CNC Saw Operator

Description

The CNC Saw Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of Amada CNC band saws and related cutting equipment. This role involves programming, setting up, and operating automated saws to cut metal bar stock, tube, structural shapes, and plate to precise specifications. The operator ensures cut pieces meet dimensional tolerances, maintains equipment, and upholds a clean and safe work environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Machine Operation

• Set up and operate Amada CNC band saws (e.g., HFA, PCSAW series) and related cutting equipment
• Load and interpret cut programs; input parameters including feed rate, blade speed, and cutting angles
• Mount and secure material using clamps, vises, and fixtures; adjust stops and length gauges
• Perform saw angle adjustments for miter and compound cuts as required
• Monitor cutting operations for blade wear, deflection, or quality deviations and make real-time corrections

Material Handling & Processing

• Read and interpret work orders, blueprints, cut lists, and job travelers to determine cut specifications
• Identify and stage raw materials including solid bar, hollow bar, tube, pipe, angle iron, flat bar, and structural sections
• Use overhead crane, forklift, or material handling equipment to load and unload stock (certification required or to be obtained)
• Bundle, tag, and stage cut parts accurately to job and route card requirements
• Minimize material waste through efficient nesting and cut sequencing

Quality & Inspection

• Measure cut parts using calipers, tape measures, squares, and angle finders to verify dimensional accuracy
• Inspect cut surfaces for burrs, squareness, and finish; remove sharp edges as required
• Complete first-article and in-process inspection documentation
• Identify and quarantine non-conforming material; communicate defects to supervisor

Maintenance & Housekeeping

• Perform daily pre-operation checks: blade tension, guide bearings, coolant level, and hydraulic fluid
• Change saw blades, clean coolant tanks, and clear chip conveyors per PM schedule
• Log machine hours and maintenance activities in the maintenance tracking system
• Maintain a clean work area; sweep chips, dispose of coolant waste per environmental guidelines

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA standards, and lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures
• Wear required PPE at all times: safety glasses, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, and cut-resistant gloves
• Participate in safety audits, training, and incident investigations as required
• Report unsafe conditions or near-miss events immediately to supervisor

Requirements

Required

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience operating CNC or manual band saws in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and cut lists
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools (calipers, tape measure, angle finder)
• Basic math skills including fractions, decimals, and geometric calculations
• Knowledge of safe material handling practices

Preferred

• Experience operating Amada CNC saw equipment (HFA series, PCSAW, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with Amada AMNC or similar CNC control interfaces
• Experience cutting ferrous and non-ferrous metals, alloy steels, or stainless steel
• Forklift or overhead crane certification
• Completion of a machining or manufacturing technology vocational program

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk on concrete floors for the duration of an 8–10 hour shift
• Frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling of materials up to 50 lbs; team lift required for heavier loads
• Occasional bending, kneeling, and reaching to load/unload equipment and perform maintenance
• Exposure to metalworking fluids, cutting coolant, metal chips, and noise levels requiring hearing protection
• Ability to wear all required PPE throughout the shift

Work Environment

This position is performed in a manufacturing shop environment. The employee will be exposed to moving machinery, metal stock, sharp materials, cutting fluids, and moderate-to-high noise levels. The shop may experience temperature variations. Safety compliance is mandatory at all times.