job title:Fabrication Operator / Material Prep Specialist
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Department: Material Preparation / Metal Fabrication
Employment Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are seeking a skilled Material Prep Specialist to join our fabrication team. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing raw metal stock (sheet, plate, structural steel) using shop machinery, primarily hydraulic shears, press brakes, saws, and ironworkers. You will ensure raw materials are accurately cut, formed, and organized to keep downstream welding and assembly operations running efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
• Equipment Operation: Set up and operate CNC/hydraulic press brakes, power shears, horizontal band saws, and ironworkers to process raw metal components.
• Material Layout & Prep: Read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and cut lists to accurately lay out bend lines, cut paths, and material allocations.
• Quality & Measurement: Inspect initial cuts and formed parts using calipers, micrometers, protractors, and tape measures to verify tolerances before mass production.
• Material Handling: Safely load, unload, and move raw materials and semi-finished components using overhead cranes, forklifts, and sheet lifters.
• Routine Maintenance: Perform basic daily machine maintenance (checking fluid levels, clearing scrap, replacing saw blades, setting tooling/dies) and maintain a clean, organized work area.
Qualifications & Requirements
• Experience: 2+ years of hands-on experience operating press brakes, metal shears, and industrial band saws in a custom or high-volume metal fabrication environment.
• Blueprint Reading: Strong ability to read engineering drawings, understand bend allowances, and interpret flat pattern developments.
• Measurement Proficiency: High precision in using standard shop measuring tools.
• Physical & Safety: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for long shifts, and safely maneuver heavy plates/structural items while wearing required PPE.
• Certifications (Preferred): Forklift and overhead crane operator certifications.
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