Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Hypertherm, Inc.; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership (ESOP)

Community Service Time

Environmental stewardship

Profit-Sharing

Job summary

Hypertherm Associates in Kent, WA, seeks a Machine Operator for 2nd shift to set up and run manual and CNC equipment, ensuring high-quality parts and on-time flow. You will use calipers, micrometers, and other tools to verify dimensions, while adhering to safety and process docs.

This role supports lean manufacturing and teamwork in a collaborative environment. The position offers 2nd-shift stability, a base hourly pay in the mid-range, and opportunities for growth within a 100% associate-owned

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on experience setting up and operating manual and CNC machines in a manufacturing environment.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Strong shop math knowledge (arithmetic, geometry, Cartesian coordinates).
• Experience using precision measuring equipment (calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges, comparators, and dial indicators).
• Ability to read engineering drawings, work orders, and written instructions.
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with MS Office.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work reliably on a fixed 2nd-shift schedule.

Responsibilities

• Produce high-quality components meeting exacting standards while supporting reliable production flow on the 2nd shift.
• Set up and operate manual and CNC machining equipment to produce parts that meet quality, performance, and safety standards.
• Perform machining, assembly, and basic packaging operations as required.
• Use precision measuring tools to verify part conformance and dimensional accuracy.
• Make routine machine adjustments and support basic troubleshooting to reduce downtime.
• Follow work instructions, setup sheets, engineering drawings, and safety requirements.
• Participate in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with teammates and shift leadership to meet daily production priorities.

Skills

Machine operation

Reading engineering drawings

Precision measurement tools

Basic computer skills

Communication skills

Shift reliability

Shop math

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CNC machines

Manual machines

Job description

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Hypertherm Associates - OMAX in Kent, Washington

Are you looking to make a career shift? Looking for a reliable, stable job where you can contribute to a team, learn, and grow? Hypertherm is seeking Machine Operators to join our Kent, Washington manufacturing team supporting our Waterjet product line . This role is ideal for someone with some experience with Machine Operating who enjoys hands-on production work, consistent schedules, and contributing to a collaborative, lean manufacturing environment.

As a 100% associate-owned global leader in industrial cutting solutions, Hypertherm offers a stable, people-centered workplace where quality, safety, and continuous improvement matter.

Key Responsibilities

• In this role, you'll be responsible for producing high-quality components that meet exacting standards while supporting reliable production flow on 2nd shift.
• Set up and operate manual and CNC machining equipment to produce parts that meet quality, performance, and safety standards
• Perform machining, assembly, and basic packaging operations as required
• Use precision measurement tools to verify part conformance and dimensional accuracy
• Make routine machine adjustments and support basic troubleshooting to reduce downtime
• Follow work instructions, setup sheets, engineering drawings, and safety requirements
• Participate in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, and efficiency
• Collaborate with teammates and shift leadership to meet daily production priorities

Required knowledge, skills, education and experience:

• 2+ years of hands-on experience setting up and operating manual and CNC machines in a manufacturing environment
• High School Diploma or GED
• Strong working knowledge of shop math, including basic arithmetic, geometry, and Cartesian coordinate systems
• Proven ability to use precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges, comparators, and dial indicators
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work orders, and written instructions
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with MS Office
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work reliably on a fixed 2nd-shift schedule

Preferred experience that differentiates you:

• 5+ years of hands-on experience with CNC machines
• Experience working in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement environments
• Intermediate machine and process troubleshooting experience
• Comfort using process documentation and setup instructions

Location: Kent, WA

Base pay: $25-$30/hour based on experience

Additional benefits in joining Hypertherm Associates:

• Collaborative, 100% employee-owned culture
• Profit-Sharing and Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP)
• Five days/year paid Community Service Time
• Strong commitment to Environmental Stewardship

Sponsorship of new applicants for employment authorization, or any other immigration-related support, is not available for this position at this time.

Hypertherm Associates is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we welcome all applications. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.