Plasma Operator

Job Title:

Table Operator Job Description This role sets up and operates CNC plasma and oxy-fuel burn tables and related equipment to cut, drill, and process heavy steel plate with precision. The table operator reads and interprets blueprints and work orders, performs accurate material setups, and ensures all parts meet quality and safety standards in a large structural steel fabrication environment. Responsibilities Prepare and operate CNC machines, including plasma and oxy-fuel burn tables, for cutting, drilling, grinding, and other plate processing tasks. Read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, schematics, and work orders to understand job specifications and cutting requirements. Perform material setups prior to running the machine, including loading plate, aligning material, and verifying correct programs and tooling. Run plasma and oxy-fuel CNC burn tables to produce parts accurately according to prints and work instructions. Use measuring devices such as tape measures, micrometers, and calipers to verify dimensions and tolerances on parts. Operate hand torches to cut skeletons and perform secondary cuts or adjustments as needed. Operate overhead cranes and other material handling equipment to move and position heavy plate and finished parts safely. Inspect machinery and finished products for quality assurance, identifying defects and ensuring compliance with specifications. Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and assist in resolving issues to minimize downtime and maintain production flow. Perform daily maintenance on machinery, including cleaning, basic lubrication, and routine checks to ensure safe and efficient operation. Handle materials appropriately and safely, following established procedures for heavy metal fabrication and plate processing. Operate additional fabrication equipment such as shear, punch press, press brake, drill press, router, saws (including bandsaws), and other CNC machines as needed. Follow all safety requirements, maintain required certifications, and contribute to a safe work environment. Lift up to 50 pounds regularly and maintain the physical fitness necessary to work in an industrial manufacturing setting. Work swing shift hours (Monday through Thursday, four 10-hour shifts) and support production schedules as required. Essential Skills Proven experience operating plasma tables and/or oxy-fuel cutting equipment in a heavy metal fabrication environment. Experience operating industrial CNC machines for heavy metal fabrication, including oxy-fuel, plasma tables, and burn tables. Ability to run plasma and oxy-fuel CNC burn tables and produce parts accurately to specification. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, prints, work orders, and schematics. Proficiency in using measuring devices such as tape measures, micrometers, and calipers. Experience using a hand torch to cut skeletons and perform manual cutting operations. Familiarity with overhead crane operation and other material handling equipment. Experience working in an industrial manufacturing or steel fabrication environment. Capability to perform machine setup, including plate processing and CNC machine setup. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks safely. Commitment to following safety requirements and maintaining necessary certifications. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with shear, burn table, punch press, press brake, router, drill press, and other fabrication machinery. Background in plate processing and saw operation, including bandsaw use. Exposure to structural steel or bridge fabrication projects. Comfort working with AISC-certified processes and standards. Willingness to join a union environment after conversion to direct employment, including participation in union-sponsored benefits and programs. Why Work Here? The organization offers the stability and reputation of a long-established structural steel fabricator with a rich history in complex projects such as bridges, commercial buildings, hospitals, stadiums, and industrial facilities. Employees join a large, experienced team known for excellence in project management, structural steel, and bridge fabrication. After conversion to direct employment, team members have the opportunity to join a union that actively supports higher wages, pensions, family health plans, and greater respect for their profession and skills, providing a strong foundation for long-term career growth and security. Work Environment The role is based in a 180,000 square foot single steel fabrication facility, one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest, dedicated to structural steel projects including high-rise buildings, bridges, marine work, and other complex structures. The facility operates with AISC certification and holds an AISC Sophisticated Paint, Indoor endorsement (QP3), with extensive experience in applying surface treatments and paint. Work is performed on swing shift, Monday through Thursday, in four 10-hour shifts from approximately 4:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. The environment is industrial and fast-paced, with regular use of CNC plasma and oxy-fuel burn tables, overhead cranes, saws, presses, and other heavy fabrication equipment. Team members work around large steel components, follow strict safety procedures, and wear appropriate industrial attire and personal protective equipment suitable for a steel fabrication and painting facility. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tigard, OR. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $29.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Tigard,OR.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 28, 2026. About Aerotek We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.