Machine Operator

Machine Operator

Position Summary The Machine Operator sets up, operates, and monitors production equipment used to fabricate components for Americase’s custom aluminum and plastic transport cases, including ATA, MIL-SPEC, and HAZ-MAT cases. This role is responsible for producing parts that meet print specifications, quality standards, and production schedules while following all safety procedures. The Machine Operator works closely with production leads, quality inspectors, and maintenance staff to keep equipment running efficiently and to support on-time delivery to customers across the aerospace, defense, industrial, and commercial markets. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Machine Setup: Set up and adjust production equipment such as shears, press brakes, punch presses, saws, CNC routers, riveting equipment, and foam-cutting machines according to work orders, blueprints, and setup sheets.
• Machine Operation: Operate assigned equipment to cut, form, punch, drill, rivet, or assemble aluminum extrusions, sheet metal, plastic, and foam components to specified dimensions and tolerances.
• Print Reading: Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, travelers, and work instructions to determine material, dimensions, sequence of operations, and quality requirements.
• Quality Checks: Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using calipers, micrometers, tape measures, squares, and gauges; document results and escalate nonconforming parts to the Production Supervisor or Quality team.
• Production Output: Meet daily production targets for quantity and quality; accurately record production counts, scrap, downtime, and labor on required forms or systems.
• Material Handling: Load and unload raw materials and finished parts, stage work-in-process, and move materials safely using carts, pallet jacks, or forklifts (when certified).
• Equipment Care: Perform routine operator-level maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, and tooling checks; report equipment malfunctions or wear to maintenance promptly.
• Safety Compliance: Follow all safety rules, lockout/tagout procedures, machine guarding requirements, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements at all times.
• Housekeeping: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in line with 5S and workplace organization standards.
• Continuous Improvement: Participate in team meetings, cross-training, and improvement efforts to reduce scrap, setup time, and safety risks.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Production Supervisor or management.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1+ year of experience operating production machinery in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• Ability to read and interpret basic blueprints, work orders, and written work instructions.
• Ability to use basic measuring tools (tape measure, calipers, micrometers) and perform shop math, including fractions and decimals.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and wear required PPE for the full shift.
• Reliable attendance and the ability to work assigned shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with sheet metal or aluminum fabrication equipment such as shears, press brakes, punch presses, or riveting machines.
• Experience setting up or operating CNC equipment.
• Experience working in an ISO 9001 or similar quality-system environment.
• Current forklift certification, or willingness to become certified.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing or 5S practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Attention to Detail: Ability to catch defects and dimensional errors before parts move to the next operation.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Understanding of how machines, tooling, and fixtures work and how to adjust them safely.
• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly with supervisors, quality, and maintenance teams, including shift handoffs.
• Teamwork: Willingness to support coworkers, cross-train, and move between workstations as production needs change.
• Dependability: Consistent attendance, punctuality, and follow-through on assigned work.

Physical Requirements The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Stand and walk for the full shift, typically 8 to 10 hours.
• Regularly lift, carry, push, or pull materials up to 50 pounds; heavier items with assistance or lifting equipment.
• Frequently bend, stoop, reach, twist, and use hands and fingers to handle tools and materials.
• Visual acuity sufficient to read prints and measuring instruments and to inspect parts for defects.
• Ability to wear PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and safety-toe footwear.

Work Environment Work is performed in a manufacturing facility with exposure to moving machinery, sharp metal edges, noise, dust, and occasional fumes from adhesives or materials. Hearing protection and other PPE are required in designated areas. The employee may be asked to work overtime, weekends, or alternate shifts based on production needs. Pre-Employment Requirements: Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check and drug screen. Because this position may involve access to export-controlled technology or information, candidates may be required to meet U.S. person requirements under ITAR and EAR, or be eligible for any required export authorization. Equal Employment Opportunity Americase is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Reasonable Accommodations: Americase provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources. E-Verify: Americase participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. For more information, visit www.e-verify.gov. This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Americase may modify duties and requirements at any time based on business needs.