Job Purpose / Role Summary

The Senior CNC / Fabrication Machine Technician is a skilled, hands-on technical professional responsible for the independent, safe, and efficient operation, setup, and maintenance of critical sheet-metal fabrication machinery including CNC press brakes, CNC automatic drilling machines, CNC shearing machines, and pneumatic cutting equipment.

This role operates at the intersection of shop-floor execution and technical leadership: the technician manages high-precision production while simultaneously training, guiding, and supervising junior technicians and machine operators to ensure they meet dimensional accuracy, quality, and safety standards.

The Senior Technician combines deep practical expertise in machine setup, measurement, quality inspection, and troubleshooting with the mentoring capability to build a competent, safety-conscious team on the shop floor.

Key Responsibilities

1. Machine Operation & Setup

- Independently set up, operate, and optimize CNC press brakes, CNC automatic drilling machines, CNC shearing machines, and pneumatic cutting equipment according to engineering drawings and job specifications.
- Review work orders, fabrication drawings, and machine setup sheets to understand job requirements, material specifications, dimensions, tolerances, and bend/cut parameters.
- Select and install appropriate tooling (dies, punches, drill bits, shear blades, cutting tools) based on job requirements and material thickness.
- Configure machine parameters including bend angles, cutting dimensions, hole locations, feed rates, stroke lengths, and pressure settings.
- Perform test runs and first-piece inspections before commencing production runs to validate setup accuracy.
- Continuously monitor machine performance, output quality, and operator work during production shifts.

2. Drawing Interpretation & Technical Planning

- Read and interpret fabrication drawings, CNC part programs, and shop drawings with proficiency; understand dimensions, tolerances, bend allowances, hole pitch, cutting dimensions, and edge finishes.
- Identify clashing, missing, or ambiguous dimensions on drawings and escalate queries (RFIs) to the Production Supervisor or Design/Engineering team.
- Select appropriate machine and tooling based on material type, thickness, part geometry, and production volume.
- Calculate bend allowances, deduction factors, and nesting layouts to optimize material utilization and minimize scrap.

3. Production Execution & Schedule Adherence

- Execute daily production schedules as assigned by the Production Supervisor; achieve daily/shift production targets measured in units or production hours.
- Manage material staging, coil/sheet feeding, part unloading, and staging of finished parts.
- Track production progress and report any deviations, delays, or quality issues to the Production Supervisor immediately.
- Minimize machine downtime through proactive setup management and quick changeover between jobs.
- Coordinate with material stores and logistics for timely availability of raw material, tooling, and consumables.

4. Machine Maintenance & Troubleshooting

- Perform daily pre-start checks: verify hydraulic/pneumatic fluid levels, sensor operation, emergency stop buttons, and lubrication systems.
- Execute routine post-operation maintenance: cleaning, lubrication, and visual inspection of machine components.
- Identify and troubleshoot common mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic faults (e.g., misalignment, seal leaks, sensor failures, program errors).
- Execute minor adjustments and tool changes without waiting for maintenance; escalate major faults to the maintenance team with clear documentation of the problem and observed symptoms.
- Coordinate with the maintenance department for preventive maintenance (PM) schedules and critical repairs.

5. Quality Assurance & Dimensional Accuracy

- Perform first-piece inspection and in-process quality checks using precision measuring instruments (measuring tape, vernier callipers, micrometres, height gauges, angle gauges).
- Verify dimensions, tolerances, bend angles, hole positions, cut squareness, edge finish, and surface cleanliness against approved drawings.
- Identify and segregate defective parts; document quality issues and communicate root causes to the supervisor.
- Maintain quality logs and first-piece inspection sheets as per standard procedures.
- Ensure zero-defect mindset and adherence to quality standards throughout the shift.

6. Training, Guidance & Team Supervision (CORE LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY)

- Train and mentor junior technicians and machine operators on safe machine operation, setup procedures, and best practices.
- Demonstrate correct setup, alignment, tool selection, parameter entry, and operating techniques; guide juniors through step-by-step procedures.
- Assign daily work to junior staff as directed by the Production Supervisor; monitor progress and provide real-time feedback.
- Conduct in-process quality checks on work produced by junior technicians; identify and correct operational mistakes before parts reach downstream processes.
- Help new employees become competent, independent machine operators through structured on-the-job training.
- Ensure junior staff understand and follow engineering drawings, specifications, machine parameters, and safety procedures.
- Serve as the technical point of reference for junior technicians on the shop floor; answer questions and clarify technical issues.
- Escalate recurring training needs, systemic issues, or behavioural concerns to the Production Supervisor.

