Saw Operator / Material Flow Coordinator

CMI Group Aerospace & Defense; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

CMI Group – Systems 3 Division is seeking a Saw Operator / Material Flow Coordinator (Waterspider) to prepare raw material and maintain continuous flow across the facility. You will combine automated saw operation with Lean Water Spider responsibilities to ensure production cells have materials, tooling, and documentation to maximize uptime.

The role requires organizing materials, labeling, staging, and performing first-piece inspections while coordinating with Production Control and Operations

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification preferred.
• Experience operating automated or semi-automated industrial equipment.
• Experience using measuring equipment including tape measures, calipers, and other inspection tools.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, overhead cranes, or willingness to obtain certification.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking abilities; able to work independently.
• Good communication and teamwork skills; ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate automated saw equipment to cut raw material according to drawings and schedules.
• Verify material type, dimensions, heat lot information, and quality prior to cutting.
• Label, identify, and stage material for downstream operations and maintain traceability.
• Deliver materials and documentation to machining centers based on priorities.
• Support material flow and production control to prevent shortages and downtime.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Independent worker

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical certification preferred

Tools

Measuring equipment (tape measures, calipers)

Forklift operation/overhead crane certification

Job description

Job Title: Saw Operator / Material Flow Coordinator (Waterspider)

Shift: 1st Shift (6:00am – 2:30pm, Mon-Fri) Location: 1515 W. 17th St., Tempe, AZ Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship or Valid Permanent Resident status is required.

Position Summary

CMI Group – Systems 3 is seeking a Saw Operator / Material Flow Coordinator (Waterspider) to support our aerospace manufacturing operation by preparing raw material, maintaining continuous material flow throughout the facility, and ensuring production teams have the resources needed to meet customer commitments. This role combines operation of automated saw equipment with Lean Manufacturing "Water Spider" responsibilities. The successful candidate will accurately prepare raw material for machining while proactively supplying production cells with materials, tooling, documentation, and other resources to maximize productivity and minimize downtime. The ideal candidate is organized, self-motivated, and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where teamwork, attention to detail, and a sense of urgency are critical to success.

Primary Responsibilities

• Material Preparation (Saw Operation)
  Set up and operate automated saw equipment to cut raw material according to engineering drawings, job travelers, work instructions, and production schedules.
  Verify material type, dimensions, heat lot information, and quality prior to cutting.
  Ensure cut material meets dimensional and quality requirements before releasing to production.
  Label, identify, and stage material for downstream manufacturing operations.
  Maintain material traceability in accordance with company and customer requirements.
  Perform first-piece and periodic dimensional inspections using measuring equipment.
• Material Flow (Water Spider)
  Maintain continuous flow of raw material, tooling, fixtures, containers, and production supplies throughout the manufacturing floor.
  Deliver materials and production documentation to machining centers based on production priorities.
  Remove completed work, scrap, chips, and empty containers to maintain efficient production flow.
  Coordinate with Production Control, Planning, Operations, and Manufacturing personnel to support changing production priorities.
  Monitor production areas to identify material shortages before they impact production.
  Support work order movement through machining, inspection, outside processing, and shipping operations.
• Equipment & Production Support
  Perform routine saw maintenance, inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and minor troubleshooting.
  Report equipment, tooling, material, or quality concerns promptly.
  Maintain accurate production records and material transactions within company systems.
  Assist with inventory movement, cycle counts, and warehouse organization as required.
  Support machine operators and manufacturing teams with production-related activities as workload demands.
  Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
  Follow all company safety policies, quality standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  Ensure compliance with AS9100 quality requirements and ITAR regulations where applicable.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification preferred.
• Experience operating automated or semi-automated industrial equipment.
• Experience using measuring equipment including tape measures, calipers, and other inspection tools.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, overhead cranes, or willingness to obtain certification.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently while supporting multiple manufacturing work centers.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to lift materials and work in an active manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing, material handling, warehouse operations, saw operation, or production support.
• Experience aerospace or defense component machining.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, job travelers, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation.
• Strong understanding of material identification and dimensional verification.

About CMI Group – Systems 3 Division

CMI Group is a leading aerospace and defense manufacturer specializing in precision-machined components, complex assemblies, and advanced manufacturing solutions for some of the world's most demanding aerospace and defense applications. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, CMI serves major OEMs across commercial aerospace, military aviation, space, and defense markets through its vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities and commitment to operational excellence. Systems 3, a division of CMI Group, is a recognized manufacturer of complex flight‑critical and safety‑critical components supporting leading defense and rotary‑wing aerospace platforms. The division has built a reputation for manufacturing precision components that require the highest levels of quality, reliability, and technical expertise. Systems 3 serves major aerospace and defense customers and plays a critical role in supporting mission‑critical applications where performance and dependability are essential. At CMI Group, we believe our success starts with our people. We foster a team‑oriented culture built on accountability, continuous improvement, safety, customer focus, and long‑term partnerships. Our employees have the opportunity to contribute directly to products that support national defense, aviation safety, and aerospace innovation while helping shape the future of a growing manufacturing organization.

Team oriented company with top paying wages and benefits in the valley in regards to the Aerospace Industry. To qualify for consideration, all candidates must be able to work 40+ hours per week in a fast paced, high‑demand, quality environment. All candidates must also have sufficient verbal and written communication skills as well as good problem solving skills.

CMI Group is equal opportunity employer providing competitive wages and benefits. Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance available. 401(k) with company match.

CMI Group is a federal subcontractor and maintains a drug‑free workplace in accordance with the Federal Drug‑Free Workplace Act of 1988 and Arizona Revised Statutes § 23‑493. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screening.

This is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant due to age, race, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, gender or any other protected classification. VEVRAA federal subcontractor.

This company provides provide equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, or disabilities in compliance with federal and state laws including:

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 as Amended

Age Discrimination Act of 1967 as Amended

Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974

Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act of 2009 (ADAAA)

The Wagner‑Peyser Act as Amended

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq