Fabricator - PP Operator

Great Bend, KS, United StatesFull-timePosted Oct 23, 2026

Job description

Job Details: Level: Experienced, Job Location: 198 N US Hwy 281

  • Great Bend, KS, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: Not Specified, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Travel Percentage: None, Job Shift: Third (3rd), Job Category: Manufacturing, Summary Sets up and operates the CNC plasma punch to punch and cut sheet metal and metal plate to blueprint and work order specifications. Selects and installs tooling, runs programmed jobs, monitors machine performance, and inspects parts to ensure they meet quality standards, while maintaining a safe and organized work area.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential duties

and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Safety

  1. Wears required personal protective equipment and follow lockout/tagout and machine guarding procedures when changing tooling, clearing jams, or performing maintenance.
  2. Reports unsafe conditions, near misses, and equipment hazards to the supervisor immediately. Blueprint and Work Order Interpretation
  3. Interprets drawings, program sheets, and work orders to determine work to be done, forming sequences, and dimensions of the finished work piece.
  4. Discusses nesting and machining problems with the Fabrication Programmer to improve material yield and part quality. Machine Setup
  5. Retrieves preprogrammed machine instructions from the CNC control or network database and verifies the correct program and revision for the job.
  6. Selects and installs punches, dies, and plasma nozzles in the machine or machine tool holders.
  7. Loads material onto the machine bed and positions and secures it according to setup instructions.
  8. Manipulates controls and enters commands to index the machine to the specified set point and start the machine. Machine Operation and Monitoring
  9. Performs a variety of punching and cutting operations to close and interrelated tolerances.
  10. Observes and listens to machine operation to detect malfunctions, such as worn or damaged punches, dies, and cutting tips.
  11. Changes punches, dies, and/or nozzle tips as specified in setup instructions or when wear is detected.
  12. Uses override controls to correct conditions that are out of tolerance or operating unusually.
  13. Adjusts machine feed and speed and changes tooling to produce parts to specification when automatic programming is faulty or the machine malfunctions. Quality and Inspection
  14. Performs first-piece and in-process inspections to ensure adherence to quality standards and specifications.
  15. Measures work pieces for conformance to specifications using appropriate measuring instruments.
  16. Removes slag and burrs from the edges of work pieces.
  17. Notifies the supervisor of discrepancies and segregates nonconforming parts. Maintenance and Housekeeping
  18. Cleans the machine, tooling, and work area at the end of each shift.
  19. Performs routine machine maintenance and reports equipment issues that require repair. Cross-Functional Support
  20. Performs the duties of a Numeric Controlled Machine Operator, operating either a plasma cutter or a brake press, as production needs require.
  21. Operates forklift as needed to move material and maintains current forklift training certification.
  22. All other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Growth Opportunity KMW is committed to developing talent from within. A Plasma Punch Operator who consistently meets safety, quality, and productivity standards will be encouraged to cross-train on other CNC fabrication equipment, such as the brake press and laser, to become a versatile multi-machine operator. Operators who demonstrate strong blueprint reading, setup, and troubleshooting skills, and who show an interest in CAD/CAM software and nesting, may be considered for advancement to a Lead Operator or Fabrication Programmer role. Employees are encouraged to discuss their development goals with their supervisor and Human Resources. Core Competencies To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
  23. Quality and Attention to Detail – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Verifies dimensions and hole locations before and during production runs; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
  24. Technical Proficiency – Sets up and runs the plasma punch independently; Selects and installs the correct tooling for each job; Recognizes tool wear and machine issues; Consistently produces parts within tolerance.
  25. Troubleshooting – Recognizes when the machine looks, sounds, or operates abnormally; Identifies whether the cause is tooling, material, or program related; Corrects the issue or escalates it promptly to the supervisor or Fabrication Programmer.
  26. Quantity – Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity.
  27. Cost Consciousness – Conserves materials and tooling; Minimizes scrap and rework; Conserves organizational resources.
  28. Procedural Compliance – Follows setup sheets, work instructions, and program revisions exactly; Completes inspection and production records accurately; Supports KMW's ISO 9001/45001 quality and safety management systems.
  29. Adaptability – Adapts to frequent job changes and re-setups; Manages competing production priorities; Is willing to cross-train on the brake press, laser, and other equipment.
  30. Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Is consistently at work and on time.

Qualifications

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

  1. High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
  2. One to three months’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  3. Prior experience operating CNC punching, plasma, or other fabrication equipment preferred.
  4. Forklift operator training certificate (obtained through KMW training) must be maintained. Required Technical Skills
  5. Ability to read and understand blueprints, drawings, program sheets, and work orders.
  6. Ability to use measuring devices such as tape measures, calipers, micrometers, and protractors, in both inches and millimeters.
  7. Ability to operate numeric control (CNC) touch screen controls.
  8. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, and to work with units of weight, volume, and both American and metric distance.
  9. Mechanical aptitude, including the ability to install punches, dies, and nozzles and to recognize worn or damaged tooling.
  10. Working knowledge of shop safety practices, including PPE and lockout/tagout, through completion of required safety training. Required Soft Skills
  11. Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, quality parts.
  12. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form, and to solve problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
  13. Ability to read and comprehend written instructions and safety procedures, write simple production notes, and communicate effectively with supervisors, programmers, and co-workers.
  14. Ability to stay focused and maintain a steady pace during repetitive production work.
  15. Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and cross-train on additional equipment. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles, extreme heat and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to very loud. Required PPE includes safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and safety-toe footwear. Strength Level Classification Criteria The Strength Level Classification Criteria of this job as established by the US Department of Labor: Level 4: Heavy Work
  • Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly. Safety Rules and Regulations All Safety Rules and Regulations will be followed. Those specifically associated with this job are: 03.44.01 General Safety Rules and Regulations 03.44.02 Lifting 03.44.03 Forklift 03.44.06 Hand and Power Tools 03.44.07 Housekeeping 03.44.08 PPE 03.44.10 Machinery and Equipment Job Safety Analysis The safety committee conducts surveys and develops Job Safety Analysis for all company jobs. The JSA specifically for this job is: 03.46.19 Plasma Punch Operation Reporting The Plasma Punch Operator reports to the Fabrication Foreman II.

Description copied from KMW's careers page. Read the full posting before you apply.

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