Vital Link, Inc.'s core business is in the fabrication, maintenance, and installation of jet engine test facilities and sound suppression systems. This requires that the corporation support both field and plant operations, while operating both in a commercial and military environment on a worldwide basis. The Machine Operator I in general shall be responsible for ensuring that assemblies, materials, and components requiring machining processes are properly manufactured in accordance with drawings, specifications, Work Control Travelers and good industry standards.

Particular Duties:

1. Prior to machine operations ensure that machines are in good working order, safe to operate, and have required settings and tooling to perform work to the applicable work instructions.

2. Responsible to tag out unsafe or inoperable equipment and report operational and safety deficiencies to supervisory personnel for disposition.

3. Review Work Control Travelers and associated work instructions, drawings, and specifications, to plan for the setup and execution of the required machine operations

4. Setup machines such as shear, press brake, and iron worker as required to perform work, and other operations. Perform machining operations in a timely and efficient manner to achieve the work requirements as identified in accordance with the Work Control Travelers and all documentation.

5. Notify Quality Control Inspector when machined items are ready for First Piece or final inspections as required.

6. Ensure that all manufacturing steps are documented and signed/initialed on the Work Control Travelers and in accordance with company procedures.

7. Keep machines, tools, jigs, equipment and supplies, in a neat and orderly manner. Keep the workspace tidy, clean and remove scrap, debris and grease/dirt throughout the machining process to ensure a safe work environment and proper operation of the machine. Perform regular cleaning at the end of shift.

8. Ensure that machine surfaces are properly protected or cleaned to prevent contamination by dissimilar metals or utilize dedicated machines for dissimilar metals (such as stainless steel and carbon steel).

9. Ensure that all steps, inspections, and other instructions as shown on the Travelers or Cutsheets are followed and documented. Ensure that material and part identification is maintained.

10. Promptly report any design or detail errors or problems that are discovered to the Prefabrication Supervisor or Plant Manager, prepare for review/discussion at toolbox meetings.

11. Ensure that appropriate safety practice, equipment, and gear is used during machining operations.

Secondary Functions: This position will perform other duties typical to steel manufacturing operations as required by management when machinist duties are not available.

Training: Must be trained in the skills required to perform as described in this job description, including the proper application of the drawings and specifications required by customer contracts, material handling including the proper use of forklifts and overhead cranes, the proper storage and allocation of supplies and material, the proficient use of the measuring tools required, and a sound detailed knowledge of metals and machining requirements.

Training in use and operation of all equipment and machinery, including PPE, is required. Safety training for general steel manufacturing and specific to machining operations is required.

Education: A high school degree or equivalent is preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 1 years’ experience is preferred but skill, technical knowledge, discipline, communication, and organizational ability will be the deciding factors.

Licenses/Certification: None required.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Must be able to proficiently read and interpret Work Control Travelers, drawings, and specifications. This position requires the physical capability to perform assembly and pre-fabrication work. Moderate to heavy lifting is required. Machinist is not required to operate all equipment in the Plant but is expected to operate equipment for which he/she has been trained and hired. Also requires the ability to read fabrication drawings/cutsheets.

Physical: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Body Positions: Standing, stooping, crouching, and bending.

Body Movements: The employee must have a full range of body movements including the use of hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, climbing, bending, reaching, and walking.

Body Senses: Must have command of all five senses: sight, hearing, and touch. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus on faint shades and shadows. Must hear and speak well enough to communicate all to coworkers, supervisors, and managers the responsibilities described above.

Strength: Should be able to properly lift moderate and heavy (up to fifty (50) pounds) steel parts, tools, jigs, equipment, and supplies on a routine basis.

Working Conditions: This position will be working primarily outdoors and in an open non-climate-controlled shop in all types of weather. This position is exposed occasionally to flying sparks, metal chips, shavings, and potentially heavy dust which requires the use of safety glasses, face mask, and protective clothing. The noise level in the work environment is often quite high, which may often require hearing protection.

Usually eight (8) to ten (10) hour workdays four (4) or (5) days per week with occasional Saturday and Sunday work, as well as additional early and/or late workdays to accommodate special business circumstances.