What are the responsibilities and job description for the CNC Sheet Metal Fabrication Specialist position at Qualdoc?
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.
\nMachine 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
- 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
- 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
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.