Plasma Operator

Job Description

The Plasma Cutting and Grinding Operator is responsible for reworking, modifying, and preparing stator components used in the fabrication and repair of locomotive stators. This position performs plasma cutting, grinding, material preparation, and inspection activities in accordance with engineering drawings, work instructions, quality standards, and safety requirements.

The employee safely operates plasma cutting equipment, grinding equipment, hand tools, power tools, forklifts, overhead cranes, and other manufacturing equipment while maintaining productivity, quality, and housekeeping standards. This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented manufacturing environment.

The employee may be required to support other manufacturing operations and departments based on production schedules, customer demand, and business needs.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Rework and refurbish used stator plates and related components according to engineering drawings, specifications, and written work instructions.

• Safely operate plasma cutting equipment to remove, modify, and prepare material for production use.

• Perform grinding, deburring, cleaning, fitting, and finishing operations to meet product specifications and quality standards.

• Read, interpret, and follow blueprints, technical drawings, work orders, and manufacturing documentation.

• Verify dimensional accuracy using standard measuring and inspection tools including tape measures, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring devices.

• Set up, adjust, and maintain equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.

• Perform routine equipment inspections and daily preventative maintenance checks.

• Identify equipment malfunctions or process concerns and communicate issues to supervision.

• Operate forklifts and overhead cranes safely after receiving required training and authorization.

• Maintain production schedules and work efficiently to support customer delivery requirements.

• Work closely with production personnel, quality personnel, and supervision to ensure workflow and production objectives are achieved.

• Maintain compliance with all quality standards, work instructions, and customer specifications.

• Complete required production records and documentation accurately and timely.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and waste reduction.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with company housekeeping standards.

• Assist in other manufacturing departments as directed to support production requirements.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to safely operate plasma cutting equipment, grinders, hand tools, and power tools.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work instructions, and technical specifications.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

• Ability to inspect and verify dimensional requirements using standard measuring equipment.

• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.

• Ability to interpret and act upon instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing production requirements.

• Basic math skills including measurement calculations and conversions.

• Effective communication and problem-solving skills.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

• Previous manufacturing, fabrication, metalworking, or industrial experience preferred.

• Plasma cutting experience preferred.

• Welding experience is helpful but not required.

• Experience reading blueprints and technical drawings preferred.

• Forklift and overhead crane experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.

• Ability to frequently bend, twist, kneel, crouch, reach, and perform repetitive motions.

• Ability to regularly lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40 pounds.

• Ability to perform physically demanding work in a manufacturing environment.

• Ability to work safely around moving machinery, overhead lifting devices, and material handling equipment.

• Ability to maintain visual attention to detail when performing fabrication and inspection activities.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to:

• Noise from production equipment.

• Heat, dust, sparks, and fumes associated with fabrication processes.

• Moving machinery and material handling equipment.

• Varying temperatures depending on season and production activities.

Safety Requirements

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices.

• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including but not limited to safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toe footwear, and fire-resistant clothing as required.

• Complete all required safety training and certifications.

• Immediately report unsafe conditions, accidents, injuries, near misses, and equipment concerns.

• Maintain compliance with all environmental, health, and safety requirements.

Quality Responsibilities

• Adhere to all quality standards, work instructions, and inspection requirements.

• Ensure products meet customer specifications and internal quality expectations.

• Participate in corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives as needed.

• Maintain accurate production and inspection documentation.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

UPG Electrical is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Full-time