Location: Newport News, VA
Employment Type: Full-Time | Contract-to-Hire
Available Shifts: 1st Shift and 3rd Shift (flexibility required based on operational demands)
Starting Pay: $18.00/hour and up, depending on experience and technical capabilities

A growing manufacturing operation is seeking a skilled CNC Sheet Metal Fabrication Specialist to support production involving turret punch and punch/laser combination equipment. This role is responsible for machine setup, tooling preparation, program execution, quality verification, and production support within a precision sheet metal environment.

Successful candidates will possess strong mechanical aptitude, blueprint-reading skills, and experience working with a variety of sheet metal materials while maintaining quality and productivity standards.

• Set up and operate CNC punching equipment used in sheet metal manufacturing
• Load and verify machine programs before beginning production runs
• Prepare and position raw materials for efficient processing
• Install, align, and maintain punches, dies, and forming tools according to job specifications
• Monitor machine performance and make adjustments to support production quality and efficiency

• Review engineering drawings, blueprints, and work instructions to ensure accurate part production
• Optimize nesting layouts, punch sequences, and material utilization to minimize scrap and improve throughput
• Troubleshoot issues involving tooling wear, material feeding, machine performance, and production flow
• Adjust tooling and machine parameters as necessary to maintain dimensional accuracy and consistent output
• Coordinate workload priorities to support production schedules and department objectives

• Conduct in-process inspections using calipers and other precision measuring devices
• Verify completed components meet dimensional and quality requirements
• Maintain accurate setup records, production reports, and inspection documentation
• Collaborate with fabrication, engineering, and operations personnel to resolve production challenges and improve workflow

• At least five years of experience operating CNC turret punch equipment in a manufacturing environment
• Strong ability to interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and fabrication specifications
• Experience processing materials including galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum
• Proficiency with measuring instruments and quality inspection procedures
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills and attention to detail
• Working knowledge of shop mathematics, including geometry and trigonometry
• Ability to prioritize work, estimate production timelines, and manage multiple tasks effectively
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform frequent standing, bending, squatting, and other physical activities throughout the shift
• Comfortable working in an industrial environment with varying temperatures

• Experience modifying or editing G-code programs
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software used in sheet metal manufacturing
• Forklift certification or previous forklift operating experience
• Exposure to production planning, project coordination, or manufacturing support functions

Experience with the following equipment is highly valued:

• Amada EM3612ZRT 33-Ton Turret Punch Press featuring automatic tool-changing capabilities and a high-capacity tooling system
• Amada EML 2515 Aje Punch/Laser Combination Machine