CNC Plasma Operator

STS Aviation Group; West Point, Northern (MS, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

STS Technical Services in West Point, Mississippi is hiring a CNC Plasma Operator to safely run CNC plasma cutting equipment and produce precision metal components per engineering drawings and work orders. The role requires hands-on plasma cutting experience and the ability to interpret GD&T and material certifications.

The operator will set up, load programs, adjust parameters, and inspect cut parts, maintaining quality while following 5S and safety guidelines in a manufacturing shop

Qualifications

• Minimum 1–2 years of hands-on CNC plasma cutting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and material certifications.
• Basic math skills including fractions, decimals and measurement conversions.
• Proficiency with common hand measuring tools (calipers, tape measure, square).
• Crane or forklift certification preferred or obtainable.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC plasma cutting table per daily work orders and router packages.
• Load and interpret CNC programs, including G-code and machine-native formats; make minor edits as authorized.
• Select and install correct consumables for material type and thickness.
• Set plasma parameters and nest parts to maximize yield and minimize scrap.
• Perform in-process inspection and verify dimensions against drawings.

Skills

Reading engineering drawings

Basic math skills

Calipers and measuring tools

Overhead crane/forklift operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Calipers

Tape measure

Combination square

G-code familiarity

CNC programming basics

Job description

STS Technical Services is hiring a CNC Plasma Operator in West Point, Mississippi. This role is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of CNC plasma cutting equipment to produce precision metal components in accordance with engineering drawings, work orders and quality specifications.

If you have hands-on CNC plasma cutting experience, understand production drawings and know how to work safely in a manufacturing shop environment, we want to hear from you.

Position Summary

The CNC Plasma Cutting Table Operator is responsible for operating computer-numerically controlled plasma cutting equipment to support production throughput, dimensional accuracy and material utilization while following all safety and quality management system requirements.

Machine Setup and Operation

• Set up and operate CNC plasma cutting table per daily work orders and router packages
• Load and interpret CNC programs, including G-code and machine-native formats
• Make minor program edits as authorized
• Select and install correct consumables, including tips, electrodes, shields and swirl rings, per material type and thickness
• Set plasma parameters including amperage, cut speed, pierce delay and gas pressures
• Nest parts efficiently using CAM/nesting software to maximize material yield and minimize scrap
• Perform test cuts and verify dimensional accuracy prior to full production runs

Quality and Inspection

• Perform in-process inspection using calipers, squares and tape measures to verify part dimensions
• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts and cut-to-size specifications
• Identify, tag and segregate nonconforming material
• Initiate NCR documentation as required
• Maintain first-article documentation and traveler sign-offs per QMS procedures
• Monitor cut quality indicators, including dross, bevel angle, kerf width and surface condition
• Stage raw material, including plate, sheet and structural material, at the machine using overhead crane, forklift or manual handling
• Verify material certifications and heat/lot traceability prior to cutting
• Handle, label and store finished cut parts to prevent damage and maintain part identity
• Return and properly store remnant material
• Update material inventory as applicable

Preventive Maintenance and Housekeeping

• Perform daily pre-shift inspections, including water table level, rail cleanliness, Z-axis calibration and consumable condition
• Clean slag, spatter and water table debris per scheduled PM intervals
• Lubricate drive components and check drive system alignment per OEM maintenance schedule
• Log machine downtime, consumable usage and maintenance actions in the maintenance log
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in compliance with 5S standards

Safety

• Follow all lockout/tagout procedures before performing any maintenance or consumable change
• Wear required PPE, including safety glasses, face shield, hearing protection, steel-toed footwear and flame-resistant clothing
• Monitor and maintain proper ventilation and fume extraction during cutting operations
• Report unsafe conditions, near misses and incidents immediately to supervision

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Technical or vocational training in welding, machining or fabrication preferred
• Minimum 1 to 2 years of hands-on CNC plasma cutting experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and material certifications
• Basic math skills including fractions, decimals and measurement conversions
• Proficiency with common hand measuring tools, including calipers, tape measure and combination square
• Ability to safely operate overhead crane and/or forklift
• Crane or forklift certification preferred or obtainable

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with nesting software such as Hypertherm ProNest, SigmaNEST or equivalent
• Familiarity with Hypertherm, Lincoln Electric or ESAB plasma cutting systems
• Prior experience in a defense, aerospace or ISO 9001-certified manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of metal alloys including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum and high-strength steels
• Familiarity with basic G-code editing and CNC controller interfaces such as Burny, Hypertherm Phoenix or similar

Physical Requirements

• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs. frequently
• Lift and carry 51 to 100 lbs. occasionally with assistance or equipment
• Stand and walk on concrete flooring continuously throughout shift
• Bend, stoop and reach frequently
• Work in environments with heat, noise and fumes continuously
• Use hands and fingers for precise adjustments continuously

This position operates in a manufacturing shop environment with exposure to metal fumes, UV/IR arc light, noise levels requiring hearing protection and hot work surfaces. Temperatures may vary seasonally. PPE is required at all times on the shop floor.

Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

About STS Technical Services

STS Technical Services is a Top 100 Staffing Firm that partners with some of the largest names in the aerospace, manufacturing, defense and industrial industries. Our professional recruitment teams connect talented individuals with career opportunities at client locations throughout the United States and around the world.

STS Technical Services is an equal opportunity employer.