Machine-Specific Responsibilities

CNC Press Brake Operations

- Setup: Install and align upper and lower dies, set back gauge distance, adjust blade clearance, and configure press stroke and pressure according to material thickness and bend specifications.
- Program & Parameter Configuration: Load or manually input CNC bend programs; set bend sequence, dwell time, approach speed, and pressure profiles using the press brake controller/HMI.
- Bend Accuracy: Monitor and control bend angles, springback compensation, and dimensional consistency; use angle gauges and dimension checks to validate bend accuracy.
- Tool Selection: Select appropriate bend dies, stripper plates, and hold-down devices based on part geometry, material, and bend radius.
- Material Handling: Safely load sheet/plate stock, position blanks using back gauge, and unload finished bent parts.
- Troubleshooting: Identify and correct issues such as angle drift, non-uniform bends, die chatter, or hydraulic pressure anomalies.
- Maintenance: Monitor hydraulic fluid condition, check hose integrity, and report leaks or pressure drops to maintenance.
- Safety: Ensure all die clamps are tight, emergency stops are functional, and guards are in place; prevent hand/finger intrusion into bend area.

CNC Automatic Drilling Machine Operations

- Setup: Install and align drill chucks, collets, or quick-change tool holders; secure fixtures or work-holding devices; load drill programs and set coordinate offsets.
- Program & Parameter Configuration: Load or input CNC drilling programs; set spindle RPM, feed rates, peck parameters, and depth stops based on material type, hole diameter, and thickness.
- Hole Accuracy: Monitor hole diameter, depth, location (X/Y coordinates), and cantering; use precision measuring instruments to validate hole positions and spacing.
- Tool Selection: Select appropriate drill bits, countersinks, or step drills based on material and hole specification; replace worn or broken bits promptly.
- Program Editing:



Make basic adjustments to tool offsets, feed rates, and depths; escalate complex program modifications to production engineering.
- Material Positioning: Secure parts in fixtures or vises; verify alignment before drilling; manage part staging and unloading.
- Troubleshooting: Identify causes of drill breakage, off-center holes, or dimensional variations; correct them through tool change, offset adjustment, or fixture realignment.
- Maintenance: Keep spindle area clean; check cooling system operation (if applicable); monitor tool-change mechanism and report sluggish performance to maintenance.
- Safety: Ensure rotating chuck/tool guards are in place; keep hands clear of rotating spindle; verify part clamping before program start.

CNC Shearing Machine Operations

- Setup: Install and align upper and lower shear blades; set blade clearance and angle per material specification; configure material stops and backgauges for cutting length.
- Program & Parameter Configuration: Load CNC cutting programs; set blade speed, stroke length, and cutting sequence; configure automatic material advance and length stops.
- Cutting Accuracy: Verify cut length, edge squareness, and burr control; use measuring tape and vernier callipers to validate cut dimensions against drawing specifications.
- Blade Management: Monitor blade condition; replace dull or chipped blades according to maintenance schedules; maintain proper blade angle and clearance.
- Material Handling: Load coil or sheet stock safely; position material using backgauge or manual stops; manage cut strips and finished parts.
- Troubleshooting: Diagnose issues such as non-square cuts, excessive burrs, blade slippage, or length inaccuracy; correct through blade realignment, clearance adjustment, or parameter tuning.
- Maintenance: Keep blade area free of debris; verify hydraulic pressure; report blade dulling, servo motor noise, or length-stop drift to maintenance.
- Safety: Keep hands clear of shear closing area during operation; ensure guards are functional; verify emergency stop responsiveness.

Pneumatic Cutting Machine Operations

- Setup: Install cutting dies or attachments; set air pressure and cutting speed per material and thickness specifications; secure material in holding fixtures.
- Operation: Position material accurately; actuate cutting cycles; manage rapid part ejection and staging of cut pieces.
- Cutting Quality: Verify cut dimensions, edge cleanliness, and die impression accuracy; detect incomplete cuts or material slippage.
- Air System Management: Monitor pneumatic pressure gauges; check for air leaks at hoses and connectors; drain moisture from air receiver regularly.
- Die/Tooling: Inspect cutting dies for wear or damage; replace dull dies; maintain proper alignment in the cutting head.
- Troubleshooting: Address weak cutting force (pressure loss), incomplete cuts, uneven impression, or leaking seals; report major pneumatic faults to maintenance.
- Maintenance: Keep air filter clean; check regulator function; inspect hose integrity for cracks or splits.
- Safety: Use proper hand positioning and guards; never operate the machine with guards removed; verify air pressure is within safe operating range.

