Metal Fabrication Operator

Shickel Corporation; Bridgewater (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A metal fabrication company in Virginia is seeking a skilled Metal Fabrication Operator. The candidate will set up and operate heavy-duty machinery to fabricate metal parts, requiring experience in reading blueprints and operating CNC equipment. The role demands attention to detail and commitment to quality standards. Join a team dedicated to craftsmanship and precision in a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in reading blueprints and setting up machinery is required.
• Knowledge of CNC fabrication and quality standards is essential.

Responsibilities

• Setup and operate heavy‑duty metal fabrication machinery.
• Review blueprints and specifications for job requirements.
• Ensure products meet quality standards and specifications.

Skills

Reading blueprints

CNC fabrication equipment operation

Attention to detail

Teamwork and communication

Tools

Power presses

Lasers

Waterjets

Shears

Drill presses

Saws

Forklifts

Job description

At Shickel Corporation, we take pride in our craftsmanship, precision, and dedication to producing high-quality metal fabrication products. With a legacy of excellence and teamwork, we provide our employees with opportunities to grow, contribute, and make a lasting impact on our projects and customers.

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Metal Fabrication Operator to join our team. This position is responsible for setting up and operating heavy‑duty power presses, lasers, and/or waterjets to bend, form, and cut metal materials. The ideal candidate will be experienced in reading blueprints, operating CNC fabrication equipment, and ensuring products meet exact specifications and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate heavy‑duty power press, laser, and/or waterjet machines to fabricate metal parts.
• Review and interpret shop orders, blueprints, and product specifications to determine job setup and nesting requirements.
• Prepare test pieces and verify that parts meet design and quality standards.
• Communicate with co‑workers and engineering personnel regarding layout details, design issues, and material specifications.
• Safely use overhead cranes, forklifts, and other lifting equipment to move materials.
• Operate additional fabrication equipment such as shears, drill presses, saws, hole punches, ironworkers, and hand tools.
• Maintain and troubleshoot Press Brake, Laser, and Waterjet machinery; report or perform repairs as needed.
• Load and unload materials and finished products; properly mark and identify completed work.
• Operate within the company’s Quality Management System and adhere to safety protocols outlined in the Shickel Corporation Safety Manual.
• Maintain accurate labor and production data using company software.
• Exhibit teamwork, professionalism, and adherence to company policies and standards.

Additional Duties by Area:

Press Brake Operators:

• Plan and execute bending operations, calculate bend allowances, and select appropriate dies.
• Align and secure die sets, adjust ram stroke, and program computerized backstops.
• Inspect bends for accuracy and finish; remove burrs and sharp edges.
• Set up and program machine control criteria, including cutting paths, carriage movements, and speeds.
• Operate software to optimize part layouts and nesting for material efficiency.
• Communicate with software support and engineering to resolve technical or design issues.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.