Sheetmetal Cell Operator - 2nd Shift (3:15pm - 11:45pm)

Perlick; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Perlick, based in Milwaukee, is seeking a Sheetmetal Cell Operator to set up and run CNC laser cutting machines, punch presses, and related equipment. The role requires strong mechanical aptitude, accuracy, and adherence to safety and quality standards to ensure efficient production.

The operator will load programs, adjust tooling, inspect first-run parts, and collaborate with the team to resolve issues. This on-site position emphasizes daily maintenance and precise handling of sheet metal

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years of experience operating lasers, punches, turret presses, or similar equipment.
• Understanding of laser cutting technology, machine operation, and basic mechanical principles.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
• Precision and accuracy in machine operation and quality control.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate lasers, punches, right angle shear, CNC turret presses and related equipment.
• Load programs and materials; adjust tooling as specified.
• Inspect parts and ensure first-run quality per the quality program.
• Monitor cut quality, gases, and tooling; adjust parameters as needed.
• Unload parts, separate for next operations, and distribute to designated areas.
• Perform secondary operations with hand tools and maintain tooling records.
• Maintain daily preventative maintenance and housekeeping in the cell.
• Troubleshoot machine or process issues and communicate with team.
• Generate material receipts and document production activity by shift end.
• Work with team to optimize production and resolve issues.

Skills

Laser cutting

Blueprint interpretation

Quality control

Troubleshooting

Team communication

Machine operation

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Vision Statement

Helping the world serve better.

Mission Statement

(We Aim) To build the best bar in the world and be irreplaceable by delivering the Total Perlick Experience.

Perlick Values

Lead By Serving – others before self, Grow by Innovation – solutions that exceed our customers’ expectations, Continuous Improvement – strive to get better every day, Live the Legacy – maintain our positive reputations with the future in mind

Summary

A Sheetmetal Cell Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and daily maintenance for CNC laser cutting machines, punch presses, and other secondary fabrication equipment to produce sheet metal parts according to engineering drawings and specifications. The role requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, understanding of different metal types and thicknesses, and strict adherence to safety and quality standards to ensure efficient, precise production.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up and operate all assigned equipment within the cell to include but not limited to lasers, punches, right angle shear, CNC Turret presses, cranes, forklifts, TOGU, material storage systems, automated machines, and other equipment as assigned.
• Load programs in accordance with manufacturing requirements/schedule
• Set up and adjust tooling as specified
• Load materials into machines and storage systems
• Monitor laser and cutting gases, the material movement and cut quality on laser and other equipment making tooling or cutting, punching, notching and other parameter changes and adjustments as needed to ensure a quality product
• Perform the unloading process, separate parts for next operations and distribute to designated areas
• Use hand tools and other equipment to perform secondary operations
• Manufacture replacement grids as needed
• Report labor as required and communicate necessary information to all cell members by logbook or verbal communication
• Perform full inspection in accordance with quality program on first run parts and maintain records as required
• Perform visual inspection as required by quality program on all parts when unloading
• Maintain and organize tooling reporting tool breakage, excessive wear and tool shortages to supervisor
• Daily visual and general preventative maintenance for pre and post operational excellence
• Adhere to safety protocols and procedures to prevent accidents, dispose of scrap materials through appropriate waste streams and maintain a clean work environment
• Working with other team members, including operations and other operators to optimize production and resolve issues
• Load and unload materials on the dock, potentially using rigging techniques, and ensuring proper staging of materials for production
• Generate material receipts accurately for all unloaded materials by end of respective shift
• Identifying and resolving issues within the process, including machine or tooling malfunctions and material defects (troubleshooting)
• Other duties, projects and tasks may be assigned

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 2+ years of experience operating lasers, punches, turret presses, or similar equipment
• Internal applicants may be eligible after completion of Perlick’s internal Trainee program
• Understanding of laser cutting technology, machine operation, and basic mechanical principles
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications
• Precision and accuracy in machine operation and quality control
• Ability to troubleshoot issues and find solutions to production challenges
• Effective communication with team members and supervisors

PHYSICAL/SENSORY DEMANDS

• Daily work may include bending, crouching, and reaching
• Job duties will also include lifting, stretching and turning, up to 95% of the time; from ground to waist and from waist to overhead. Often, lifting up to 50lbs unassisted is required
• Standing and walking 80-90% of the time is to be expected

Perlick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. Perlick does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status.

Relocation and/or sponsorship are not available for this position.