Fabricator - PP Operator

KMW LTD•Great Bend, KS

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Fabricator - PP Operator sets up and operates a CNC plasma punch to punch and cut sheet metal and metal plate according to blueprints, work orders, and program specifications. The operator selects and installs tooling, retrieves and verifies programmed jobs, loads and secures material, monitors machine performance, troubleshoots operating issues, and inspects finished parts for quality. The role also includes routine machine maintenance, housekeeping, safe work practices, and cross-functional support operating a plasma cutter or brake press as production needs require. The position has no supervisory responsibilities and reports to the Fabrication Foreman II. The operator may be cross-trained on other CNC fabrication equipment, including the brake press and laser. Employees who demonstrate strong blueprint-reading, setup, and troubleshooting abilities and interest in CAD/CAM software and nesting may be considered for advancement to Lead Operator or Fabrication Programmer roles.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One to three months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to read and understand blueprints, drawings, program sheets, and work orders.
Ability to use measuring devices such as tape measures, calipers, micrometers, and protractors in inches and millimeters.
Ability to operate numeric control (CNC) touchscreen controls.
Ability to perform arithmetic with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals and work with weight, volume, and American and metric distance units.
Mechanical aptitude, including installing punches, dies, and nozzles and recognizing worn or damaged tooling.
Working knowledge of shop safety practices, including PPE and lockout/tagout, through completion of required safety training.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, quality parts.
Ability to understand and follow written, oral, or diagram-based instructions and solve problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Ability to read and understand written instructions and safety procedures, write simple production notes, and communicate effectively with supervisors, programmers, and coworkers.
Ability to stay focused and maintain a steady pace during repetitive production work.
Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and cross-train on additional equipment.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including regularly standing, walking, handling and reaching, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, and talking or hearing; regularly lifting or moving up to 50 pounds, frequently up to 100 pounds, and occasionally more than 100 pounds; and having close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Forklift operator training certification, obtained through KMW training, must be maintained.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience operating CNC punching, plasma, or other fabrication equipment is preferred.
Interest in CAD/CAM software and nesting may support consideration for advancement to Lead Operator or Fabrication Programmer.

Responsibilities

Follow required safety practices, wear personal protective equipment, and follow lockout/tagout and machine-guarding procedures during tooling changes, jam clearing, or maintenance.
Immediately report unsafe conditions, near misses, and equipment hazards to the supervisor.
Interpret drawings, program sheets, and work orders to determine the work, forming sequences, and finished-part dimensions.
Discuss nesting and machining problems with the Fabrication Programmer to improve material yield and part quality.
Retrieve preprogrammed machine instructions and verify the correct program and revision for each job.
Select and install punches, dies, and plasma nozzles in the machine or tool holders.
Load, position, and secure material on the machine bed according to setup instructions.
Use machine controls and commands to index the machine to the specified set point and start it.
Perform punching and cutting operations to close and interrelated tolerances.
Monitor machine operation for malfunctions, including worn or damaged punches, dies, and cutting tips.
Change punches, dies, and nozzle tips as directed or when wear is detected.
Use override controls to correct out-of-tolerance or abnormal operating conditions.
Adjust machine feed and speed and change tooling to produce parts to specification when programming is faulty or the machine malfunctions.
Perform first-piece and in-process inspections and measure work pieces for conformance to specifications.
Remove slag and burrs from work-piece edges.
Notify the supervisor of discrepancies and segregate nonconforming parts.
Clean the machine, tooling, and work area at the end of each shift.
Perform routine machine maintenance and report equipment issues requiring repair.
Operate a plasma cutter or brake press and perform Numeric Controlled Machine Operator duties as production needs require.
Operate a forklift as needed to move material and maintain current forklift training certification.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Meet safety, quality, and productivity standards; maintain accurate production and inspection records; and support the company's ISO 9001/45001 quality and safety management systems.
Adapt to job changes and re-setups, manage production priorities, and participate in cross-training on additional equipment.