CNC Machine Operator Lead - 2nd Shift

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

About Us:

Panelmatic, Inc. was founded in 1957 in Youngstown, OH to serve manufacturing industries with the design and build of custom electrical, instrument, and pneumatic control panels. Our business has sufficiently grown over the years to support expansion for our clients. We have produced control packages for many of America's top corporations in the chemical, environmental, food, pulp and paper, rubber, petroleum, pharmaceutical, glass, metals, and utilities industries. We also deliver equipment for use worldwide. Our rigorous methodology assures compliance with domestic and international standards. We can meet the needs of our diverse clientele from start to finish through sales, design, fabrication, testing, and delivery.

Since 1957, we have been known for our high-quality, custom-built control packages, our comprehensive service, and our technological and manufacturing expertise. This expertise assures you of our ability to handle the largest and most complex packages quickly and efficiently.

Job Summary:

Panelmatic is seeking an experienced CNC Machine Operator Lead to provide hands‑on leadership and technical support within our fabrication department. The CNC Machine Operator Lead is responsible for operating, setting up, and maintaining CNC equipment while supporting daily workflow, training team members, and ensuring sheet metal components are produced accurately and efficiently.

This role will serve as a technical resource for CNC operations, assisting with troubleshooting, process improvements, quality checks, and production priorities. The ideal candidate will have strong CNC machining experience, the ability to read blueprints and schematics, and a commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork in a custom manufacturing environment.

Job Duties:

• 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

Required Qualifications:

• 3+ years of CNC machine operation experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment
• Previous lead, trainer, or senior operator experience preferred
• Ability to read and interpret 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
• Ability to use precision measuring tools and verify dimensional accuracy
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to train and support team members in a production environment
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality workmanship
• Ability to work independently while supporting team production goals

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with CNC press brakes, punches, shears, or sheet metal fabrication equipment
• Experience with CNC programming or machine code adjustments
• Experience in custom manufacturing, metal enclosures, or control panel fabrication
• Familiarity with quality inspection processes and production documentation
• Experience working with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement practices

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, HSA, term life, AD&D, STD, LTD
• 100% medical premium paid for by Panelmatic for the employee-only level medical coverage
• 80% paid for by Panelmatic and 20% paid for by the employee on all other level medical coverage (ie employee plus child, employee plus spouse, family)
• 401(k) contributions matched 100% up to 4%
• Scholarships, educational reimbursement, paid volunteerism, and paid personal and professional development provided
• PTO and paid holidays provided
• Career advancement opportunities
• Competitive wages
• Family-friendly environment with average employee tenure above five years