigned.