CNC Machine Operator - Shipyard

Role overview

CNC operation and fabrication

• Operate and monitor CNC machines for cutting, drilling, milling, and shaping project materials.
• Set up machines by selecting tools, loading materials, setting cutting parameters, and entering or verifying machine programs.
• Process steel plates, aluminum sheets, profiles, and other materials to approved drawings and required dimensions.
• Prepare components for ship hulls, bulkheads, decks, frames, stiffeners, and other marine structures.

Quality and maintenance

• Read and interpret engineering and fabrication drawings, technical specifications, and cutting plans.
• Verify material thickness, dimensions, cutting accuracy, and tolerances before and after machining.
• Check programs, machine settings, and cutting paths to ensure accurate production and reduce waste.
• Perform routine machine, tool, and accessory inspections and basic maintenance.
• Identify faults, cutting defects, and dimensional errors; report them to the supervisor or maintenance team.
• Monitor performance and make adjustments within authorized procedures.

Production and safety

• Position and secure materials before machining or cutting operations.
• Coordinate with fabrication, welding, fitting, and production teams to meet project deadlines.
• Maintain records of machine operations, material usage, production quantities, and completed work where required.
• Follow quality control procedures, keep the work area clean, and follow shipyard safety and PPE requirements.
• Handle heavy materials safely and minimize waste through efficient cutting layouts.

Required qualifications

• At least four years of relevant CNC Operator experience in shipyard, shipbuilding, ship repair, or marine fabrication work.
• Practical experience operating CNC cutting machines used in shipbuilding and marine fabrication.
• Experience with CNC plasma, laser, drilling, or milling machines, depending on shipyard requirements.
• Ability to read engineering and fabrication drawings and technical specifications; knowledge of cutting parameters, tooling, setup, and material positioning.
• Experience processing steel plate, aluminum sheet, profiles, and other marine fabrication materials; understanding of tolerances and quality inspection.
• Ability to identify machining defects and perform basic troubleshooting; knowledge of workshop safety and PPE.
• Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork skills.

Preferred technical familiarity

• Familiarity with CNC machine control systems and relevant CAD/CAM software is advantageous.