Cnc Operator Machine Operator Jobs in Chesapeake, VA

Job Type: Full-Time

Shift Type: First Shift

Location201 WAVY - PORTSMOUTH, VA 23704 US (Primary)

Summary:

The CNC Operator will support material processing operations utilizing advanced automated manufacturing equipment, including a CNC plasma cutting table and a 6-axis robotic CNC processing cell. This role is responsible for operating, setting up, monitoring, and maintaining equipment to safely produce high-quality parts in accordance with engineering requirements, production schedules, and quality standards.

The ideal candidate has experience in heavy manufacturing, structural fabrication, steel processing, or industrial production environments and demonstrates strong attention to detail, equipment ownership, and a commitment to safety and productivity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate CNC plasma cutting equipment and 6-axis robotic CNC processing cells to manufacture parts in accordance with drawings, work instructions, and production schedules.
• Load raw material and fixtures into equipment and verify setup prior to execution.
• Review and interpret production travelers, nesting files, engineering drawings, cut lists, and work instructions.
• Execute machine startup, changeovers, and shutdown procedures safely and efficiently.
• Monitor machine performance and adjust offsets, feeds, speeds, and parameters within established controls.
• Conduct first-article and in-process inspections to verify dimensional accuracy and quality requirements.
• Perform routine machine maintenance including cleaning, lubrication, consumable replacement, and basic troubleshooting.
• Identify machine issues, quality concerns, and production constraints and escalate as appropriate.
• Track production output and document completed work accurately in company systems.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, quality, equipment uptime, and material utilization.
• Maintain organized work areas and comply with all housekeeping standards.
• Follow all company safety requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, PPE requirements, and operational controls.
• Coordinate with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance teams to maintain schedule performance.
• Support overtime, alternate shifts, or weekend work when required to meet business demands.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience operating CNC manufacturing equipment in an industrial environment.
• Experience operating CNC plasma cutting systems, robotic processing cells, beam lines, laser tables, or other automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience working in structural steel fabrication, shipbuilding, heavy manufacturing, or industrial production environments.
• Familiarity with CNC programming concepts, G-code, robotic motion systems, or nesting software.
• Experience reading fabrication drawings and understanding geometric tolerances.
• Forklift and overhead crane operating experience.
• Basic understanding of preventive maintenance practices.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement concepts

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation.
• Working knowledge of measurement tools including tape measures, calipers, squares, and gauges.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and dimensional verification.
• Basic computer proficiency for machine interfaces and production reporting.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining production objectives.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent standing and walking for extended periods during shift operations.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing, and twisting.
• Ability to operate equipment controls and use hand tools.
• Visual ability to inspect parts and monitor machine operation.
• Ability to wear required PPE includes safety glasses, steel-toe boots, hearing protection, gloves, hard hat, and respiratory protection where required.

Work Environment:

• Manufacturing and industrial production environment.
• Exposure to moving mechanical equipment, robotic systems, airborne particulates, welding fumes, heat, vibration, and elevated noise levels.
• Work performed both indoors and outdoors depending on facility configuration.
• Temperature conditions may vary based on season and production environment.
• Strict adherence to all safety procedures and environmental controls is required.