CNC Plasma Machine Operator

Apache Workforce; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Night shift differential

Job summary

Apache Workforce is hiring a Machine Operator to safely operate 3D laser and CNC plasma cutting equipment, review drawings and BOMs, and produce accurate structural components in a high-demand shop.

Experience with Mazak 3D machines or similar cutting equipment is preferred; you will monitor cuts, perform maintenance, and adhere to safety protocols in a non-climate-controlled environment in Missouri City, TX. Night shift adds a 10% differential; salary ranges shown. FAQ and onboarding provided.

Qualifications

• Experience operating 3D laser or CNC cutting equipment.
• Read shop drawings, BOMs, and cut lists.
• Read tape measures and perform basic shop math.
• Understand consumables maintenance and tooling changes.
• Identify and troubleshoot cut-quality issues with safety in mind.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate 3D laser and CNC plasma cutting equipment.
• Monitor laser head/plasma torch and maintain cut quality.
• Inspect, clean, and replace machine consumables as needed.
• Perform daily preventative maintenance and adjust chuck jaws.
• Read drawings and verify material specs before cutting.
• Ensure material is secured and follow startup/shutdown procedures.
• Follow safety requirements including PPE and crane practices.
• Identify scrap and remnant material; maintain clean work area.

Skills

3D laser operation

CNC plasma

Machine maintenance

Reading drawings

Shop math

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vocational training in machine operation

Tools

Mazak 3D machine

CNC cutting equipment

Job description

Location: Missouri City, TX 77489

Pay Rate: $20.00–$25.00/hour DOE

Shift Differential: Additional 10% for Night Shift

Schedule: Day & Night Shifts Available

Position Overview

Apache Workforce is hiring 3D Laser / CNC Plasma Machine Operators. This position is responsible for safely operating 3D laser and/or CNC plasma cutting equipment to produce accurate structural components according to drawings, BOMs, work orders, and production requirements.

The ideal candidate will have experience operating 3D laser machines, Mazak 3D machines, CNC plasma, or similar cutting equipment and understand how machine settings, consumables, material setup, and maintenance affect cut quality.

Key Responsibilities

Safely operate 3D laser and/or CNC plasma cutting equipment.

Monitor the laser head or plasma torch throughout the cutting process.

Monitor and maintain consistent cut quality.

Inspect, clean, adjust, and replace machine consumables as needed.

Identify worn or damaged consumables before they affect production quality.

Troubleshoot issues such as rough cuts, excessive slag, poor pierces, inconsistent bevels, misfires, arc issues, burning, incomplete cuts, and poor hole quality.

Perform daily and scheduled preventative maintenance according to company procedures.

Change and properly install chuck jaws for different material sizes and shapes.

Verify material is properly secured before machine operation.

Follow proper machine setup, start-up, operating, and shutdown procedures.

Verify material type, size, thickness, and grade before cutting.

Read and understand shop drawings, BOMs, cut lists, and work orders.

Use measuring tools to verify finished parts meet required dimensions and tolerances.

Identify and track scrap, drops, and usable remnant material.

Safely operate an overhead crane after required training/certification.

Properly rig and move long or heavy structural material.

Maintain a clean and organized work area.

Follow all company safety requirements, including PPE, machine guarding, laser safety, fire prevention, crane safety, and material handling procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned by TAS Energy.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Previous experience operating a 3D laser, Mazak 3D machine, CNC plasma, or similar CNC cutting equipment preferred.

Understanding of laser head and/or plasma torch operation.

Ability to identify when consumables need to be cleaned, adjusted, or replaced.

Ability to recognize poor cut quality and make appropriate adjustments or stop production when necessary.

Experience performing preventative machine maintenance.

Ability to properly change and install chuck jaws.

Ability to read shop drawings, BOMs, work orders, and cut lists.

Ability to accurately read a tape measure and perform basic shop math.

Ability to convert common fractions to decimals.

Knowledge of structural steel shapes, including beams, channels, angles, tubing, pipe, plate, and bar stock.

Knowledge of safe overhead crane and rigging practices.

Strong attention to detail and safety awareness.

Good communication and teamwork skills.

Ability to troubleshoot machine and cut-quality issues.

Preferred Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.

Vocational training or certification in machine operation, CNC, manufacturing, or a related field.

Overhead crane certification.

Experience with lean manufacturing principles.

Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Work is performed in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing/shop environment.

Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods, including shifts of up to 10 hours.

Ability to work up to 6 days per week based on production needs.

Frequent bending, twisting, reaching, standing, walking, and maintaining balance.

Occasional kneeling, crouching, crawling, or sitting.

Ability to frequently lift materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

Ability to occasionally carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds over short distances.

Frequent use of hands for handling, grasping, and machine-related tasks.

Ability to climb ladders as needed.

Normal vision and hand-eye coordination required.

Hearing ability required for safe operation in a manufacturing environment.

Required PPE includes steel-toe boots, safety glasses, and TAS-provided hard hat.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a dependable Machine Operator with strong attention to detail who can safely operate CNC cutting equipment, identify structural materials, maintain equipment, monitor cut quality, and work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Pay: $20.00–$25.00/hour DOE

Night Shift: Additional 10% shift differential