CNC Operator

A Brief Summary of This Position

Under the direction of the Production Supervisor, the CNC Operator operates the CNC shape cutter machine with oxy‑fuel and plasma torches to produce metal components.

• Read daily workloads to determine what parts are required, and prioritize according to constraints and shipping buffers.
• Determine what material is needed, check material on hand, and order any other materials needed from Stores.
• Instruct the material handler on what material to load and/or unload, which material to return to Stores, how to load the table to maximize productivity.
• Check material for grade, thickness, and size. Color‑code parts as required per routing.
• Read blueprints, determine tolerances, and check parts against blueprints to ensure quality of parts being cut.
• Make appropriate adjustments to the processes (travel speed, tip size & replacement, gas pressures, kerf compensation, torch height, and other factors) based on the appearance and quality of parts being produced.
• Perform all functions associated with operation of the CNC/DNC shape cutting machine: start‑up and shutdown procedures; transfer of programs to and from the host computer; set up programs to produce required parts; originate programs from standard shapes; modify programs from oxy‑fuel to plasma and from plasma to oxy‑fuel; adjust kerf settings.
• Maintain preventive maintenance on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Communicate problems with the CNC shape cutter or any other equipment to the lead person, supervisor, and/or maintenance to ensure problem resolution.
• Assist maintenance personnel in troubleshooting and maintaining the machine and its systems.
• Use measuring instruments (tape measure, level, protractor, micrometer) to ensure precision.
• Determine optimum plate utilization to minimize scrap.
• Maintain housekeeping in assigned areas.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance in the assigned area (material handling, crane use, vacuum lift use, torch, hot parts, lifting limits, eye protection, etc.).
• Other duties as assigned.

Available Shift: 3rd Shift – Monday‑Thursday, 9:00pm – 7:00am.

Starting hourly pay rate: $24.47 plus $1.00 per hour shift differential.

Eligible for annual discretionary bonus and opportunities for step pay increases at 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years.

• 6months of previous experience reading and utilizing blueprints.
• Ability to read and write English.
• Proficient in math, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimal conversions.
• Ability to accurately read a tape measure and micrometer.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Ability to communicate and interact with coworkers in a positive manner.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow work instructions.
• High awareness for safety at all times.
• Passion and integrity with a drive to excel and deliver exceptional results.

• 1 year of previous experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• 1 year of previous experience operating a forklift.
• 1 year of previous experience operating a CNC machine with G‑code programming.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• The ability to communicate and interact with coworkers in a positive manner.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow work instructions.
• High awareness for safety at all times.
• Passion and integrity with a drive to excel and deliver exceptional results.

• Ambient temperatures in work area coincide with seasonal weather changes.
• Exposure to metal and smoke fumes due to surrounding processes.
• Abnormal noise level throughout the shop requiring hearing protection at all times.
• Direct exposure to dirt, grease, mill scale, cutting fluid, rust inhibitors, and metal particles and splinters.
• Use of PPE such as hand, hearing, foot, eye, and head protection.
• Exposure to outside elements during short periods (material handling equipment such as forklifts, straddle trucks, shag trucks).

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental, and vision).
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off.
• Employer‑paid life insurance.
• Employer‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability including maternity leave.
• Work‑life support.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year.
• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, type‑2 diabetes reversal, one‑on‑one health coaching, mortgage services, and more.

Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment, email