Nesting Technician

SMF; Minonk (IL); On-site; USD 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus

Annual wage increases

Shift premium (2nd/3rd shift)

11 paid holidays + 3 additional days

Paid time off

Excellent benefits package

401(k) with employer match & profit分享

Life Insurance & Disability Coverage

Job summary

SMF in Minonk, IL is hiring a Nesting Technician to support production by creating and optimizing nests using SigmaNEST and production control systems. You will monitor schedules, analyze material usage, and collaborate with engineering and purchasing to ensure on-time delivery and cost efficiency.

The role requires 2–3 years of nesting experience, strong blueprint-reading skills, and a focus on waste reduction and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Two to three years of nesting technician experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency in optimizing material utilization and reducing scrap through nesting practices.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and work orders.

Responsibilities

• Create and optimize production nests to support schedules.
• Monitor schedules and flag risks to on-time production.
• Analyze layouts and material usage to maximize efficiency and reduce waste.
• Suggest routing or process improvements to cut costs.
• Coordinate just-in-time material sequencing and delivery.
• Work with engineering and purchasing to resolve nesting issues.
• Train and mentor other nesting technicians.

Skills

Nesting expertise

SigmaNEST

Blueprint reading

Material utilization

Manufacturing environment

Tools

SigmaNEST software

CAD drawings

Job description

Join SMF – Where Your Career Takes Shape!At SMF, we don’t just offer jobs—we build careers. As part of Etnyre International, we have a 50-year legacy in high-quality metal fabrication, serving industries like construction, power generation, agriculture, and mining.Our reputation as a top-tier supplier to Fortune 500 OEMs comes from our dedicated team members, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to excellence.With 200,000+ square feet of manufacturing capabilities across two locations, we handle everything from engineering and fabrication to finishing. Our recent partnership with Etnyre International has fueled even more growth and opportunity—and we want YOU to be a part of it! What We Offer – Total Rewards Package: ANNUAL BONUS for ALL team members ANNUAL Wage Increases to reward your dedication Competitive Pay Based on Experience $2.50/hour Shift Premium for 2nd and 3rd shift 11 Paid Holidays + 3 Additional Paid Holiday Break Days Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation & Flex Time) Excellent Benefits Package:LOW-COST Medical, Dental, and Vision InsuranceCompany-Paid Life Insurance & Disability Coverage401(k) with Employer Match & Profit SharingAccident, Hospital, & Critical Illness Coverage OptionsNow Hiring: Nesting Technician Starting Pay: $27.25 Location: Minonk, IL Position classification based on experience & pre-employment test results What You’ll Do:Key Responsibilities:Create and optimize production nests using production control and nesting software to support manufacturing schedules and ensure on-time production.Monitor production requirements and communicate proactively when schedules are at risk of being impacted.Analyze nesting layouts and material utilization to maximize efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall production performance.Recommend routing and process improvements that enhance productivity and reduce manufacturing costs.Pull forward future production requirements, within inventory guidelines, to improve material usage and minimize handling.Collaborate with Engineering and Production teams to identify alternative part designs or configurations that improve material utilization.Evaluate and optimize raw material stock sizes to reduce scrap and support cost-saving initiatives.Coordinate just-in-time material sequencing and delivery to meet production demands while maximizing operational efficiency.Monitor and communicate daily raw material requirements to the Purchasing team.Maintain and manage remnant inventory to ensure effective material control and utilization.Balance machine workloads and determine the most cost-effective manufacturing methods across available equipment and processes.Modify part programs and nesting configurations as needed to support production requirements and process improvements.Work closely with shop floor personnel to quickly address machine downtime, production interruptions, and other operational challenges.Lead troubleshooting and problem-solving efforts related to scrap reduction, material utilization, and prototype production.Train and mentor new Nesting Technicians on systems, processes, and best practices.Partner with management, engineering teams, and external vendors to resolve nesting and manufacturing-related issues.Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, cost reduction, and operational excellence.Perform additional duties and projects as assigned to support business objectives.What You'll BringSpecific knowledge of laser, plasma, and flame cutting processes, including experience working with burn tables and related fabrication equipment.Two to three years of experience as a Nesting Technician in a manufacturing environment.Proficiency in optimizing material utilization, reducing scrap, and supporting production schedules through effective nesting practices.Working knowledge of part programming software, preferably SigmaNEST, and experience utilizing production control systems.Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, flat patterns, work orders, and material specifications with a high degree of accuracy.Understanding of manufacturing processes, sheet metal fabrication, and material flow within a production environment.Familiarity with basic metallurgical properties and their impact on cutting, forming, and manufacturing processes.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify process improvements and cost-saving opportunities.Experience balancing machine workloads and determining the most efficient and cost-effective manufacturing methods.Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with Production, Engineering, Purchasing, and Management teams.Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to quality.Proficiency with personal computers and standard business software applications.Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and support the development of other team members.A continuous improvement mindset with a focus on safety, efficiency, quality, and operational excellence. Why Join SMF? Work for a company that’s in the top ½ percent of machine shops nationwide Be part of a fast-growing organization with state-of-the-art manufacturing Take pride in contributing to high-quality, Fortune 500 OEM projects Apply today and start your career with SMF!