Saw Operator

ORTHMAN CONVEYING SYSTEMS

Saw Operator

Department: Production / Manufacturing

Reports To: Production Supervisor / Shop Supervisor

Classification: Non-Exempt, Hourly

Location: Cleburne, Texas

Position Summary

The Saw Operator is responsible for safely and accurately operating industrial saw equipment to cut steel and other materials according to production drawings, work orders, travelers, and specified dimensions. This position supports the fabrication process by ensuring materials are cut accurately, efficiently, and on schedule for downstream operations, including machining, forming, welding, and assembly. The Saw Operator is expected to maintain a safe and organized work area, properly identify and handle materials, perform quality checks, and accurately document production activity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

- Set up and operate industrial saw equipment used to cut structural steel, tubing, pipe, bar stock, and other materials.

- Review production travelers, work orders, blueprints, cut lists, and drawings to determine material type, dimensions, quantities, and cutting requirements.

- Select appropriate material and verify material type, size, and specifications before cutting.

- Measure and mark materials accurately using tape measures, squares, calipers, and other measuring tools.

- Set saw stops, angles, speeds, feeds, and other machine settings according to job requirements.

- Load and unload material using appropriate material-handling equipment.

- Perform accurate cuts while minimizing scrap and material waste.

- Inspect completed parts to verify dimensions and conformance with drawings and specifications.

- Identify, label, and stage completed material for the next production operation.

- Accurately record labor, material usage, quantities, and production activity in JobBoss or other company systems.

- Monitor saw blades, coolant, guards, and equipment condition during operation.

- Replace or assist with replacing saw blades and perform routine operator-level maintenance as required.

- Report equipment malfunctions, damaged tooling, material discrepancies, or quality concerns to the supervisor.

- Maintain an organized inventory of raw material and remnants when assigned.

- Properly identify and return usable material remnants to designated storage areas and follow established procedures for scrap material.

- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.

- Follow all company safety policies, including requirements for PPE, machine guarding, lockout/tagout, and material handling.

- Participate in required safety meetings and training.

- Assist other production departments as needed based on workload and production requirements.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

Quality Responsibilities

The Saw Operator is responsible for verifying that material is cut correctly before it moves to the next stage of production. Responsibilities include:

- Confirming material type and dimensions before cutting.

- Checking cut length, angle, and quantity against production documentation.

- Using appropriate measuring instruments to verify completed parts.

- Identifying and reporting nonconforming material.

- Preventing defective or incorrectly cut material from moving to downstream operations.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

- High school diploma or GED preferred.

- Previous experience operating industrial saws or manufacturing equipment preferred.

- Experience in steel fabrication, metalworking, or a manufacturing environment preferred.

- Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, work orders, travelers, and cut lists.

- Ability to accurately read a tape measure, including fractional measurements.

- Basic understanding of manufacturing tolerances and dimensional requirements.

- Ability to use calipers, squares, and other measuring equipment.

- Basic math skills, including fractions and decimals.

- Ability to identify common steel shapes and materials, including plate, tubing, pipe, angle, channel, and structural shapes.

- Ability to safely operate material-handling equipment after receiving required training and authorization.

- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

- Ability to work independently and as part of a production team.

- Basic computer skills and ability to accurately enter production information into JobBoss or other company systems.

Safety Requirements

Employees must follow all Orthman Conveying Systems safety policies and procedures. Required PPE may include safety glasses, hearing protection, safety-toe footwear, appropriate work gloves when handling material, and additional PPE based on the task being performed. Employees must immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, injuries, near misses, and damaged safety equipment to their supervisor.

Physical Requirements

- Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.

- Frequently bend, reach, push, pull, grasp, and handle materials.

- Regularly lift and/or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds independently.

- Use appropriate lifting assistance or material-handling equipment for heavier materials.

- Safely work around moving machinery and material-handling equipment.

- Perform repetitive movements associated with measuring, positioning, and cutting material.

- Maintain sufficient visual acuity to read measurements, drawings, and equipment controls.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

This position primarily works in a manufacturing/shop environment that may be loud, dusty, and non-climate-controlled. Employees may be exposed to metal chips, sharp edges, moving machinery, material-handling equipment, temperature variations, and other conditions typical of a metal fabrication facility. Required PPE must be worn in accordance with company policy.

Performance Expectations / KPIs

- Safety: Compliance with PPE, equipment, and company safety requirements; completion of required monthly safety training.

- Quality: Accuracy of cuts and conformance to drawings, travelers, and specifications.

- Productivity: Completion of assigned work within established production expectations.

- Material Utilization: Efficient use of raw material and reduction of unnecessary scrap.

- JobBoss Accuracy: Accurate recording of labor, quantities, and production activity.

- Equipment Care: Proper operation, inspection, and routine care of saw equipment.

- Housekeeping: Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work area.

- Attendance and Reliability: Consistent attendance, punctuality, and readiness to work scheduled hours.

- Teamwork: Effective communication and cooperation with welding, machining, forming, material handling, and other production departments.

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