Drawing Reading & Measurement Skills

- Read and interpret 2D fabrication drawings, dimensional annotations, tolerance callouts, bend symbols, hole patterns, and edge finish specifications.
- Understand GD&T; (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) basics: recognize tolerance zones, run-out, perpendicularity, and flatness symbols.
- Identify bend allowances, bend deduction, and springback factors; perform basic bend angle and dimension calculations.
- Use precision measuring instruments proficiently:

Measuring tape and ruler for overall dimensions and lengths

Vernier callipers for hole diameters, slot widths, and linear dimensions

Micrometers for thickness measurements and high-precision dimensional checks

Angle gauges and protractors for bend angle verification

Height gauges for hole location and step height measurements

Try squares and straightedges for edge squareness and flatness checks

- Detect and document dimensional deviations, surface defects, or specification violations clearly and communicate findings to the supervisor.

Quality Control Responsibilities

- Perform first-piece inspection on every new setup or material change; verify all critical dimensions, tolerances, and surface finish before releasing the job to full production.
- Conduct in-process quality checks during production runs at regular intervals (typically every 1020 parts or as per defined sampling plans).
- Maintain and complete First-Piece Inspection (FPI) sheets, Quality Check Logs, and Scrap/Defect Reports with clear descriptions of issues and root causes.
- Identify dimensional or fabrication defects (e.g., wrong dimension, poor bend angle, burr, off-center hole, misalignment) and segregate non-conforming parts immediately.
- Understand and apply acceptance criteria and rejection thresholds as defined in the fabrication drawing or quality plan.
- Communicate quality deviations to the Production Supervisor; participate in root-cause analysis when requested.
- Maintain awareness of internal and external quality standards (ISO 9001, customer specifications, company quality norms).
- Contribute to a continuous improvement culture by suggesting setup optimizations or procedural changes that reduce scrap or improve quality.

Machine Setup & Troubleshooting

Independent Setup Capability

- Independently select machines, tooling, and parameters for job execution based on fabrication drawings and material specifications.
- Perform complete machine setup without supervision; validate setup using first-piece inspection before commencing production.
- Manage job changeovers including die/tool removal, cleaning, installation of new tooling, and parameter reconfiguration.
- Optimize changeover time through familiarity with tooling storage, quick-change mechanisms, and setup procedures.

Basic to Advanced Troubleshooting

- Diagnose and resolve common operational issues:

CNC press brake: angle drift, springback inconsistency, tool chatter, hydraulic pressure loss

Automatic drilling: off-center holes, drill breakage, depth inaccuracy, spindle noise

Shearing: non-square cuts, excessive burrs, blade slippage, length inaccuracy

Pneumatic cutting: weak cutting force, incomplete cuts, uneven impression, air leaks

- Execute corrective actions: tool replacement, parameter adjustment, fixture realignment, pressure tuning, or sensor recalibration.
- Distinguish between minor adjustments (which the technician handles independently) and major faults (which require maintenance).
- Document troubleshooting steps taken and report results to the Production Supervisor.

Escalation Protocol

- Recognize when a fault exceeds the technician's troubleshooting scope (e.g., servo motor failure, electrical/PLC issues, major hydraulic leaks).
- Communicate faults clearly to maintenance: describe symptoms, steps already attempted, and impact on production.
- Provide operators or junior technicians with workaround instructions when a machine must be taken out of service.





Safety Responsibilities

- Strictly adhere to company safety procedures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and machine-specific safety protocols.
- Use mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times: safety shoes, cut-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection where applicable.
- Inspect PPE for damage or wear before each shift; replace damaged equipment immediately.
- Conduct pre-start safety checks on assigned machines: verify emergency stops, guards, light curtains, pressure relief settings, and interlocks.
- Never bypass or disable machine safety interlocks, guards, or emergency stops.
- Maintain a clean, organized work area free of trip hazards, oil spills, or loose material (5S/Housekeeping standards).
- Report near-miss incidents, unsafe conditions, or faulty equipment immediately to the Production Supervisor.
- Participate in safety toolbox talks and induction training; stay current with safety regulations (Factories Act, OSHA principles, company safety policies).
- Prevent accidents involving rotating machinery, hydraulic/pneumatic energy, sharp edges, or crushing hazards through constant awareness and proper positioning.
- Ensure junior technicians and operators understand and follow all safety procedures; correct unsafe behaviour promptly and report repeat violations to the supervisor.

