Equipment Operator

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

The Equipment Operator at Six Side Supply is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of CNC and mechanical cutting and forming machines used in the production of miscellaneous metals components. This includes operating a plasma table, press brake, bandsaw, tube and pipe cutter, and other automated fabrication equipment to produce parts according to shop drawings and specifications.

The role requires a detail-oriented individual who can follow digital and paper plans, load and set up material, maintain equipment, and support production schedules. This position plays a key part in ensuring material is cut and formed accurately for stairs, platforms, railings, embeds, and other fabricated assemblies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• 2+ years of experience operating fabrication equipment (e.g., CNC plasma table, press brake, bandsaw)
• Basic understanding of shop drawings, part tags, and cut lists
• Ability to work from printed or digital fabrication drawings and follow verbal instructions
• Familiarity with steel, aluminum, and stainless-steel materials
• Experience using digital controls or CNC software interfaces
• Understanding of fabrication shop safety practices and PPE use

Preferred:

• Experience in a miscellaneous metal or steel fabrication environment
• Forklift certification (or ability to obtain)
• Ability to perform basic maintenance and diagnostics on machines
• Familiarity with cut files or similar nesting software

Skills:

• Mechanical aptitude and machine troubleshooting ability
• Strong attention to accuracy and repeatability
• Ability to work efficiently without constant supervision
• Organizational skills to stage materials and manage job queues
• Clear communication with the Shop Supervisor and other Fabricators

CORE RESPONSIBLITIES:

Equipment Operation

• Operate plasma table to cut plate and sheet metal per nested files or manual input
• Operate hydraulic press brake to form channels, angles, and other bent profiles
• Cut bar, angle, pipe, and tubing on bandsaw or cold saw to specified lengths
• Utilize shop equipment to produce custom fabricated parts
• Verify dimensions and tolerances using tape measures, squares, and calipers
• Label and organize cut parts by job, tag number, or phase

Material Handling & Staging

• Load and unload raw materials using forklift/combi-lift
• Stage and organize cut materials for fabrication or shipping
• Assist in tracking inventory levels

Machine Maintenance & Quality

• Perform daily/weekly maintenance on machines: lubrication, blade changes, consumables
• Report malfunctions or tooling issues to Shop Supervisor
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of machine area

General & Team Support

• Assist with general shop tasks during equipment downtime
• Participate in Lean improvement efforts and workflow optimization
• Attend shop meetings and training as required
• Other duties as assigned

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This role is based in the Six Side Supply fabrication shop in White Bear Lake. It requires physical work in an active production environment, including interaction with welders, fabricators, drivers, and project management staff.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands outlined here are representative of those required for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

This position requires prolonged periods of standing near equipment. The employee must be able to lift to 100 pounds as needed, demonstrate manual dexterity for working with controls, clamps, and tools. Ability to bend, twist, and move materials frequently. Tolerance for noisy and dusty environments with PPE

The role also requires occasional visits to construction sites, where the employee may be exposed to dust, dirt, uneven surfaces, outdoor weather conditions, and extreme temperatures.