CNC Cutting Table Operator

Position Summary

The Steel Plasma / Laser Cutting Table Operator is responsible for safely and accurately operating CNC plasma and/or laser cutting equipment to produce steel parts from approved cutting files and production drawings. This position is responsible for setting up the cutting table, loading and positioning material, monitoring the cutting process, performing quality checks, and ensuring finished parts are properly identified and organized for the next stage of production.

The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, comfortable working with CNC equipment, and able to identify and correct basic cutting or machine issues.

Essential Responsibilities

• Operate CNC plasma and/or laser cutting tables to cut structural steel components.
• Review cutting files, shop drawings, nesting layouts, and production requirements before starting a job.
• Verify material type, thickness, size, grade, and quantity before loading the cutting table.
• Safely load and position steel plate, sheet, and other materials using appropriate lifting equipment.
• Set up the cutting table and verify proper machine settings before production.
• Select and install appropriate consumables, nozzles, electrodes, lenses, and other machine components as required.
• Verify torch/nozzle alignment, material height, machine zero points, and other setup requirements.
• Monitor the cutting process to ensure consistent cut quality and machine performance.
• Identify issues such as excessive slag, poor cut quality, incorrect dimensions, torch height problems, consumable wear, or machine alarms.
• Make appropriate adjustments to machine settings when necessary.
• Perform dimensional and visual inspections of completed parts.
• Verify part identification, piece marks, quantities, and material traceability.
• Properly sort and organize cut parts for downstream fabrication, fitting, or assembly.
• Remove slag, dross, sharp edges, and other cutting remnants as required.
• Operate overhead cranes and forklifts for loading and unloading the table.
• Maintain cutting tables, work areas, consumables, and equipment in a clean and organized condition.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and notify supervision of equipment problems requiring repair.
• Follow established nesting, cutting, quality-control, and material-handling procedures.
• Follow all company safety policies and OSHA requirements.
• Properly use required PPE and maintain a safe work environment.
• Communicate production issues, material shortages, machine problems, and quality concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Complete production work according to established schedules and priorities.

• Previous experience operating CNC plasma, laser, or similar automated cutting equipment preferred.
• Ability to read and understand basic shop drawings and dimensions.
• Ability to use a tape measure and basic measuring tools accurately.
• Basic understanding of steel types, thicknesses, and material identification.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot basic machine issues.
• Ability to follow written and electronic cutting instructions.
• Ability to work safely around heavy steel, cutting equipment, cranes, and other industrial machinery.
• Reliable attendance and dependable work habits.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a production team.

Preferred

• Experience operating a CNC plasma or fiber laser cutting table.
• Experience with structural steel fabrication.
• Experience with CNC cutting software or nesting software.
• Experience reading CNC cutting files.
• Experience with material traceability and piece-marking systems.
• Experience operating overhead cranes and forklifts.
• Previous experience with Hypertherm, Messer, Koike, Lincoln, or similar CNC cutting equipment.

Quality Expectations

The Cutting Table Operator is responsible for producing parts that meet specified dimensional and quality requirements.

The operator should:

• Verify dimensions before and during production.
• Ensure cut parts match the approved cutting file.
• Minimize scrap and material waste.
• Maintain consistent cut quality.
• Prevent incorrect material from being processed.
• Properly identify and sort finished parts.
• Report dimensional or cutting problems before defective parts move to the next production stage.
• Minimize rework caused by incorrect setup, material selection, or machine operation.

Production Expectations

• Follow the daily production schedule and assigned priorities.
• Keep the cutting table operating efficiently when material and files are available.
• Minimize unnecessary machine downtime.
• Properly stage material before production whenever possible.
• Communicate immediately when material, files, equipment, or other issues prevent production.
• Maintain an organized flow of cut parts to the next department.
• Balance production speed with safety and cut quality.

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety procedures.
• Wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, appropriate clothing, and other required protective equipment.
• Follow proper procedures for handling and moving steel.
• Never bypass machine guards, safety devices, or interlocks.
• Follow proper procedures for compressed gases, electrical equipment, hot material, and sparks.
• Maintain a clean area around the cutting table to reduce fire and trip hazards.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions or equipment problems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, stoop, climb, reach, and work around large steel components.
• Ability to lift and handle tools and materials as required.
• Ability to work around heat, sparks, fumes, dust, noise, and heavy industrial equipment.
• Ability to wear required PPE throughout the work shift.

Key Skills

CNC Cutting • Plasma Cutting • Laser Cutting • CNC Machine Operation • Blueprint Reading • Material Identification • Dimensional Measurement • Nesting • Cut Quality Inspection • Basic Troubleshooting • Steel Fabrication • Material Handling • Overhead Crane Operation • Quality Control • Safety • Production