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Cutting Machine Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Komline Sanderson

Machine Operator

Gordonsville, TN · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Previous experience operating an automated laser cutting equipment including loading part files and adjusting machine settings. Experience with plate rolls, hydraulic press brakes, band saws, welders ...

Komline Sanderson

Machine Operator

Gordonsville, TN · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Previous experience operating an automated laser cutting equipment including loading part files and adjusting machine settings. Experience with plate rolls, hydraulic press brakes, band saws, welders ...

Mueller Water Products, Inc.

Machine Operator I

Cleveland, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Machine Operator I Mueller Company, a subsidiary of Mueller Water Products and publicly traded ... Maintains specifications by observing milling, drilling, grooving, and cutting, including turning ...

Mueller Water Products

Machine Operator I

Cleveland, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Machine Operator I Mueller Company, a subsidiary of Mueller Water Products and publicly traded ... Maintains specifications by observing milling, drilling, grooving, and cutting, including turning ...

Mueller Water Products

Machine Operator I

Cleveland, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Machine Operator I Mueller Company, a subsidiary of Mueller Water Products and publicly traded ... Maintains specifications by observing milling, drilling, grooving, and cutting, including turning ...

Mueller Water Products, Inc.

Machine Operator I

Cleveland, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Machine Operator I Mueller Company, a subsidiary of Mueller Water Products and publicly traded ... Maintains specifications by observing milling, drilling, grooving, and cutting, including turning ...

Great Dane LLC

Machine Operator

Huntsville, TN · On-site

$20.65/hr

... cutting speeds, depth of cut, and determines sequence of operations. * Set the controls to ... Machine Operator Specialist must inspect his/her product as instructed by standard operating ...

Great Dane LLC

Machine Operator

Huntsville, TN

$20.65/hr

... cutting speeds, depth of cut, and determines sequence of operations. * Set the controls to ... Machine Operator Specialist must inspect his/her product as instructed by standard operating ...

Titan Products

Laser Machine Operator

Pleasant View, TN · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Operate and monitor CNC laser cutting equipment to produce parts according to work orders, drawings, cut sheets, and production schedules. * Load and unload steel sheets, finished parts, and ...

Lincoln Electric

Machine Operator

Carthage, TN

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

... cutting, brazing, machining, process automation, and field repair. The Company leverages ... This position also requires the operator to accurately measure of product using various tools and ...

Lincoln Electric

Machine Operator

Carthage, TN · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

... cutting, brazing, machining, process automation, and field repair. The Company leverages ... This position also requires the operator to accurately measure of product using various tools and ...

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All JobsCutting Machine Operator JobsCutting Machine Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Cutting Machine Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do cutting machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for cutting machine operator in Tennessee is $16.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cutting Machine Operator vs Fabric Cutter?

AspectCutting Machine OperatorFabric Cutter
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training on cutting machinesHigh school diploma, experience in fabric cutting
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants with machineryTextile mills, garment factories, sewing rooms
Job FocusOperating and maintaining cutting machineryManually or mechanically cutting fabric
Industry UsageManufacturing, industrial settingsTextile, apparel production

While both roles involve cutting materials, a Cutting Machine Operator primarily operates machinery to cut various materials in industrial settings, requiring technical training. A Fabric Cutter manually or mechanically cuts fabric, often in textile or garment industries, focusing on precision in fabric preparation. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers find the right fit based on skills and work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cutting machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cutting Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with CNC machines, safety protocols, and the ability to read blueprints or technical drawings are essential, and some employers may require OSHA certification. Strong problem-solving skills, reliability, and effective communication help operators adapt to changing production needs and maintain quality standards. These skills are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, workplace safety, and the accurate production of materials or components.

What is a cutting machine operator?

Cutting machine operators are skilled workers responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines that cut materials such as metal, plastic, wood, or textiles into specified shapes and sizes. They read blueprints or work orders to determine the dimensions and tolerances required for each job. Operators monitor the cutting process, make adjustments as needed, and ensure quality control by inspecting finished pieces. Safety is a key aspect of the job, as operators must follow strict guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure smooth machine operation.

What are some common challenges faced by cutting machine operators, and how can they be addressed?

Cutting Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision under time constraints, handling machine malfunctions, and managing varying material types. To address these, operators should follow strict safety and maintenance protocols, stay updated on equipment training, and communicate proactively with team members about issues or inconsistencies. Continuous learning and attention to detail can help ensure product quality and minimize downtime.

What are popular job titles related to Cutting Machine Operator jobs in TN?

For Cutting Machine Operator jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Cutting Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cutting Machine Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,373 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Operator - Sheet Cutting - Days

SOUTHERN CHAMPION TRAY LLC

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Southern Champion Tray rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

All jobs at Southern Champion Tray (SCT) require Team members to act in accordance with the shared Core Values and Operating principles of the company as they perform specific job functions. These include:
  • Trustworthy – We strive for our actions to match our words in all our relationships.
  • Servant – Hearted – We enable and empower our team to serve the needs of customers, Team members, suppliers and the community.
  • Relational – We aim to build healthy relationships while fostering and environment that promotes compassion, balance, and personal and professional growth.
  • Resourceful – We value strategic insourcing, first looking to create solutions internally, and then looking to apply that knowledge to future opportunities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: Must safely set up and operate the machine to produce quality product at the desired target speed of each run.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITY:
  • Change out dies and achieves make ready times safely and efficiently to meet target speeds
  • Stock the machine with materials needed for set up and die working
  • Tools on the machine are to be in their proper holding places, borrowed tools are to be returned once they are no longer needed
  • Locate issues that may occur mechanically to the machine as part of set up and while observing the machine while it is running
  • Work with the Die Shop assistant to set up upcoming job and assist with any issues throughout the run
  • Effectively utilize any machine downtime (not including approved breaks) by assisting with set- up or performing other tasks associated with maintaining a clean work environment or as otherwise instructed by a supervisor
  • Adapts to Continuous Improvement and follows new procedures and innovations, which would add to the efficiency and safety of the operation
  • In accordance with our 5S system, maintain a clean work environment including the machine, floors, desks, and fans
  • Follows all safety related policies, rules, regulations, technical instructions, and guidelines. Use situational awareness and identify unsafe behaviors and conditions; wears appropriate PPE for the task and the area
  • Occasionally the Operator will be asked to perform a different job, or be temporarily placed on a different machine based on production needs

AUTHORITY: The Operator must have the ability to lead others that has been placed with them to execute the demands of the cutter operation efficiently and to respond to oral instructions from his/her supervisor and other written instructions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Experience operating a large format die cutter, preferably in a folding carton environment, preferred but not required. High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have basic computer skills and possess ability to utilize software. Must have mechanical ability and skills.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must have the ability to read and understand documents, letters, etc. and write legibly in English. Must be able to understand and speak clearly, communicate, and understand directions in English as needed.
3Day / 12 Hour Rotating Shift 6am to 6pm
Downtown Plant - 220 Compress Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405

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