Processing Technician

Key Responsibilities

Machine Setup & Operation

- Set up, adjust, and operate advanced CNC machinery including CNC plasma tables, oxy-fuel tables, spindle drills, laser tables, marking machines, and combination equipment.

- Optimize feeds, speeds, and machine parameters for efficient and accurate steel production.

Operator Training & Development

- Provide on-the-job training and mentorship to machine operators.

- Deliver safety and compliance instruction, operational knowledge transfer, and documentation best practices.

- Evaluate operator performance and provide ongoing feedback.

Material & Tool Optimization

- Assist with nesting strategies to reduce steel waste.

- Support selection, setup, and replacement of cutting tools and consumables to improve cost-effectiveness and machine performance.

Program Adjustments & Offsets

- Perform minor CNC code edits, offsets, and adjustments to maintain quality and dimensional accuracy.

- Collaborate with programming teams to resolve discrepancies between design and production outputs.

Quality Assurance

- Inspect finished steel parts using precision measuring tools (tapes, calipers, micrometers, gauges, bevel gauges).

- Verify conformance to blueprints, DXF files, and engineering drawings.

Process Understanding & Workflow

- Support full processing flow across facilities, including material staging, cutting processes, unloading, cleaning, finishing, and final inspection.

- Adhere to preventive maintenance, safety, and accuracy standards.

Troubleshooting & Maintenance

- Diagnose and correct machine malfunctions or production deviations.

- Perform routine preventive maintenance and minor equipment repairs.

Safety & Documentation

- Ensure compliance with all safety protocols, including PPE, crane operation, lockout procedures, and SOPs.

- Complete production logs, inspection reports, and documentation.

Core Competencies

- Blueprint reading

- Mathematical and measurement skills

- Mechanical and technical troubleshooting

- Steel material knowledge

- Consumable expertise (drill tooling, plasma, laser, oxy-fuel systems)

Key Technical Knowledge

- CAD interpretation

- Fabrication and mechanical aptitude

- Effective communication and detail orientation

How This Role Differs from Similar Positions

- vs. Machine Operator: Operators primarily run machines; Processing Technicians manage advanced setup, troubleshooting, and programming adjustments.

- vs. Machinist: Machinists have broad machining expertise; Processing Technicians specialize in production flow and steel cutting processes.