CNC Sheet Metal Fabrication Specialist

CNC Sheet Metal Fabrication Specialist

Location: Newport News, VA
Employment Type: Full-Time | Contract-to-Hire
Available Shifts: 1st Shift and 3rd Shift (flexibility required based on operational demands)
Starting Pay: $18.00/hour and up, depending on experience and technical capabilities
Position Summary

A growing manufacturing operation is seeking a skilled CNC Sheet Metal Fabrication Specialist to support production involving turret punch and punch/laser combination equipment. This role is responsible for machine setup, tooling preparation, program execution, quality verification, and production support within a precision sheet metal environment.

Successful candidates will possess strong mechanical aptitude, blueprint-reading skills, and experience working with a variety of sheet metal materials while maintaining quality and productivity standards.

Core Responsibilities

Machine Setup & Operation

• Set up and operate CNC punching equipment used in sheet metal manufacturing
• Load and verify machine programs before beginning production runs
• Prepare and position raw materials for efficient processing
• Install, align, and maintain punches, dies, and forming tools according to job specifications
• Monitor machine performance and make adjustments to support production quality and efficiency

Production & Process Optimization

• Review engineering drawings, blueprints, and work instructions to ensure accurate part production
• Optimize nesting layouts, punch sequences, and material utilization to minimize scrap and improve throughput
• Troubleshoot issues involving tooling wear, material feeding, machine performance, and production flow
• Adjust tooling and machine parameters as necessary to maintain dimensional accuracy and consistent output
• Coordinate workload priorities to support production schedules and department objectives

Quality Assurance & Documentation

• Conduct in-process inspections using calipers and other precision measuring devices
• Verify completed components meet dimensional and quality requirements
• Maintain accurate setup records, production reports, and inspection documentation
• Collaborate with fabrication, engineering, and operations personnel to resolve production challenges and improve workflow

Required Qualifications

• At least five years of experience operating CNC turret punch equipment in a manufacturing environment
• Strong ability to interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and fabrication specifications
• Experience processing materials including galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum
• Proficiency with measuring instruments and quality inspection procedures
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills and attention to detail
• Working knowledge of shop mathematics, including geometry and trigonometry
• Ability to prioritize work, estimate production timelines, and manage multiple tasks effectively
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform frequent standing, bending, squatting, and other physical activities throughout the shift
• Comfortable working in an industrial environment with varying temperatures

Preferred Experience

• Experience modifying or editing G-code programs
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software used in sheet metal manufacturing
• Forklift certification or previous forklift operating experience
• Exposure to production planning, project coordination, or manufacturing support functions

Equipment Experience

Experience with the following equipment is highly valued:

• Amada EM3612ZRT 33-Ton Turret Punch Press featuring automatic tool-changing capabilities and a high-capacity tooling system
• Amada EML 2515 Aje Punch/Laser Combination Machine

Why This Opportunity?

This position offers the chance to work with advanced fabrication equipment while contributing to high-precision manufacturing projects. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented professionals who enjoy machine setup, process improvement, quality-focused production, and working within a collaborative team environment.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.