Beamline Operator

Position Summary:

The Beamline Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and quality operation of the automated beamline machine(s) used to process structural steel shapes (cutting, drilling, punching) in accordance with shop drawings, production schedules and company safety/quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up, program, and operate the beamline machine to process raw structural steel shapes (e.g., beams, columns, angles) per production drawings and specifications. 
• Load/unload raw material and finished parts (often using forklift or overhead crane) and manage material flow through the beamline. 
• Interpret NC/automation files (e.g., DSTV, Raptor software) and select appropriate tools, settings, and consumables (e.g., plasma nozzles, drill bits) according to material type and thickness. 
• Monitor machine performance during operation: spot anomalies, make necessary minor adjustments, and troubleshoot basic issues to maintain machine productivity and part accuracy. 
• Perform in‐process inspection: verify cut/drill quality, hole patterns, dimensions, and compliance with shop drawings. Report non‐conforming parts to QC or the supervisor. 
• Conduct routine preventative maintenance on the machine: cleaning, lubrication, inspection of components (torch, drill unit, conveyors), and coordinate with maintenance for larger repairs. 
• Maintain safe work environment: strictly follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), machine‐guarding, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and maintain housekeeping in beamline area (scrap removal, waste management). 
• Collaborate with production/planning/quality teams to meet output targets, minimize downtime, and support continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., line efficiency, scrap reduction, process enhancement)

Qualifications / Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent. Technical/trade school in CNC fabrication, mechanical, or related field is preferred.
• Experience (2 years) operating beamline, CNC/plasma cutting, drilling or fabrication machinery in a structural steel environment. Familiarity with systems like Voortman, Peddinghaus is advantageous. 
• Ability to read and interpret shop drawings, blueprints, NC files, and understand material specifications.
• Mechanical aptitude: ability to align, calibrate and adjust machinery and tooling.
• Forklift or overhead crane certification (or willingness to obtain) may be required.
• Strong attention to detail, good problem‐solving skills, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Physical ability: standing for long periods, lifting/carrying moderate weights (up to 50 lb or more), working in fabrication shop environment (noise, dust, variable temperatures) 
• Commitment to safety, quality, and productivity.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with automation software for beamline programming (e.g., Raptor, DSTV import).
• Basic maintenance/troubleshooting skills (e.g., recognizing mechanical/electrical issues, log error codes).
• Familiarity with production scheduling, lean manufacturing or continuous improvement practices.
• Good communication skills, ability to work in team environment.

Work Environment & Conditions:

• Manufacturing/fabrication shop environment: exposure to noise, moving machinery, metal dust and scrap, potential for lifting and repetitive motions.
• Shift work may be required (e.g., day shift, swing shift) depending on production schedule.
• Safety‐critical role: adherence to PPE requirements, machine safety protocols, and environmental/quality standards.

Performance Metrics:

• Machine uptime/utilization and minimal downtime due to operator error.
• Part accuracy: adherence to dimensional tolerances, hole pattern compliance, minimal scrap/rework.
• Safety: zero recordable incidents, strict compliance with LOTO, PPE, housekeeping.
• Productivity: meeting or exceeding daily output targets and efficient material handling.
• Quality: minimal rejects, timely reporting of non‐conformances, support of QC audits.