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.