Machine Operator - Plasma Operator

Wastequip; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan with match

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Wastequip Mount Sterling is seeking an experienced Plasma operator to join our manufacturing team in the garbage truck/container sector. You will set up and operate the plasma cutting table for various thicknesses, change consumables, and ensure quality across the machining process.

The role requires handling heavy plates, using cranes, and performing first-piece inspection with calipers and tape measures. Overtime and teamwork are essential for meeting production goals.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience operating and setting up a plasma cutter.
• Ability to read blueprints and use measuring tools.
• Ability to work alone and in a team; willingness to overtime.

Responsibilities

• Set up plasma cutting table and load heavy plates.
• Monitor cutting process and adjust heat, pre-heat times, and pierce rate.
• Unload parts using cranes, clean and deburr finished pieces.

Skills

Plasma Cutter operation

Blueprint reading/measurement

Teamwork

Overtime willingness

Tools

Overhead crane operation

Job description

Job Description

WQ Mount Sterling is looking for an experienced Plasma operator. You will be joining a skilled manufacturing Team working in the Garbage Truck/Container industry. This role will involve setting up and operating our Plasma cutting table for various sheet metal thicknesses from 0.078” to 3.5” plate steel and aluminum. You will be responsible for changing consumables on the machines, ensuring quality and efficiency throughout the machining process.

Shift Hours

3:00PM - 11:30PM

Pay Rate

$22.75 + $2 shift differential

Key Responsibilities

• Sets up machine by retrieving and loading large heavy plates of steel using overhead crane, downloading program(s), entering parameters of job, selecting type of cut, and cutting first piece.
• Operates cut table by monitoring cutting and adjusting heat in torches, pre-heat times, and pierce rate.
• Material Handling: Unloads skeleton and parts using overhead crane, jib crane and/or lifting magnets.
• Cleans and deburrs all cut parts to be free of slag and burrs.
• Multi-Tasking: Performs first-piece and in-process inspection by checking material thickness and dimensions of part per blueprint using calipers, tape measure and/or calculator.
• Cleans burn table and performs minor preventive maintenance such as checking coolant levels, gases and changing or adjusting them as needed.
• Operator will change consumable oxyfuel tips as needed.
• Completes Plasma operator maintenance log.
• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Key Qualifications

• At least 3-5 years’ operating and setting up a Plasma Cutter
• Ability to use measuring devices Ruler, Caliper, Hard Gauges as well as read and understand prints
• Must be able to work by alone as well as in a Team setting
• Ability to work overtime when needed

Company Benefits

• 2 Medical Plan Options - Base HSA (High Deductible) and Buy-Up Medical Plans
• Prescription (Rx) Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 2 Dental Plan Options - Base Dental and Buy-Up Dental Plans
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA’s)
• Health Care FSA
• Dependent Care FSA
• Company Paid Base Life Insurance
• Company Paid Accident, Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Company Paid Business Travel Accident Insurance
• Company Paid Disability Insurance Short-Term Disability (STD) and Base Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Hospital, Accident & Critical Illness (Cancer) Insurance
• 401(K) Retirement Plan with 50% Company Match
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Vacation and Personal/Sick Time
• Paid Grandparent Leave
• Paid Bonding Leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Education Assistance (Tuition Reimbursement)

About Wastequip

Wastequip got its start in 1989 with containers and compactors. But, today, we have evolved into so much more than just a manufacturer of high-quality steel containers and compactors. We are the waste industry’s only All-in-One solutions provider – from carts and containers to collect waste to hoists and trash trucks to move the waste to parts, service and technology to keep your operation running smoothly. While we’re proud to be North America’s leading manufacturer of waste handling equipment, we are equally proud to be a driving force for enhanced sustainability across the waste industry. We are consistently striving to improve our own operations while making it easier for our customers to do the right thing – building a brighter future for all.

Join North America’s Largest Manufacturer of Waste Handling Systems! At Wastequip, we’re more than just a manufacturer—we’re the only all-in-one solutions provider in the waste industry. From carts and containers to hoists, trucks, parts, service, and cutting-edge technology, we power the entire waste management process. As North America’s leading waste-handling equipment manufacturer, we’re not just shaping the industry—we’re driving innovation and sustainability. With continuous growth and new opportunities, Wastequip is the perfect place to build a rewarding career and make a real impact. Come be part of a team that’s shaping the future of waste management!

Wastequip strives to attract top talent through a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision plans. Here’s a brief overview of our benefits: Health Care. Our health care benefits include medical, dental and vision plans for all regular, full-time employees. Short- and Long-Term Disability. Wastequip pays for non-occupational illnesses and injuries at no cost to employees. This benefit is available to all regular, full-time employees. 401k Retirement Plan. Employees can contribute a percentage of their weekly gross wages, up to the annual IRS maximum, and Wastequip will provide a company match. Paid Time Off (PTO). Wastequip offers a flexible approach to time off. Our policy allows employees to set their own priorities and receive regular pay for vacation, illness, family emergencies, personal time, inclement weather, personally observed holidays and more. Holidays. Wastequip observes 10 paid company holidays during each calendar year. Tuition Reimbursement. Wastequip understands the importance of personal and professional development and encourages employees to continue their professional education. To support employee career development, we have established a reimbursement program that covers expenses for approved coursework. Wastequip’s internship program provides students and recent graduates with incredible career-related experiences. We strive to give our interns transferrable skills, networking opportunities and strong professional portfolios.

We offer paid summer internships in the following departments: Research Marketing IT Operations Human Resources … and more. Wastequip is committed to developing our employees. We provide each individual with the resources and support necessary to grow personally and professionally. Our career growth tools include company training, off-site classes, cross-divisional experiences, collaborative projects and more. We offer our employees the opportunity to share their creativity in an open environment and encourage them to offer new ideas to improve efficiency, effectiveness and profitability in every area of the company. Because we invest in our employees, Wastequip is committed to promoting from within and identifying future leaders from our own workforce. Wastequip actively supports charitable activities across all divisions through employee time, monetary and product donations. Each division has the flexibility to identify and support the charitable causes that are most important to the employees and the communities in which they work. Employee-designed volunteer and charitable programs have a huge impact on smaller communities and organizations that might otherwise be overlooked. Our employees have participated in the following charitable activities: Community cleanups Charity runs/walks Local food bank donations School supplies donations

Wastequip is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in our workforce. All qualified applicants and employees are considered and evaluated for employment without regarding to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other class protected by applicable law. Wastequip will provide reasonable accommodations to allow an applicant to participate in the hiring process if requested.