CNC Operator

Express Employment; Alabama; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Express Employment is seeking an experienced CNC Operator to run CNC drill lines and plasma cutting tables. You will program and nest parts, read shop drawings, and ensure accurate, efficient production with proper handling of long materials.

The role requires at least two years’ CNC experience, strong math skills, and the ability to operate cranes and forklifts safely in a fabrication shop environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years CNC machine operating experience.
• Ability to create, edit, and troubleshoot CNC programs and nests.
• Ability to read and interpret structural drawings, weld symbols, and hole layout details.
• Strong shop math and measuring skills (fractions, decimals, feet-inches).
• Computer proficiency with nesting software and production paperwork.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate a CNC drill line and CNC plasma cutting table.
• Load materials, unload parts up to 60 feet long and 5' x 10' sheets.
• Create, edit, and troubleshoot CNC programs and nests.
• Maintain tooling, perform preventive maintenance, and monitor wear.

Skills

CNC programming

Nesting

Reading drawings

Shop math

Material handling

Safety minded

Teamwork

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

CNC Operator

We are seeking an experienced CNC Operator to join our team and operate CNC equipment at the beginning of the production process. This position works with both a CNC drill line and CNC plasma cutting table, handling programming and nesting, material handling, machine setup, and production. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with machine controls and computers, understands material yield, and takes pride in producing accurate, consistent parts.

Responsibilities:

Machine Operation:

• Set up and operate a CNC drill line for drilling, milling, scribing, and sawing structural profiles, including beams, HSS, channels, and angles.
• Set up and operate a CNC plasma cutting table for plate parts, gussets, base plates, and connection materials.
• Load full-length raw materials onto the drill line and unload finished parts, with stock up to 60 feet in length.
• Load and unload plate on the plasma table, including full 5' x 10' sheets.
• Safely operate overhead bridge cranes, forklifts, and other material handling equipment.
• Monitor cut and drill quality throughout production and adjust feeds, speeds, and machine settings as needed.

Programming & Nesting:

• Create, edit, and troubleshoot CNC programs and nests for both the drill line and plasma table.
• Nest structural profiles onto stock lengths to minimize material waste and maximize usable remnants for future jobs.
• Read and interpret shop drawings, DXF files, and bills of material to verify part geometry, hole layouts, and quantities.
• Verify hole sizes, spacing, and dimensional callouts against drawings before beginning production.

Maintenance & Quality:

• Perform daily and routine preventive maintenance, including lubrication, coolant maintenance, chip and slat cleanout, and water table upkeep.
• Change and maintain tooling and consumables, including plasma torch consumables, drill bits, and saw blades.
• Monitor tooling and consumable wear and communicate reorder needs before they impact production.
• Inspect finished parts for dimensional accuracy, hole location, and cut quality using measuring tools such as tape measures, squares, and calipers.
• Report material shortages, programming issues, and machine faults promptly.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area around all equipment.
• Follow all company safety policies and OSHA standards. Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 2 years of CNC machine operating experience, preferably in structural steel, plate processing, or heavy fabrication.
• Ability to create, edit, and troubleshoot CNC programs and nests.
• Ability to read and interpret structural drawings, weld symbols, and hole layout details.
• Strong shop math and measuring skills, including fractions, decimals, and feet-and-inches measurements.
• Computer proficiency, including nesting software, file management, and production paperwork.
• Experience safely handling long and heavy materials using cranes, forklifts, and rigging equipment.
• Dependable, safety-minded, detail-oriented, and able to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred

• Experience operating a Peddinghaus drill line or comparable CNC beam line.
• Experience operating a Hypertherm plasma table or comparable CNC cutting table.
• Forklift experience.
• Rigging experience.
• Experience with ERP or shop production tracking systems.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday | 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM | June and July: 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Full-time position Compensation & Benefits Competitive hourly pay based on experience. Opportunities for advancement as the company grows. Work Environment Fabrication shop environment with CNC equipment, bridge and jib cranes, and steel handling equipment. Exposure to noise, dust, smoke, sparks, and varying shop temperatures. Team-oriented environment focused on safety, quality, and on-time production. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and remain on your feet for extended periods.