Plasma Cutter Operator

SUMMARY OF COMPANY

Southwest Shipyard, LP provides gas freeing and cleaning services, steaming, and flaring services, Barge and Boat repair, Surface preparation and painting, water treatment and new construction services to the commercial and government marine industry. Southwest Shipyard owns and operates four (4) shipyards in South Texas with direct deep-water access to the Gulf of Mexico. We take pride in our dedicated and experienced workforce that focuses on Quality, Safety and Environmental Excellence. Our motto is “Faster, Safer, Better”.

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a skilled Plasma Cutter Operator to join our shipyard team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for cutting and shaping metal components using plasma cutting equipment, based on blueprints, technical drawings, and job specifications. This role plays a critical part in the fabrication and repair of ships and marine structures.

WORK SCHEDULE

Regular attendance and punctuality are required of all employees.

Day Shift, must be available for weekends and overtime.

Galveston, Tx  (1002 Texas Clipper Rd, Galveston, TX 77554)

BENEFITS 

• Competitive Salary.
• Comprehensive Benefits (medical, dental, vision, life).
• 401(k)/Retirement Savings.
• Friendly Work Environment.
• Paid-Time off/Holidays.
• Career Path Opportunities

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate plasma cutting machines to cut, bevel, or contour metal plates, sheets, and structural components.
• Interpret and work from technical drawings, blueprints, or work orders to determine cutting requirements.
• Set up and calibrate plasma cutting equipment, ensuring proper gas pressures and torch alignment.
• Inspect and measure finished pieces to ensure they meet specified tolerances and quality standards.
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment and ensure safe operating conditions.
• Handle and move materials using cranes, forklifts, or manual lifting techniques.
• Adhere to safety protocols and PPE requirements in accordance with shipyard and OSHA standards.
• Work collaboratively with welders, fitters, and fabricators to meet project deadlines.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS 

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience operating plasma cutting equipment, preferably in a shipyard or industrial setting.
• Strong understanding of metal types, cutting techniques, and safety procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
• Proficient with measuring tools such as calipers, tape measures, and squares.

PHYSICAL / MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable workplace accommodation.

The individual must also be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required. This includes hard hat, safety glasses, life vest, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, personal flotation devices (PFD’s), or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.

In addition, Employees in this position must also be capable of:

• Walking, stepping, climbing, or otherwise moving from one location on the job site to another, which may be of varying heights and access parameters.
• Standing, stooping, bending, crouching, kneeling, squatting, climbing, crawling, or sitting for long periods of time.
• Repetitive movements by feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and back in performance of work.
• Climbing stairs, and/or vertical ladders of varying heights.
• Working in confined work areas and/or elevated heights.
• Lifting objects of minimum of 10lbs, with maximum single-person lift limit of 50lbs, with frequent lifting and carrying.
• Adapting to temperature changes, outdoor conditions, and prolonged exposure to dusty, wet, or humid conditions, loud noises, and vibration.
• Visually inspecting equipment and verifying information, often in small print.
• Applying sideways/upward/downward pressure to tighten and loosen hardware.

The Company expects and requires all employees to observe and fulfill all safety responsibilities as outlined in workplace safety training and actively work toward maintaining a safe workplace. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Regular attendance and punctuality are required of all employees. Employment at Southwest Shipyard, LP is on an “at-will” basis. There is no contract of employment between Southwest Shipyard, L.P., and anyone or all its employees unless explicitly stated elsewhere. Employment security cannot be guaranteed for or by any employee. No Manager, Supervisor, or employee of the Company has any authority to enter into an agreement for employment for any specified period of time or to make an agreement for employment other than at-will. Only the Owner or President has the authority to modify the at-will relationship, and then only in writing specifically addressed to the employee on this issue and signed by Southwest Shipyard, L.P. Executive.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement

Southwest Shipyard, LP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Southwest Shipyard, LP participates in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program. 

 Southwest Shipyard, LP is not currently accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms. Regardless of past practice, all resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Southwest Shipyard, LP, via-email, the Internet or directly to hiring managers at Southwest Shipyard, LP in any form without a valid written agreement in place for that specific position will be deemed the sole property of Southwest Shipyard, LP. As a result, no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Southwest Shipyard, LP