Machine Operator

Job Title:

Machine Operator Job Description

As a Machine Operator, you will set up, operate, and monitor equipment that transforms raw material into finished parts used across a variety of industries. You will work with fabrication machinery, including laser cutting equipment, press brakes, punch presses, and welding-related tools, ensuring parts are produced accurately, safely, and to quality standards.

• Set up and operate production machinery, including laser cutters, press brakes, punch presses, and other fabrication equipment.
• Load raw materials into machines and monitor the production process to ensure efficient and continuous operation.
• Interpret and follow blueprints, drawings, and work instructions to produce parts to specification.
• Use measuring tools such as tape measures and calipers to verify dimensions and ensure parts meet quality standards.
• Perform general production, assembly, and material handling tasks as needed to support workflow.
• Inspect finished products for clean welds, proper fabrication, and overall quality, taking pride in workmanship.
• Adjust machine settings and perform basic troubleshooting to maintain optimal performance and output.
• Operate laser cutting or engraving machines, including interpreting blueprints or CAD drawings, selecting appropriate materials, and ensuring precise cutting.
• Conduct routine maintenance and cleaning on assigned machines to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area in fabrication, welding, and assembly spaces.
• Collaborate with team members while also working independently to meet production goals and deadlines.
• Demonstrate flexibility by performing tasks outside core machine operation responsibilities when needed to support production.
• Maintain excellent attendance and communicate schedule changes or absences through the designated call-out process.

• Experience in machine operation within a production or general labor environment.
• Ability to set up and operate fabrication equipment such as laser cutters, press brakes, punch presses, and related machinery.
• Proficiency in general production and assembly tasks, including loading material and handling finished products.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and basic CAD-derived drawings.
• Skill in using measuring tools such as tape measures and calipers to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Understanding of basic welding processes and production welding environments.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on producing clean, high-quality welds and fabricated parts.
• Ability to work individually with minimal supervision while meeting production targets.
• Reliability and strong attendance, including adherence to established call-out and notification procedures.
• Growth mindset and openness to learning new machines, processes, and responsibilities.
• Flexibility and willingness to perform tasks outside of primary job responsibilities when required.

• Relevant technical or welding certification is preferred.
• Experience in a fabrication shop environment with paint, press brake, welding, and assembly processes.
• Comfort working with mild steel ranging from 20 gauge up to 1 inch thickness.
• Safety awareness and ability to follow established safety protocols in a production setting.
• Demonstrated pride in workmanship and commitment to producing high-quality finished products.

You will join a growing fabrication operation that is expanding its customer base and creating opportunities for advancement, including development into supervisory roles. The organization invests in its people, provides support as they grow, and actively gives back to the workforce. You will benefit from a stable schedule, paid breaks and lunch, and a culture that values reliability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

This role is based in a mid-size fabrication shop of approximately 30 people, with two buildings on site and processes that include paint, press brake, welding, laser cutting, and assembly. The operation works primarily with mild steel from 20 gauge to 1 inch and includes production welding and dedicated welding bays. Standard shifts run Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for first shift and 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for second shift, with overtime after shift and on Saturdays as needed.

Weekend shifts of three 12-hour days paid for 40 hours are planned for the near future. Employees receive two paid 10-minute breaks and one paid 20-minute lunch each day. The environment is industrial and fast-paced, with an attendance policy that uses a point system and requires calling in through designated channels for absences or lateness. Welding jackets and gloves are provided for welding-related work;

employees are expected to supply their own welding hood and steel-toe footwear.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Dunlap, TN.

The pay range for this…