Required Technical Skills

- CNC Machine Operation: Hands-on proficiency with CNC press brakes, CNC automatic drilling machines, CNC shearing machines; ability to load programs, set parameters, run test cycles, and optimize machine performance.
- Machine Setup & Tooling: Expert knowledge of tooling selection, die/punch installation, fixture setup, work-holding, and parameter configuration; understanding of machine geometry and tool limitations.
- Drawing Interpretation: Ability to read and understand 2D fabrication drawings, dimensions, tolerances, bend symbols, and hole patterns; familiarity with GD&T; basics.
- Measurement & Inspection: Proficiency with precision measuring instruments (vernier callipers, micrometres, angle gauges, height gauges) and ability to verify dimensions against specifications.
- Bend Calculations & Sheet Metal Knowledge: Basic understanding of bend allowances, bend deduction, springback, and material flow; knowledge of sheet metal characteristics (hardness, thickness grades, surface finish).
- Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving: Ability to diagnose common mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues; logical fault-finding approach; understanding of cause-and-effect relationships in machine operation.
- CNC Program Understanding: Ability to load programs, interpret basic G-code, make simple parameter adjustments (feed rate, speed, depth), and understand program flow; not necessarily expert-level CNC programming.
- Material Handling: Safe and efficient handling of heavy sheets, coils, and finished parts; familiarity with material staging and logistics.
- Housekeeping & Maintenance Awareness: Commitment to cleanliness, lubrication, and routine maintenance; ability to report maintenance needs clearly.

Educational Qualification

- ITI (Industrial Training Institute) in Fitter, Machinist, Turner, or Tool & Die (preferred)
- OR Diploma in Mechanical or Production Engineering
- OR Equivalent technical certification in sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, or related trade

Note: Formal technical qualification is preferred but is secondary to demonstrated hands-on shop-floor experience and machine competency.

Required Experience

- Minimum 5 to 10 years of hands-on operational and setup experience with industrial fabrication machinery in a manufacturing setting.
- Substantial, demonstrable experience with CNC press brakes (setup, parameter configuration, bend accuracy, troubleshooting).
- Strong working knowledge of at least two of the following:

CNC automatic drilling machines

CNC shearing machines

Pneumatic cutting equipment

- Proven ability to read fabrication drawings, interpret dimensions and tolerances, and set up machines independently.
- Track record of first-piece inspection, dimensional verification using precision measuring instruments, and quality awareness.
- Demonstrable troubleshooting capability: ability to diagnose and resolve common operational issues without constant supervision.
- Experience in a sheet metal fabrication, pre-engineered building (PEB) component manufacturing, or light engineering environment is highly desirable.
- Proven ability to work with junior technicians or operators in a mentoring or supervisory capacity (even informally).

Preferred Experience

- Experience in a multi-shift manufacturing operation or a factory with high-volume production targets.
- Familiarity with material optimization, nesting, and scrap reduction practices.
- Previous experience working with roll-forming, bending, or cutting machines in an agricultural equipment, greenhouse, or structural steel fabrication context.
- Knowledge of ERP/MES systems for work order tracking and production reporting.
- Experience with ISO 9001 quality systems or familiarity with quality inspection standards.
- Previous shop-floor training or mentoring role; demonstrated ability to coach junior technicians.
- Basic understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
- Familiarity with machine preventive maintenance schedules and coordination with maintenance teams.
- Any certification in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or similar shop-floor efficiency programs.

Personal / Behavioural Competencies

- Technical Aptitude: Strong mechanical reasoning; comfort learning and mastering complex machinery; ability to think logically through problems.
- Attention to Detail: Precision-focused; ability to maintain dimensional accuracy and quality awareness in a high-volume production environment.
- Ownership Mindset: Takes responsibility for job outcomes; proactively reports issues and follows through on commitments.
- Communication: Clear, practical communication with supervisors, peers, and junior staff; ability to explain technical concepts to less experienced technicians.
- Teamwork & Mentoring: Patient, supportive approach to training junior staff; willingness to share knowledge and best practices; ability to provide constructive feedback.
- Safety Consciousness: Genuine commitment to personal safety and the safety of the team; never cuts corners on safety procedures.
- Problem-Solving: Analytical approach to troubleshooting; ability to test hypotheses and adapt strategies when initial attempts do not resolve an issue.
- Adaptability: Comfort with multiple machine types and varied job requirements; ability to adjust to production schedule changes.
- Initiative: Proactively performs preventive maintenance, keeps workspace organized, and suggests improvements without waiting for instructions.
- Work Ethic: Reliable attendance; punctuality; commitment to achieving daily production targets and maintaining quality standards.

Physical / Shop-Floor Requirements

- Ability to stand for extended periods during machine operation and setup.
- Capable of lifting and positioning material (sheets, coils, cut parts) up to 25–30 kg without assistance; comfortable with occasional heavier loads with mechanical aids.
- Comfortable working in a shop-floor environment with machinery noise, dust, and occasional fume exposure (proper PPE provided).
- Capable of working shift work (if applicable) including early morning, evening, or night shifts.
- Good colour vision for visual inspection of surface finish and defects.
- Normal or corrected hearing and vision suitable for precision measurement and machine operation.Role & responsibilities

Preferred candidate profile

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