Burn Table Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator Job Description

This role focuses on safely preparing and operating plasma and oxy-fuel CNC burning tables with drill turrets to cut, drill, grind, and process heavy steel plate and structural components. You will interpret blueprints and work orders, set up materials, maintain and troubleshoot equipment, and ensure that all parts meet strict quality and safety standards in a large-scale steel fabrication environment.

• Prepare and operate plasma and oxy-fuel CNC burning tables with drill turrets for cutting, drilling, grinding, and related metal fabrication tasks.
• Read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, schematics, and work orders to understand job specifications and ensure accurate production.
• Perform material setups prior to running the machine, including loading, aligning, and securing plate and structural materials.
• Use measuring devices such as tape measures, micrometers, and calipers to verify dimensions and ensure parts meet required tolerances.
• Operate burn tables, punch presses, drill presses, bandsaws, routers, and other plate processing equipment as needed.
• Use a hand torch to cut skeletons and perform additional manual cutting or cleanup operations when required.
• Inspect machinery before and during use, and examine finished products for quality assurance and conformance to specifications.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and make basic adjustments or coordinate with maintenance to resolve issues promptly.
• Perform daily maintenance on machinery, including cleaning, lubrication, and routine checks to ensure reliable operation.
• Handle materials safely and efficiently, including operating overhead cranes and other material handling equipment to move heavy plate and structural components.
• Follow all safety requirements and maintain necessary certifications related to machine operation and material handling.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and adhere to established shop procedures and production standards.
• Lift up to 50 pounds regularly and maintain the physical fitness required to work in a heavy industrial environment.
• Collaborate with other team members in fabrication and production to meet schedules and support continuous workflow.

• Demonstrated experience operating plasma tables and/or oxy-fuel cutting equipment in a heavy metal fabrication environment.
• Experience operating industrial CNC machines used for heavy metal fabrication, such as oxy-fuel and plasma burn tables.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, schematics, and work orders accurately.
• Proficiency in using measuring devices including tape measures, micrometers, and calipers to verify dimensions.
• Hands-on experience with plate processing equipment such as burn tables, punch presses, drill presses, bandsaws, and routers.
• Ability to perform machine setups, including material positioning and adjustment of cutting or drilling parameters.
• Capability to use a hand torch safely to cut skeletons and perform manual cutting tasks.
• Experience working in an industrial manufacturing environment, preferably in structural steel or heavy fabrication.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate overhead cranes and other material handling equipment safely.
• Capacity to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks in a shop environment.
• Strong commitment to following safety procedures and maintaining required safety-related certifications.
• Basic troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve machine or process issues.

• Familiarity with overhead crane operation and safe rigging practices.
• Experience in structural steel, bridge, or plate fabrication environments.
• Exposure to AISC-certified fabrication processes or similar quality standards.
• Comfort working with sophisticated plate processing and burn table technology.
• Willingness to work a Monday–Thursday schedule of four 10-hour shifts (approximately 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
• Interest in long-term employment within a union-represented shop environment.
• After conversion to a direct employee, willingness to join the Ironworkers Shopmens Local 516 union, which provides access to higher wages, pension plans, family health plans, and formal representation in the workplace.

You will join a long-established steel fabrication organization with a strong reputation for delivering complex, high-profile projects across bridges, commercial buildings, hospitals, stadiums, and industrial facilities. The company invests in a large, modern fabrication operation and supports employees with structured training, union representation, and opportunities to work on technically challenging and meaningful projects. Through union membership, employees gain access to competitive wages, pension benefits, family health plans, and a formal voice in workplace matters, fostering long-term stability and respect for skilled trades professionals.

The role is based in a 180,000 square foot, single-site steel fabrication facility, one of the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The shop is AISC certified for high-rise buildings, bridges, marine work, and other structural steel projects, and holds an AISC Sophisticated Paint, Indoor endorsement (QP3), with extensive experience in applying surface treatments and coatings. You will work around heavy plate processing equipment, plasma and oxy-fuel burn tables, overhead cranes, and other industrial machinery in a busy production environment. The schedule typically follows a Monday–Thursday four 10-hour shift pattern, approximately 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., supporting a consistent, daytime work routine. The environment is industrial, hands-on, and safety-focused, with clear procedures for material handling, equipment operation, and protective attire appropriate for steel fabrication work.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tigard, OR.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $29.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Tigard,OR.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 13, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.