Structural Equipment Operator in Cornholme

IMIA, LLC is seeking a skilled Structural Equipment Operator to join our shop fabrication team. The role involves setting up and operating a variety of fabrication and machining equipment, including press brakes, CNC plasma tables, CNC waterjet machines, and milling machines, to produce components that meet naval specifications and industry standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, the ability to interpret naval blueprints and work instructions, and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. A high level of attention to detail and a strong commitment to safety and quality are essential.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor shop equipment, including press brakes, plasma cutters, waterjet machines, milling machines, and other fabrication or machining equipment.
• Blueprint interpretation and cutting layout: read and interpret complex naval blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings to determine cutting paths, machine settings, and material requirements; create and adjust cutting layouts using CAD software.
• Create and adjust cutting and machining layouts using CAD software.
• Material handling and setup: safely load and unload materials using forklifts or other material‑handling equipment; ensure proper alignment and setup before initiating cuts or forming processes.
• Quality control: perform in‑process and final inspections using precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and tape measures to verify accuracy and tolerances.
• Maintenance and troubleshooting: conduct routine maintenance, cleaning, and calibration of machines; troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and perform repairs or report issues to supervisors for resolution.
• Safety: adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, including wearing proper PPE, ensuring ventilation for fumes, and maintaining a clean, organized workspace; assist in maintaining a safe working environment for all team members.
• Communication: communicate effectively with team members and supervisors regarding project status, potential issues, and improvements; follow instructions from supervision and provide feedback on work processes.

Qualifications

• Technical Skills: proficiency in CAD or other 2D & 3D drawing software.
• Measurement Skills: ability to use precision measurement tools (e.g., calipers, tape measures) to ensure accurate cuts.
• Experience: previous experience with CNC water jet and plasma cutting systems is preferred; experience with manual, semi‑automated, or automated machines such as CNC mills or lathes is a plus.
• Blueprint Reading: strong ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and schematics.
• Material Knowledge: understanding of materials, thickness tolerances, and fabrication behavior across varying metals.
• Physical Requirements: excellent manual dexterity, attention to detail, ability to stand for long periods, lift materials up to 50 lbs, and work in a workshop environment.
• Safety Standards: knowledge and adherence to safety practices related to operating industrial machinery, high‑pressure water jets, plasma systems, and handling hazardous materials.
• Problem‑Solving: strong troubleshooting skills to identify, diagnose, and resolve issues during cutting.
• Communication Skills: strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with supervision and team members.
• Vocational Training or Apprenticeship: completion of a vocational school program or apprenticeship related to CNC machine operation, fabrication, or welding is preferred.
• Mathematical Skills: strong mathematical abilities, including measurements, conversions, and geometric calculations for precise cutting and layout.
• Forklift Operation: experience operating forklifts or other material‑handling equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Power Tools & Shop Equipment: skilled in the use of power tools and general shop equipment, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Education and Experience

• High school graduate or GED preferred.
• Six months to one‑year related experience and/or training.

Working Conditions

• Most work performed onboard a ship, in a dry dock, or shipyard under fast‑paced conditions; frequent overtime may be required.
• Consistent exposure to extreme temperatures, outdoor elements, high noise levels, toxic or caustic chemicals, and dusty conditions.

Equipment Used

• Marking tools (sharpies, layout dye), heat‑resistant mats/gloves, thickness gauges, tape measurers (metric & imperial), calipers & micrometers, combination square or straight edges, scribes or carbide‑tipped markers for material marking, utility knives, angle finders or protractors, center punches, crescent wrenches, clamps, vice grips, chalk/soapstone, pry bars, levels, brushes & brooms.

Reasonable Accommodations

• May be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

About the Organization

IMIA, LLC is the only national marine surface preparation painting contractor servicing every U.S. port with a mobile full‑time workforce that ensures a quality product is delivered on time every time. IMIA, LLC has the equipment, seasoned deckplate supervision and mechanics, as well as rigorous corporate safety and quality programs and financial strength to support our customer's preservation needs in a truly superior and comprehensive fashion.

Benefits

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Long‑Term Disability (LTD)
• Accident
• Critical Illness
• 401(k)
• Per Diem or Dislocation Allowance: Per Diem or dislocation allowance may be provided to eligible employees to reimburse some or all of the cost an employee might be reasonably expected to incur for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses while traveling out of town for work.

EOE Statement

IMIA, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, age, sex, disability status, marital status, status as a covered veteran, genetics, or any other protected groups under state, federal or local Equal Opportunity Laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.