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Freelance Cnc Punching Machine Jobs (NOW HIRING)

STULZ USA

Automation Engineer

Denton, TX · On-site

CNC punching machine * Press brakes, including robotic (automated) press brake cells * Robotic welding cells * Automated paint shop (powder coating, conveyors, ovens, and controls) * CNC tube bending ...

Cadrex Ossian

CNC Operator III

Ossian, IN · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

... assembly, CNC punching, CNC machining, forming, robotic welding, stamping, fastener insertion, and tool and die manufacturing, to effectively serve customers with lights-out manufacturing ...

Etnyre International

MATERIAL HANDLER B

Carbondale, PA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

CNC Punching, Forming Press, Brake Press, Timesaver, Shearing, Finishing and Degreasing machines. MAJOR DUTIES: * Ability to operate various types of Fabrication Machining equipment * Ability to read ...

Hendrick Manufacturing

MATERIAL HANDLER B

Carbondale, PA

$14.25 - $17/hr

CNC Punching, Forming Press, Brake Press, Timesaver, Shearing, Finishing and Degreasing machines. MAJOR DUTIES: * Ability to operate various types of Fabrication Machining equipment * Ability to read ...

Etnyre International

MATERIAL HANDLER B

Carbondale, PA

$14.25 - $17/hr

CNC Punching, Forming Press, Brake Press, Timesaver, Shearing, Finishing and Degreasing machines. MAJOR DUTIES: * Ability to operate various types of Fabrication Machining equipment * Ability to read ...

Hendrick Screen Company

MATERIAL HANDLER B

Carbondale, PA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

CNC Punching, Forming Press, Brake Press, Timesaver, Shearing, Finishing and Degreasing machines. MAJOR DUTIES: * Ability to operate various types of Fabrication Machining equipment * Ability to read ...

Etnyre International

MATERIAL HANDLER B

Carbondale, PA

$14.25 - $17/hr

CNC Punching, Forming Press, Brake Press, Timesaver, Shearing, Finishing and Degreasing machines. MAJOR DUTIES: * Ability to operate various types of Fabrication Machining equipment * Ability to read ...

Hendrick Manufacturing

MATERIAL HANDLER B

Carbondale, PA

$14.25 - $17/hr

CNC Punching, Forming Press, Brake Press, Timesaver, Shearing, Finishing and Degreasing machines. MAJOR DUTIES: * Ability to operate various types of Fabrication Machining equipment * Ability to read ...

Hendrick Screen Company

MATERIAL HANDLER B

Carbondale, PA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

CNC Punching, Forming Press, Brake Press, Timesaver, Shearing, Finishing and Degreasing machines. MAJOR DUTIES: * Ability to operate various types of Fabrication Machining equipment * Ability to read ...

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Freelance Cnc Punching Machine information

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How much do freelance cnc punching machine jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance cnc punching machine in the United States is $23.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance CNC punching machine operator?

To thrive as a Freelance CNC Punching Machine Operator, you need technical proficiency in operating CNC machinery, interpreting blueprints, and a background in manufacturing or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, CNC programming languages, and safety certifications are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication with clients help distinguish top performers in this freelance role. These skills ensure precise production, minimize errors, and foster client satisfaction, which are vital for building a successful freelance business.

What is the difference between Freelance Cnc Punching Machine vs Freelance Laser Cutting Technician?

AspectFreelance Cnc Punching MachineFreelance Laser Cutting Technician
CredentialsTechnical training or certification in CNC machineryTechnical training or certification in laser cutting technology
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, workshopsDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, workshops
Industry UsageMetal fabrication, sheet metal workMetal, acrylic, and other material cutting
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both roles involve precision cutting of materials, but the Freelance Cnc Punching Machine focuses on punching metal sheets using CNC-controlled punch presses, while the Freelance Laser Cutting Technician uses laser technology for detailed and versatile cuts. The choice depends on project requirements, material types, and desired precision.

What is a freelance CNC punching machine operator?

A freelance CNC punching machine operator is a skilled professional who operates computer numerically controlled (CNC) punching machines on a contract or project basis, rather than as a full-time employee. These operators use CNC machines to cut, shape, or punch holes in metal sheets and other materials according to precise specifications. Freelancers in this field often work with multiple clients, providing their expertise in programming, setting up, and maintaining CNC punching equipment. Their flexibility allows businesses to access specialized skills without committing to permanent hires.

