Pay: $26.00 - $29.00 per hour
Position Summary
Steel Traditions is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Machinist / Material Preparation & Fabrication Technician to support the production of custom steel doors and windows.
The ideal candidate will have experience in machining, metal fabrication, architectural metal, door and window manufacturing, or a comparable precision manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for accurately cutting, machining, deburring, and preparing steel components for fabrication.
The successful candidate must be mechanically inclined, comfortable working with production equipment and precision measuring tools, and capable of reading and interpreting fabrication drawings and cut lists.
1. MATERIAL CUTTING & PRODUCTION PREPARATION
Responsibilities
Review approved cut lists, shop drawings, and production documentation before processing material.
Verify material type, profile, wall thickness, and dimensions.
Accurately measure and cut steel tube, bar stock, plate, flat bar, angle, channel, and other materials.
Operate cold saws, band saws, and other approved cutting equipment.
Produce accurate straight cuts, miter cuts, and specialty cuts as required.
Deburr cut material and remove sharp edges and excessive burrs.
Ensure material is properly prepared and safe for handling before moving into fabrication.
Verify first-piece accuracy and perform routine dimensional checks.
Organize, identify, and stage completed material for fabrication.
Identify discrepancies or potential issues before material is processed.
Minimize material waste through accurate measuring and efficient cutting practices.
2. MACHINING & COMPONENT PREPARATION
Responsibilities
Perform drilling, tapping, countersinking, counterboring, and other basic machining operations.
Machine components for hinges, locks, handles, closers, pivots, guides, and other hardware.
Accurately locate and machine holes based on approved drawings and dimensions.
Operate drill presses, milling machines, and other applicable machining equipment.
Select and maintain appropriate tooling for each operation.
Perform threading and tapping operations.
Machine or modify brackets, mounting plates, stops, guides, spacers, and specialty components as required.
Verify completed components using appropriate measuring tools.
Measurement Skills
The candidate should be comfortable using:
Tape measures and steel rules
Combination squares
Digital calipers
Micrometers and depth gauges, when required
Angle and layout tools
Thread gauges and templates
3. DRAWING & DOCUMENT INTERPRETATION
Responsibilities
Read and interpret fabrication drawings, cut lists, and production documentation.
Accurately understand fractional and decimal dimensions.
Verify dimensions and material requirements before cutting or machining.
Identify missing, conflicting, or questionable information.
Follow current revision-controlled drawings and production documents.
Communicate documentation or dimensional issues before material is processed.
4. QUALITY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is responsible for ensuring work is accurate before it moves into the next stage of production.
Responsibilities
Inspect cut and machined components for accuracy.
Verify critical dimensions, angles, hole locations, and hardware preparation.
Check for burrs, damaged material, excessive saw marks, or machining defects.
Confirm proper thread quality and hardware fitment when applicable.
Identify and report nonconforming material or production issues.
Help prevent avoidable errors, rework, and material waste.
Quality Standard:
Do not pass a known error to the next stage of production.
5. MACHINE & WORK AREA RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities
Perform basic daily inspections of assigned equipment.
Maintain cutting and machining equipment in a clean and safe condition.
Monitor saw blades, drill bits, taps, end mills, and other tooling.
Replace worn tooling or report equipment issues.
Keep the cutting and machining areas clean and organized.
Maintain proper organization of tools, fixtures, and measuring equipment.
6. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Responsibilities
Identify opportunities to improve cutting and machining processes.
Recommend or assist with the development of jigs, fixtures, and repeatable production methods.
Help reduce material waste and improve production efficiency.
Assist with improving organization and workflow within the cutting and machining areas.
Participate in the development and improvement of standard operating procedures.
7. SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities
Follow all company safety procedures and equipment requirements.
Wear required personal protective equipment.
Never bypass machine guards or safety devices.
Secure material properly before cutting or machining.
Maintain awareness of sharp edges, rotating equipment, and other workplace hazards.
Keep work areas clean and free from unnecessary hazards.
Report unsafe conditions or damaged equipment immediately.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
Experience operating metal cutting equipment.
Basic machining experience, including drilling and tapping.
Experience with precision measurement and layout.
Basic knowledge of metal fabrication and manufacturing processes.
Ability to accurately read a tape measure and work with fractional and decimal dimensions.
Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, cut lists, or technical documents.
Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and manage production priorities.
Ability to safely operate production and machining equipment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in door and window manufacturing.
Experience in architectural steel or architectural metal fabrication.
Experience with manual milling machines or similar machining equipment.
Experience creating or using jigs and fixtures.
Experience with custom fabrication or precision manufacturing.
Familiarity with CAD-generated cut lists or production drawings.
Forklift experience or willingness to become certified.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a hands-on, mechanically skilled problem solver who takes pride in producing accurate, high-quality work.
Experience in doors and windows, architectural metal, precision machining, custom fabrication, or a similar manufacturing environment is highly desirable.
This is a hands-on production position requiring a combination of machining skills, precision measurement, material cutting experience, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced custom manufacturing environment.
Benefits:
401(k)
Paid time off
Work Location: In person
