Fabrication Equipment Operator-Wessels

At National Machinery we take pride in our skilled workforce and are continuously seeking eager individuals to join our innovative team. National Machinery is a world-class middle market company that designs and manufactures cold forming machinery. It takes many dedicated positions to make our global company excel as an industry leader in the metal forming market. If you are interested in pursuing a career with a company that is well capitalized and privately held by an ownership group that is focused on long term growth, please consider applying.

EEO/M/F/D/V

Fabrication Equipment Operator - Wessels

The Fabrication Equipment Operator is responsible for the setup, operation, and basic programming of CNC plasma cutting systems, NC-controlled plate rolling equipment, robotic (cobot-assisted) cutting operations, and manual finishing processes including shot bead blasting. This role supports a cross-functional fabrication environment and requires flexibility to operate multiple equipment types while ensuring quality, safety, and productivity standards are met.

The position involves interpreting blueprints, performing dimensional verification, and making light program adjustments on CNC and robotic systems. Operators are expected to contribute to continuous improvement and collaborate across fabrication, welding, and quality teams. Other duties may be assigned.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

CNC / Robotic Plasma Cutting

• Set up and operate CNC plasma cutting equipment
• Perform light programming and edits on CNC-controlled plasma systems
• Operate cobot-assisted plasma cutting systems (Fanuc controller)
• Make minor program adjustments and troubleshoot cut quality issues
• Ensure parts meet dimensional and quality specifications

Plate Rolling Operations (NC Controlled)

• Set up and operate 3-roll plate rolling machines
• Adjust machine parameters for material thickness, radius, and tolerances
• Monitor rolling process to maintain dimensional accuracy
• Form steel plate to blueprint specifications

Shot Bead Blasting (Manual Operation)

• Perform manual shot blasting to clean and prepare fabricated parts
• Inspect surface finish and ensure compliance with finishing standards
• Maintain blasting equipment and ensure proper media handling

Material Handling & Support

• Operate overhead cranes to move materials and finished parts
• Stage materials for downstream fabrication processes
• Support welding and fabrication teams as needed

Quality & Inspection

• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications
• Use precision measuring tools to verify part accuracy
• Document inspection results and identify non-conformances

Maintenance & Continuous Improvement

• Perform routine equipment maintenance and basic troubleshooting
• Identify process improvement opportunities
• Maintain clean and organized work area (5S standards)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to read and understand blueprints and technical drawings
• Strong mechanical aptitude and mathematical skills
• Ability to use standard and metric measurement systems
• Experience with hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment
• Willingness to cross-train across multiple fabrication processes

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Vocational or technical training in manufacturing or fabrication
• Experience with CNC plasma cutting or plate rolling equipment
• Familiarity with robotic systems (Fanuc preferred)
• Basic CNC or robotic programming/editing experience
• Welding knowledge or experience
• Experience with overhead cranes or material handling equipment

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Shop environment
• Steel-toed safety shoes and safety glasses required
• Must be able to lift loads of up to 50 pounds
• Work can be strenuous, and include walking, climbing, kneeling, crawling, squatting, and pulling as well as standing for long periods of time
• Perform routine machine maintenance to ensure optimal machine performance