Machine Operator

Job Title:

Machine Operator Job Description

This role operates a variety of welding and drilling machines in a small machine shop environment, ensuring consistent, high-quality production on a 1st shift schedule. The Machine Operator selects and sets up equipment, monitors output for accuracy, and performs sanding and finishing work on steel parts prior to painting to meet production and quality standards.

• Operate various welding machines safely and efficiently to meet daily production requirements.
• Run drilling operations on Bridgeport or similar machines, ensuring accurate setup and operation according to specifications.
• Perform sanding operations on steel parts to remove defects and prepare surfaces for paint.
• Select appropriate machines for each job and correctly position or load material according to work instructions.
• Monitor machines during operation, checking output regularly to ensure consistency with specifications and quality standards.
• Identify and remove defective parts, discarding or segregating them according to procedures.
• Complete daily production duties to maintain efficiency and achieve established production numbers.
• Use a Kanban system to reorder parts that reach or fall below the designated reorder point.
• Report any inventory discrepancies promptly to the Supervisor for review and correction.
• Report any machine or equipment maintenance issues to the Supervisor to minimize downtime and maintain safe operation.
• Perform daily housekeeping at the end of each shift, keeping work areas clean, organized, and free of hazards.
• Assist with general labor tasks as needed to support overall production operations.
• Operate a forklift as needed to move materials, parts, or finished products safely within the shop.

• At least 1 year of machine operating experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 6 months of forklift experience in an industrial or warehouse setting.
• Hands‑on experience operating welding machines for production work.
• Experience running drilling operations on Bridgeport or similar machines.
• Ability to perform sanding and finishing operations on steel parts to prepare surfaces for painting.
• Capability to select and set up appropriate machines and load materials according to job requirements.
• Skill in monitoring machine performance and inspecting output to ensure adherence to specifications.
• Ability to identify and remove defective parts and maintain consistent quality.
• Familiarity with basic production workflows and meeting daily production targets.
• Ability to use or learn a Kanban system for inventory and part reordering.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and housekeeping standards.
• Capability to report inventory and maintenance issues clearly and promptly.

• Experience working in a small machine shop or similar manufacturing environment.
• Comfort performing general labor tasks in addition to machine operation duties.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn additional machines or processes as needed.
• Ability to work effectively on a 1st shift schedule.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with supervisors and team members.

Employees join this organization to be part of a close-knit, family-owned culture where individuals are valued and recognized for their contributions. The environment promotes stability, teamwork, and hands‑on learning, offering the opportunity to build practical skills in a supportive shop setting. Team members benefit from working in a setting where open communication and mutual respect are encouraged, and where consistent, steady work supports long‑term growth.

This position is based in a small machine shop operating on a 1st…