Job Details: Level: Experienced, Job Location: Santa Ana, CA 92707, Salary Range: $21.00 - $24.00 Hourly, Job Shift: Day
POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a detail-oriented and safety-conscious Cutting Operator to operate and maintain Gerber automated cutting equipment used for aerospace‑grade composite materials, including carbon fiber, fiberglass, and prepregs. The ideal candidate will have experience in precision cutting, reading engineering drawings, and working in a quality‑controlled manufacturing environment. This role is critical in ensuring accurate, contamination‑free cuts to support aircraft and aerospace component production.
POSITION DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITES
- Operate and monitor Gerber automated cutting machines for composite materials per engineering specifications.
- Prepare, load, and align materials (e.g., prepregs, carbon fiber) for cutting with high accuracy and consistency.
- Interpret technical drawings, cut files, and work instructions to ensure correct material type, orientation, and ply count.
- Perform inspections of cut parts to ensure dimensional accuracy and compliance with aerospace tolerances.
- Label, kit, and track cut materials with part numbers, batch/lot numbers, and traceability documentation.
- Handle sensitive or hazardous materials using proper PPE and cleanroom procedures when required.
- Maintain equipment through routine cleaning, blade changes, and basic troubleshooting.
- Record material usage and report defects, non‑conformities, or inefficiencies to supervisors and engineering.
- Adhere to AS9100, NADCAP, FAA, OSHA, and company‑specific safety and quality standards.
- Collaborate with production, engineering, lamination, and quality teams to meet production schedules.
Qualifications: SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to function well in a high‑paced and at times stressful environment.
- Basic computer skills.
- Knowledge of safety protocols and PPE use in aerospace manufacturing.
Education
- High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
- Technical training or certification in manufacturing is a plus.
Experience
- No related experience required.
- Experience with production tracking systems.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.
- O (Occasionally) Position requires activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)
- F (Frequently) Position requires activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)
- C (Constantly) Position requires activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)
Physical Demands
Lift/Carry
- 10 lbs or less O
- 11-20 lbs O
- 21-50 lbs N
- 51-100 lbs N
- Over 100 lbs N
Push/Pull
- 12 lbs or less O
- 13-25 lbs O
- 26-40 lbs N
- 41-100 lbs N
Other Physical Requirements
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position such as working at a desk on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
- This position requires you to occasionally move about the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
- Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
- The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
- The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- This position requires the ability to navigate and access all areas of our campus.
- Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Required Safety Glasses
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position requires an on‑site presence. Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment and may be noisy at times. Exposure to resin‑based composites, adhesives, and temperature‑controlled storage areas. Work may require occasional weekend and/or evening work.