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

Freelance CNC punching machine operators often encounter challenges such as managing variable workloads, ensuring consistent quality across different client specifications, and maintaining their own equipment. To address these, it's important to establish clear communication with clients regarding project requirements, invest in regular machine maintenance, and stay updated with the latest industry standards and software. Building a strong professional network can also help in finding new contracts and sharing best practices.
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Freelance Cnc Punching Machine jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Cnc Punching Machine job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,183 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Automation Engineer

STULZ USA

Denton, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
STULZ USA is seeking a hands-on Automation Engineer to lead the equipment buildout of our new Texas Plant - a brownfield plant launch. This role owns the setup, installation, commissioning, and ongoing support of all automated production equipment in the plant, including sheet metal fabrication, pipe forming, and the electrical panel shop, from initial site preparation and integration through preventive maintenance and continuous improvement. The position is critical to ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient operation of the plant's automation backbone, and the scope of responsibility is expected to grow as the facility expands. The role will also lead the plant's digitalization roadmap, including the implementation of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
Equipment Scope
Full ownership - setup, installation, commissioning, and ongoing support - of the following equipment and systems:
  • Sheet metal laser cutting systems with automated tower loader / material handling system
  • CNC punching machine
  • Press brakes, including robotic (automated) press brake cells
  • Robotic welding cells
  • Automated paint shop (powder coating, conveyors, ovens, and controls)
  • CNC tube bending machine
  • Electrical panel (e-panel) shop equipment and infrastructure

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the setup, installation, and commissioning of all plant equipment as part of the Plant 2 brownfield launch, coordinating with OEMs, riggers, contractors, facilities, and internal teams from site preparation and delivery through production release.
  • Conduct factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT) and production runoff/buy-off of new equipment with OEMs prior to release to manufacturing.
  • Assess existing building infrastructure (power distribution, compressed air, ventilation, floor loading) against equipment requirements and define the modifications needed to support each installation.
  • Manage equipment installation project schedules, budgets, and contractor activities; report progress, risks, and milestones to plant leadership.
  • Coordinate required permits and inspections with local authorities and contractors (e.g., paint shop air permitting, fire, electrical, and crane/rigging inspections).
  • Develop and execute preventive and predictive maintenance programs for all assigned equipment; establish PM schedules, checklists, and documentation in the CMMS.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and control system issues to minimize unplanned downtime; provide rapid response support to production.
  • Program, configure, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, robotic systems, and machine controls; manage software backups, parameters, and revision control.
  • Program, teach, and optimize robotic welding cells, including weld parameters, torch and consumable maintenance, and coordination of weld fixtures with engineering.
  • Establish and manage critical spare parts inventory, vendor relationships, and service contracts for assigned equipment.
  • Define equipment layouts, utility requirements (power, compressed air, ventilation, dust/fume extraction), and foundations for new installations.
  • Develop standard work, operating procedures, and training materials; train operators and maintenance technicians on safe and proper equipment use.
  • Drive continuous improvement in OEE, cycle time, scrap reduction, and changeover time using lean and root-cause methodologies (5 Why, fishbone, FMEA).
  • Ensure all equipment and work practices comply with OSHA, machine guarding, and lockout/tagout (LOTO) requirements; lead equipment risk assessments.
  • Support capital equipment justification, specification, and acquisition for future automation projects.
  • Track and report equipment KPIs to plant leadership.
  • Create / maintain complete equipment documentation, including manuals, electrical schematics, as-built drawings, and plant layout files.
  • Lead the implementation of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), including requirements definition, vendor evaluation, equipment/machine connectivity, shop floor data collection, and integration with ERP and quality systems.
  • Drive plant digitalization and Industry 4.0 initiatives, including machine data acquisition (OPC UA/IIoT sensors), real-time production and OEE dashboards, digital work instructions, paperless quality records, and predictive maintenance analytics.
  • Perform other duties as assigned; the scope of this role is expected to expand as Plant operations grow.

Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment with direct responsibility for automated equipment installation and/or maintenance.
  • Hands-on experience with sheet metal fabrication equipment (laser cutting, punching, press brakes, robotic welding) and automated material handling systems.
  • Working knowledge of PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell), HMIs, servo/motion systems, and industrial robotics.
  • Strong mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic troubleshooting skills.
  • Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and P&IDs.
  • Experience implementing preventive maintenance programs and working within a CMMS.
  • Experienced with communicating with OEM service and support centers.

Preferred:
  • Experience commissioning automated paint/powder coating lines or finishing systems.
  • Experience with robotic press brake cells (e.g., bending automation) and offline programming.
  • Experience standing up production in brownfield or greenfield plant launches, including equipment installation and integration within existing facilities.
  • Familiarity with electrical panel (control panel) assembly operations and UL 508A standards.
  • Lean Six Sigma training or certification.
  • Experience programming and maintaining robotic welding systems
  • Project management experience for capital equipment installation projects (scheduling, budgeting, contractor coordination).
  • Experience implementing or administering MES platforms and Industry 4.0 / digitalization tools (e.g., machine connectivity via OPC UA/MTConnect, OEE monitoring software, SAP integration).

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
  • Manufacturing floor environment with exposure to noise, moving machinery, and paint shop operations; PPE required.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, climb ladders, and work on or around industrial equipment.
  • Occasional off-shift or on-call support during equipment installations, breakdowns, or planned shutdowns.
  • Occasional travel to vendor sites, other STULZ facilities, or training (estimated up to 10%).

Apply