Saw Operator

Opportunity Overview

Are you an experienced Saw Operator who thrives in fast paced team environment? If you have a background rooted in manufacturing, this position might just be what you are looking for. You would be responsible for safely and accurately cutting metal stock to specification using shop saws (e.g., horizontal/vertical band saws, cold saw) to support fabrication, welding, and assembly operations. The Saw Operator interprets cut lists, work orders, and basic blueprints; verifies material type and heat/lot identification when required; and prepares parts for downstream processing by producing clean, square cuts and performing deburr/edge prep. This role performs in-process inspection using measuring tools (tape measure, calipers, squares), maintains documentation and part labeling/traceability, and communicates material shortages, quality concerns, or priority changes to the lead/supervisor. The position also includes routine saw setup and maintenance (blade selection/changes, coolant checks, adjustments) and consistent housekeeping to keep the work area safe, organized, and efficient.

Structure:

The Saw Operator position is located In Oroville on an 18 acre lot with newly innovated technology both in our equipment and our software systems. You would report to the Miscellaneous Supervisor and be supported by the miscellaneous department, working closely with miscellaneous welders, fitters, CNC operators, and forklift drivers.

The nature of this role requires that you performs in-process inspection using measuring tools (tape measure, calipers, squares), maintains documentation and part labeling/traceability, and communicates material shortages, quality concerns, or priority changes to the lead/supervisor. The position also includes routine saw setup and maintenance (blade selection/changes, coolant checks, adjustments) and consistent housekeeping to keep the work area safe, organized, and efficient. This are just a mile high view of responsibilities in this growing position.

Your Day-to-Day

- Set up and operate band saws/cold saws to cut carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum (tube, pipe, plate, bar, structural shapes) per cut lists, prints, or work orders.

- Verify material type, size, and quantity; identify and resolve discrepancies before cutting.

- Measure and mark material using tape measures, calipers, squares, and/or stops; hold tight tolerances as required.

- Select and install blades; adjust speed/feed, blade guides, coolant, and work holding/fixtures for safe, accurate cuts.

- Inspect cut parts for length, squareness, burrs, and surface condition; deburr and edge-prep as required.

- Label and stage cut parts for downstream operations (fit-up, welding, machining) and maintain traceability when applicable.

- Perform routine preventive maintenance (cleaning, lubrication, coolant checks, blade tracking/tension checks) and report mechanical issues.

- Follow shop routing, scrap control, and documentation requirements (cut tickets, production counts, material usage).

- Operate material-handling equipment as assigned (forklift, pallet jack, overhead crane) in accordance with training and policy.

- Maintain a clean, organized workspace following 5S/lean practices.

- Comply with all safety rules, including lockout/tagout awareness, PPE, guarding, and safe lifting practices.

Required Qualifications

- High school diploma or GED (or equivalent work experience).

- 1+ year of experience operating saws in a metal fabrication, manufacturing, or industrial environment (or demonstrated ability to learn quickly).

- Ability to read a tape measure accurately (including fractions) and follow cut lists/work orders.

- Basic blueprint reading and ability to interpret dimensions, tolerances, and notes.

- Working knowledge of shop math (fractions/decimals, conversions) and measuring tools.

- Ability to safely lift and move material with assistance or equipment as needed.

- Strong attention to detail, reliability, and punctuality.

- Commitment to safe work practices and willingness to wear required PPE.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience cutting structural shapes (angle, channel, beam) and high-alloy/stainless materials.

- Experience using length stops, rollers, infeed/outfeed supports, and production cut systems.

- Forklift and/or overhead crane experience/certification.

- Familiarity with quality systems and documentation (first-piece inspection, in-process checks).

- Experience with deburring tools (belt sander, grinder, flap wheel) and edge-prep requirements for welding.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

Work is performed in a fabrication shop environment with exposure to noise, moving machinery, metal dust, and varying temperatures. Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching are required. Must be able to lift/carry and maneuver materials as needed, with team assistance or lifting equipment when appropriate.

Safety & Compliance

- Follow all company safety policies and OSHA-aligned practices, including machine guarding requirements.

- Use required PPE (safety glasses/face shield as needed, hearing protection, gloves as appropriate, steel-toe footwear).

- Report unsafe conditions, near misses, and incidents promptly.

- Participate in safety meetings and required training; support continuous improvement in safe work practices.

Benefits

Metal Works (MW) offers a wide range of benefits to employees. Some are subsidized by the company and others are fully employee-paid. Health benefits include a choice of comprehensive medical plans, a dental plan, vision plan, wellness program, and basic life insurance. Metal Works sponsors a 401(k) plan which includes a sizeable company match. MW offers paid time off with a generous increase in the thread earned with longevity steps. Additionally, supplemental life insurance and accidental death, dismemberment, and cancer insurance are available as well.

Why Metal Works

Metal Works is a proud member of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and holds a very high standard for Quality Control and the very best quality product. We have incorporated the latest in technology advancements in our shop equipment and supporting innovative technology to help us surpass our goals into the future. We are a structural steel fabricator that offer several products to the construction, aviation, storm drainage and miscellaneous fabrication fields. We also operate a Retail Department and have our own Estimating Department, Project Management Department, Accounting Department, and Shipping Department.

With more than 30 years of experience “We Know A Ton About Steel!” We also understand that our story continues to grow only with the right people being a part of our teams’ culture. We are in the infinite game. We are only in competition with ourselves, and there is no end in sight. Make your story our story.

Metal Works believes diversity and inclusion in our workplace is critical for the long-term success of our company. We are committed to finding the most qualified person for the job. We invest in developing, retaining, and attracting a diverse workforce that fosters an inclusive work environment in which all employees are treated with dignity and respect. This is the right thing to do for our employees, our company and our community.

Hear Our Employee Stories

“My name is Dave and I’ve been with Metal Works since 2002. I’ve held several positions throughout my years of employment, I started out as a driver then moved to equipment operator. In 2008 I was trained to work on our very first Robotic Welder. In 2019 I was promoted to my current position as Misc. Supervisor. I’ve built many friendships with co-workers through the years, I’ve watched my 401k grow and have taken advantage of Metals Works medical and dental benefits as well as participated in the Wellness Program each year. My roots grow deep here at Metal Works, I feel valued and appreciated and intend to retire here. “

“I started at Metal Works back in Jan of 2006. During my time at Metal Work’s, it has been a great place to work as I have been able to advance and move up through the company with hard work and dedication. I started on the shop floor as a welder in the Misc. Department. I then work my way into Railing and Stair Department. Eventually being promoted to a Lead Position. From there I was able to advance into a Checker Position and began to really see the value of long-term employment here at the company. During my time as a checker, another position opened up in an entirely different department, for a Project Engineer position. I applied and was given another opportunity to show my value at another position in the company. Since my time as a Project Engineer, I have been able to advance again and have moved up to the Project Management Supervisor. This just shows with hard work and dedication Metal Works will provide you with many opportunities to advance your employment, skills, and knowledge.” ~Travis

- Metal Works, is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard for age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Pay: $20.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Health insurance

- Health savings account

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Referral program

- Vision insurance

Work Location: In person