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Plasma Table Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

CNC Machinist 1/Class - (21)

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$19.75 - $27/hr

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 ...

CNC Machinist 1/Class - (21)

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

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 ...

CNC Programmer - (19)

Portsmouth, VA

$25.75 - $35/hr

... plasma cutting table and 6-axis robotic CNC processing cell, ensuring safe execution, quality ... Create and maintain machine setup sheets, operator instructions, and standard work documentation.

CNC Machinist 1/Class

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$26.62 - $39.94/hr

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 ...

CNC Programmer

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$26.04 - $39.06/hr

... plasma cutting table and 6-axis robotic CNC processing cell, ensuring safe execution, quality ... Create and maintain machine setup sheets, operator instructions, and standard work documentation.

Showing results 21-29

Plasma Table Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$20.8K

$73.4K

$123.4K

How much do plasma table operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for plasma table operator in Virginia is $73,360.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $85,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plasma table operator?

A Plasma Table Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining a plasma cutting machine to cut metal materials according to specifications. They read blueprints, adjust machine settings, and monitor the cutting process to ensure accuracy and quality. The role requires knowledge of CNC systems, material properties, and safety procedures. Plasma Table Operators often work in manufacturing, fabrication, or metalworking industries.

What does a plasma table operator do?

A typical day for a Plasma Table Operator involves setting up and calibrating plasma cutting equipment, interpreting technical drawings or blueprints, and monitoring ongoing cuts to ensure specifications are met. Operators often perform routine maintenance on their machines, troubleshoot minor issues, and document completed work. Collaboration with fabricators, welders, and supervisors is common to coordinate workflow and meet production targets. The role can be fast-paced and may require working shifts, making effective time management and communication especially important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plasma table operator?

Plasma Table Operators need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and basic math skills, along with a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with CNC plasma cutting machines, blueprint reading, and familiarity with CAD/CAM software are commonly required, and safety certifications like OSHA may be valued. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting are important soft skills. These abilities ensure quality production, efficient workflow, and adherence to safety standards in a manufacturing environment.

How much does a plasma table operator make?

A plasma table operator typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators who are certified and experienced may earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing or fabrication environments that require precision and safety standards.

Is a plasma table operator difficult to learn?

A plasma table operator role requires learning how to operate CNC plasma cutting machines, which involves understanding computer-aided design (CAD) files, machine setup, and safety procedures. While some technical skills are needed, many employers provide on-the-job training, and prior experience with similar equipment can ease the learning process.

What are popular job titles related to Plasma Table Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Plasma Table Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plasma Table Operator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Plasma Table Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Plasma Table Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Plasma Table Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Plasma Table Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,360 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

CNC Machinist 1/Class - (21)-Portsmouth,Virginia

Fairlead

Smithfield, VA

$19 - $26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

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.