Cut Shop/Machine Operator/Receiving

JEL MANUFACTURING LLC; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

JEL Manufacturing LLC in Milwaukee seeks a hands-on Cut Shop / Machining / Receiving associate to support daily fabrication operations. You will cut materials, machine basic parts, receive materials, and maintain organized inventory for production.

The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and capable of working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Prior experience with saws and basic machining is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing, fabrication, machining, warehouse, or material-handling preferred.
• Ability to read a tape measure and understand shop drawings.
• Ability to lift and handle materials safely.
• Ability to operate shop equipment after training.
• Strong attention to detail and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Cut and measure materials using band saws, chop saws, and related equipment.
• Read shop drawings and ensure correct material dimensions and labeling.
• Receive, inspect, and document incoming materials in the ERP system.
• Move materials with forklifts or hand trucks; stage for production.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized cutting, machining, and receiving areas.
• Report equipment issues and material discrepancies to supervision.
• Support other shop duties as needed to meet production goals.

Skills

Tape measure reading

Detail-oriented

Safety-conscious

Mechanical aptitude

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Band saws

Drill presses

Lathes

Mills

Grinders

Forklift

Overhead crane

ERP systems

Calipers

Micrometers

Job description

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Position Summary

The Cut Shop / Machining / Receiving position is responsible for supporting daily fabrication shop operations through accurate material cutting, basic machining, receiving and inspection of incoming materials, and maintaining organized material inventory. This position works closely with the shop, purchasing, and production teams to ensure materials are available, properly processed, accurately received, and ready for fabrication.

The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and comfortable working in a hands-on manufacturing environment. Previous experience with saws, machining equipment, material handling, or receiving in a fabrication or manufacturing environment is preferred.

Essential Job Duties

Cut Shop

• Operate band saws, cold saws, chop saws, and other material-cutting equipment.
• Read and interpret shop drawings, cut lists, work orders, and material specifications.
• Measure and cut structural steel, tubing, pipe, plate, aluminum, and other materials to specified dimensions.
• Verify material type, size, quantity, and dimensions before cutting.
• Set up cutting equipment and make appropriate adjustments for different materials and applications.
• Properly identify and label cut materials for production.
• Minimize material waste through proper planning and nesting of cuts when practical.
• Maintain saw blades, cutting equipment, and work areas in good operating condition.
• Report equipment problems, damaged material, or discrepancies to the appropriate supervisor.

Machining

• Perform basic machining operations such as drilling, tapping, grinding, deburring, and cutting.
• Operate drill presses (Bridgeport), manual mills, lathes, grinders, and other shop equipment as qualified.
• Follow drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and work instructions.
• Set up and secure parts properly before machining.
• Use measuring equipment such as tape measures, calipers, micrometers, squares, and other precision measuring tools.
• Inspect completed work to ensure dimensions and specifications are met.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe machining work areas.

Receiving & Material Handling

• Receive incoming materials & parts
• Verify shipments against purchase orders, packing slips, and receiving documentation.
• Inspect incoming materials for quantity, damage, size, type, and general condition.
• Report shortages, overages, damaged materials, or incorrect shipments to Purchasing or Management.
• Accurately enter or record received materials in the company’s ERP system.
• Properly tag, identify, and store received materials.
• Maintain organized material storage areas and inventory locations.
• Move materials using forklifts, pallet jacks, cranes, or other material-handling equipment as trained and authorized.
• Pull and stage materials for production according to shop requirements.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and assist with inventory counts.
• Coordinate with Purchasing and Production to ensure materials are available when needed.

General Shop Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
• Properly use personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Perform routine housekeeping and equipment maintenance.
• Assist other departments and shop personnel when workload requires.
• Communicate material shortages, production concerns, and equipment issues promptly.
• Follow established procedures for quality control and material identification.
• Perform duties as assigned by the shop manager.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, machining, warehouse, or material-handling environment preferred.
• Ability to read a tape measure and accurately measure materials.
• Basic ability to read and understand shop drawings, work orders, and measurements.
• Ability to safely operate shop equipment after appropriate training.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn the company’s ERP system.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable attendance and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to lift, move, and handle materials safely.

Preferred

• Experience in a steel or metal fabrication shop.
• Experience operating band saws.
• Basic machining experience.
• Experience using drill presses, mills, lathes, or grinders.
• Forklift experience.
• Overhead crane experience.
• Experience with ERP systems and receiving transactions.
• Ability to read fabrication or machining drawings.
• Experience with calipers, micrometers, and other precision measuring tools.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to regularly lift and move materials and parts.
• Ability to work around machinery, metal, dust, noise, and industrial equipment.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, climb, and work in various positions as required.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and safety footwear.
• Ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in a fabrication and manufacturing shop environment. The employee will routinely work around metalworking equipment, cutting equipment, machining equipment, forklifts, overhead cranes, welding operations, and other industrial machinery.

Safety, quality, productivity, organization, and teamwork are essential to this position.

Key Performance Expectations

• Materials are cut accurately and according to specifications.
• Materials and parts are properly identified and staged for production.
• Incoming materials are accurately received and documented.
• Inventory and material locations remain organized and accurate.
• Machined parts meet required dimensions and specifications.
• Equipment and work areas are maintained safely and properly.
• Work is completed efficiently while minimizing material waste.
• Safety procedures are consistently followed.
• Communicates effectively with Management.