Machine Operator - Steel Manufacturing

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

60 days to eligibility for benefits

Full-time conversion eligibility

Job summary

Express Employment Professionals is seeking a skilled Machine Operator to join a leading steel building manufacturing facility in McGregor, TX. This role is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring robotic welding systems and automated fabrication equipment to produce structural steel components according to production and quality standards.

This is a great opportunity for candidates with strong mechanical aptitude and experience in fabrication or automated manufacturing

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of experience operating fabrication equipment.
• Experience in structural steel fabrication and/or robotic welding strongly preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints, weld symbols, and technical drawings.
• Experience with CNC machinery or automated systems is a plus.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic English and/or Spanish communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor robotic welding systems and automated fabrication equipment.
• Set up machinery, tooling, and robotic programs based on specifications and work orders.
• Fabricate structural steel components including layout, fit‑up, and positioning prior to welding.
• Load, align, and secure beams, plates, and materials for production.
• Monitor weld quality, alignment, and structural integrity during operations.
• Make basic robotic adjustments and program modifications as needed.
• Measure and verify parts using calipers, gauges, and precision tools.
• Inspect finished products for quality, accuracy, and compliance with specifications.
• Troubleshoot equipment or fabrication issues and escalating when necessary.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning on machinery.
• Document production output, downtime, and scrap.
• Operate additional fabrication equipment including plasma cutters, burn tables, saws, press brakes, and drills.
• Read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and technical documents.
• Support team production goals and maintain a safe working environment.

Skills

Fabrication equipment operation

Robotic welding

Blueprint reading

Mechanical aptitude

Teamwork

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CNC machinery

Robotic systems

Job description

Express Employment Professionals is seeking a skilled Machine Operator to join a leading steel building manufacturing facility in McGregor, TX. This role is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring robotic welding systems and automated fabrication equipment to produce structural steel components according to production and quality standards.

This is a great opportunity for candidates with strong mechanical aptitude and experience in fabrication or automated manufacturing environments who thrive in a fast-paced, hands‑on setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor robotic welding systems and automated fabrication equipment
• Set up machinery, tooling, and robotic programs based on specifications and work orders
• Fabricate structural steel components including layout, fit‑up, and positioning prior to welding
• Load, align, and secure beams, plates, and materials for production
• Monitor weld quality, alignment, and structural integrity during operations
• Make basic robotic adjustments and program modifications as needed
• Measure and verify parts using calipers, gauges, and precision tools
• Inspect finished products for quality, accuracy, and compliance with specifications
• Troubleshoot equipment or fabrication issues and escalating when necessary
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning on machinery
• Document production output, downtime, and scrap
• Operate additional fabrication equipment including plasma cutters, burn tables, saws, press brakes, and drills
• Read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and technical documents
• Support team production goals and maintain a safe working environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of experience operating fabrication equipment
• Experience in structural steel fabrication and/or robotic welding strongly preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Ability to read blueprints, weld symbols, and technical drawings
• Experience with CNC machinery or automated systems is a plus
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Basic English and/or Spanish communication skills required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understanding of structural steel fabrication processes (layout, fit‑up, welding)
• Familiarity with robotic welding systems and automated workflows
• Ability to identify weld defects and fabrication issues
• Strong problem‑solving and multitasking skills
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, heat, and heavy equipment
• Work around robotic welding cells and large steel components
• Overtime and weekend work may be required based on production needs

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move for extended periods
• Lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs regularly
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
• Ability to safely work with overhead cranes and large materials

Schedule

• 1st Shift: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• 2nd Shift: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• 3rd Shift: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM
• Weekend work may be required

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package available upon eligibility
• Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment
• Staffing employees become eligible for benefits upon full‑time conversion (waiting period waived)