Burn Table Operator (First Shift)

R-Tech Tool & Machine, Inc. — Burn Table Operator (First Shift)

Location: Wamego, KS
Schedule: Full-time | 40 hours/week minimum
Hours: Monday–Friday, First Shift (typical shop hours; flexible start/end based on production needs)
Overtime: As required by workload and customer demand
Reports To: Department Supervisor / Shift Supervisor (R-Tech)

Position Summary

The Burn Table Operator performs skilled work related to the setup, operation, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of CNC burn table equipment to cut steel plate and other metals to specification. This role supports fabrication and machining by producing accurate parts, maintaining plate/remnant inventory discipline, and operating safely in a high-production environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up and operate the CNC burn table (plasma and/or oxy-fuel), including selecting the correct tip/consumables, gas settings, and job parameters.

• Load and unload plate and cut parts using approved material-handling methods (overhead crane, magnets, forklift, hoists), as trained/certified.

• Read and interpret blueprints, cut lists, and work instructions to confirm material, thickness, tolerances, and cut requirements.

• Measure and verify part dimensions using precision measuring tools (tape, calipers, squares, templates/fixtures) to ensure conformance to specifications.

• Monitor cut quality during operation (pierce rate, edge quality, dross/slag, bevel, heat distortion) and adjust within approved operating parameters.

• Remove slag/dross from parts using grinders and hand tools; deburr/clean edges as required by routing.

• Identify, label, sort, and stage parts for next operations; maintain traceability to job travelers/work orders.

• Unload plate deliveries and place plate stock in proper locations; maintain organization of plate racks and storage areas.

• Maintain control of remnants and drops; correctly label and return remnants to inventory locations.

• Perform cycle counts of plate and remnants as assigned; report shortages, discrepancies, or questionable material conditions.

• Conduct daily machine checks and basic preventative maintenance (cleaning, consumables replacement, checking coolant/gas levels if applicable, completing logs).

• Confer with supervisors/programmers to resolve production errors, nesting/program issues, or machine malfunctions; obtain approval before continuing when required.

• Use the timekeeping system correctly; complete required paperwork and production documentation accurately.

• Maintain housekeeping and 5S standards in the burn area; safely manage scrap and skeleton removal.

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of production.

Job-Related Characteristics / Expectations

• Follows safety rules, practices, and PPE requirements consistently.

• Works effectively with supervisors, programmers, and downstream departments to meet production needs.

• Maintains professional conduct, strong work ethic, punctuality, and the ability to work independently.

• Adapts to changing priorities and supports lean/continuous improvement.

• Strong math and measurement skills, including reading feet/inches/fractions (to 1/32” preferred).

• Dependable attendance and reliability are required.

Performance Standards (after training/ramp-up):

• Production efficiency target: 90% (role- and workload-dependent)

• Quality target: 90% (first-time-right; measured by rework/scrap/inspection results)

• Paperwork accuracy target: 95% (job travelers, logs, timekeeping entries)

Qualification Requirements

• Must be able to perform each essential duty at a satisfactory level.

• Must demonstrate safe material handling habits and the ability to work around hot work, moving equipment, and overhead lifting.

Education and/or Experience

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED.

• Ability to read blueprints and follow work instructions.

Preferred:

• 1 years operating a CNC burn table (plasma and/or oxy-fuel) in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience with overhead cranes, magnets, forklifts, or plate handling.

• Familiarity with nesting/program selection and basic troubleshooting of cut quality.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Standing/walking for long periods; frequent bending, reaching, and climbing steps/ladders as needed.

• Exposure to a factory setting with hot/cold temperatures, noise, fumes/dust (PPE required).

• Ability to lift up to 80 lbs (with team lift/mechanical assistance for heavier items).

• Must be able to safely work around overhead lifts, moving material, and sharp/hot metal.