CNC Operator

Located in Bessemer, AL

Salary: 25-26hr

CNC Operator

Location: Bessemer, Alabama
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM
Summer Schedule (June & July): 6:00 AM–2:30 PM
Pay: Competitive hourly pay based on experience
Job Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented CNC Operator to join a growing structural steel fabrication operation in Bessemer, Alabama. This position is responsible for operating CNC equipment at the beginning of the fabrication process, including both a CNC drill line and CNC plasma cutting table.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working with machine controls and computers, understands CNC programming and material nesting, and takes pride in producing accurate, high-quality parts. The right person will be able to think ahead about material yield, troubleshoot programs and equipment, and maintain consistent production standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate the Peddinghaus XDM-630B CNC drill line to drill, mill, scribe, and saw structural steel profiles, including beams, HSS, channels, and angles.
• Set up and operate the Hypertherm HPR260 CNC plasma cutting table to produce plate parts, gussets, base plates, and connection materials.
• Create, edit, and troubleshoot CNC programs and nests while working from structural drawings, DXF files, and bills of material.
• Load and unload long structural steel and full-size plate using overhead bridge cranes, forklifts, and other material-handling equipment.
• Monitor production quality and adjust feeds, speeds, and machine settings as needed.
• Inspect finished parts for dimensional accuracy, hole location, and cut quality using tape measures, squares, and calipers.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and maintain tooling and consumables.
• Identify and report material shortages, program issues, tooling needs, and machine faults.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area while following all company safety policies and OSHA standards.

Skills Required

• CNC machine setup and operation.
• CNC programming, editing, and troubleshooting.
• Material nesting and yield optimization.
• Ability to read structural drawings, weld symbols, and hole layout details.
• Strong shop math and measuring skills, including fractions, decimals, and feet-and-inches measurements.
• Computer proficiency for nesting software, file handling, and production paperwork.
• Ability to inspect parts and verify dimensional accuracy.
• Knowledge of safe material handling, rigging, and lifting practices.
• Ability to perform basic machine maintenance and manage tooling and consumables.

Experience Required

• Minimum of 2 years of CNC machine operating experience.
• Experience in structural steel, plate processing, or heavy fabrication preferred.
• Experience creating, editing, and troubleshooting CNC programs and nests.
• Experience safely handling long and heavy materials using cranes, forklifts, and rigging.
• Direct experience with a Peddinghaus drill line or comparable CNC beam line is preferred.
• Direct experience with a Hypertherm plasma table or comparable CNC cutting table is preferred.
• Forklift and rigging experience preferred.
• Experience with ERP or shop production tracking systems is a plus.

Qualities Required

• Dependable and reliable.
• Safety-minded and detail-oriented.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Quality-focused with a commitment to accuracy.
• Organized and able to maintain a clean work area.
• Takes ownership of production results and repeatable accuracy.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced industrial fabrication environment.

Equipment Used

• Peddinghaus XDM-630B CNC drill line
• Hypertherm HPR260 CNC plasma cutting table
• Overhead bridge cranes
• Jib cranes
• Forklifts and material-handling equipment
• Tape measures, squares, and calipers
• Drill bits, saw blades, plasma torch consumables, and other CNC tooling

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to stand and work on your feet for extended periods.
• Must be able to safely handle long and heavy steel materials.
• Must be comfortable working around noise, dust, smoke, sparks, and varying shop temperatures.
• Must be able to safely operate and work around cranes, forklifts, and other material-handling equipment.

Work Environment

This position is performed in a structural steel fabrication shop environment with CNC equipment, overhead bridge and jib cranes, forklifts, and steel-handling equipment. The role involves exposure to noise, dust, smoke, sparks, and varying temperatures. The successful candidate must be committed to maintaining a safe, clean, organized, and productive work environment.

Hours

• Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM
• June & July: 6:00 AM–2:30 PM
• Full-time position

Compensation

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience
• Opportunities for advancement as the company grows

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