CNC Lead Operator & Mentor – Custom Sheet Metal

Panelmatic; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental & Vision

HSA

401(k) matching

Education reimbursement

Paid time off

Career advancement

Competitive wages

Job summary

Panelmatic, Inc. is seeking an experienced CNC Machine Operator Lead to provide hands-on leadership in our fabrication department in Houston, TX. You will set up, operate, and maintain CNC equipment while guiding a team to produce sheet metal components safely and accurately.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years CNC machining, the ability to read blueprints, and a focus on quality and continuous improvement. You will mentor operators, troubleshoot issues, and help prioritize production to meet

Qualifications

• 3+ years CNC machine operation experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• Lead, trainer, or senior operator experience preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Experience setting up, operating, and troubleshooting CNC equipment.
• Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication processes including cutting, bending, punching, and forming.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily guidance and support to CNC Machine Operators and fabrication team members.
• Assist with coordinating workflow, prioritizing jobs, and communicating production needs to department leadership.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC machinery used to produce sheet metal components and assemblies.
• Load and unload raw materials, fixtures, and tooling while ensuring proper machine setup.
• Program, edit, and adjust CNC machine settings to meet job requirements and production specifications.
• Review blueprints, work orders, schematics, and fabrication drawings to determine required processes and dimensions.
• Select appropriate materials based on job specifications, strength requirements, and fabrication needs.
• Set up and align sheet metal parts for CNC operations and final fabrication assembly.
• Operate fabrication equipment including CNC machines, brakes, shears, and other metalworking equipment.
• Cut, bend, punch, and shape sheet metal components according to specifications.
• Verify dimensions and quality of completed parts using measuring tools such as calipers, squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.
• Perform quality checks to ensure parts meet blueprint requirements and notify inspectors or leadership when products are ready for review.
• Troubleshoot machine issues, tooling concerns, and production challenges to minimize downtime.
• Assist with equipment startups, shutdowns, and changeovers as required.
• Train and mentor CNC operators on safe machine operation, setup procedures, and quality expectations.
• Maintain accurate production records, job documentation, and repair notes.
• Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and inspections on CNC equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Ensure tools, equipment, and materials are properly stored after use.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and productivity.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

CNC leadership

Blueprint reading

Mentoring

Quality focus

Independent worker

Tools

CNC machines

CNC programming

Measuring tools

Job description

Panelmatic, Inc. is seeking an experienced CNC Machine Operator Lead to provide hands-on leadership in our fabrication department in Houston, TX. You will set up, operate, and maintain CNC equipment while guiding a team to produce sheet metal components safely and accurately.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years CNC machining, the ability to read blueprints, and a focus on quality and continuous improvement. You will mentor operators, troubleshoot issues, and help prioritize production to meet