Machine Operator

NEW LEADER MANUFACTURING•Cedar Rapids, IA
•Onsite

About The Position

The Machine Operator performs a variety of machine operations to fabricate steel parts and assemblies using steel fabrication equipment in one of several work areas: 4k laser, 12k laser, small press brake, large press brake, Wasino, saws, tube bender, or structural. The role includes operating and monitoring equipment, preparing materials and tooling, checking finished work for conformance to specifications, and maintaining a safe, clean work area and equipment. The operator also supports successful plant operations and customer satisfaction through effective communication, teamwork, dependability, and adherence to safety procedures and company core values. The position requires the ability to work with little to no supervision, resolve production or assembly issues with relevant personnel, perform preventive maintenance and calibrations, and report non-conformities. Physical duties include extended standing, lifting and moving materials, using hand and power tools, and accessing elevated equipment. The work takes place in a plant shop environment with exposure to moving machinery, airborne particles, vibration, and other workplace hazards.

Requirements

  • 0–2 years of experience.
  • Basic computer skills, including using computer systems to look up information, clock in and out, and report work activities.
  • Ability to read blueprints.
  • Good math skills, including adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to read a tape measure to 1/32 inch.
  • Experience with hand tools, including power tools such as impact drivers and drills.
  • Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including standing for up to 8 hours in an 8-hour shift; frequently lifting 50 pounds and occasionally lifting up to 100 pounds; pushing or pulling with up to 110 pounds of force; and frequently using hands, sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, walking, crawling, balancing, and climbing ladders or working on platforms.
  • Ability to work in a plant shop environment with exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, vibration, occasional risk of electrical shock, and possible hazardous chemicals.
  • Wear steel-toed shoes, gloves, and safety glasses.

Nice To Haves

  • Previous manufacturing experience.
  • Prior experience and/or training operating a drill press, saw, shear, press brake, or CNC equipment.
  • Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Prior experience and/or training operating laser cutting equipment.
  • Prior experience or training in CNC operation or programming.
  • Prior thermal cutting experience.

Responsibilities

  • Mark, measure, and scribe dimensions and reference points on materials or workpieces, or position them against stops for processing.
  • Start and monitor machine operations, detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance operation, and adjust controls or control media as needed.
  • Calculate and set machine controls for factors such as speed, feed, coolant flow, and depth and angle of cut, or enter commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media.
  • Verify that finished workpieces conform to specifications.
  • Communicate effectively with co-workers and internal customers and contribute as a team player and positive role model.
  • Select, align, and load tooling, bits, blades, cutting tools, and consumables on or in fabrication machines.
  • Work with engineers, production personnel, programmers, and others to resolve machining or assembly problems.
  • Train others as directed.
  • Keep the work area clean and orderly; perform required preventive maintenance and calibrations; and report non-conformities to the Line Lead, Supervisor, or Maintenance until resolved.
  • Work with little to no supervision and complete goals and projects on time or ahead of schedule.
  • Maintain dependable attendance, respond cooperatively to work assignments, follow through on commitments, and be available as a resource to peers or subordinates.
  • Follow safety procedures, protocols, and policies; adhere to SAFESTART concepts; and act when others are not holding themselves accountable.
  • Demonstrate company core values by taking ownership, remaining interested and learning, supporting improvement and change, seeking diverse perspectives, and learning from mistakes.
  • Handle hazardous waste according to company policy and participate in annual hazardous waste training.
  • Wear required personal protective equipment, including steel-toed shoes, gloves, and safety glasses.
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