Job Summary: The Cut Operator is involved daily operations in the fabrication department, ensuring the production of high-quality signs, frames, structures, and other custom components. This role, focuses on efficient workflows, and maintaining safety and quality standards. The Cut Operator is also responsible for troubleshooting issues, coordinating with other departments, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Our Exceptional Benefits Plan includes:

• Supportive & Friendly Culture
• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage options
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Account
• Company paid Life Insurance
• 401k with Employer Contribution
• Company paid Short/Long Term Disability
• Generous Paid Time Off program + Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Career Mapping
• Additional perks including Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance Program, Identity Theft Protection, Critical Illness Plans, Commuter Benefits and various employee discount offerings from our Vendors 

Stratus is one of the nation’s largest brand implementation companies. We are made up of 1,100+ employees nationwide who roll up their sleeves, dive into the details and bring our clients’ brands to life! We deliver versatile solutions for some of the nation’s largest and most recognized brands. From exterior signage & interior branding to site refresh & remodel, from energy & lighting to repair & maintenance solutions, we deliver ideal solutions to meet all our client's branding needs.

The pay rate range for this position is $17 to $19 an hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with the fabrication team, ensuring projects are completed on time and meet quality standards.
• Fabricate and assemble signs, frames, and structures using equipment such as CLN Notcher, CLN Bender, and Letter Lock Punch.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot fabrication machinery to ensure smooth operations.
• Review work orders, blueprints, and project specifications to plan and prioritize tasks.
• Train and mentor team members to enhance their skills and ensure adherence to company standards.
• Inspect completed work to ensure it meets specifications and address any quality issues promptly.
• Monitor inventory levels of materials and tools, coordinating with procurement as necessary.
• Collaborate with the Production Supervisor to address personnel issues, optimize workflows, and resolve production bottlenecks.
• Document production activities, including material usage, job progress, and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment to promote safety and efficiency.
• Perform routine maintenance on fabrication equipment and tools to ensure reliability and longevity.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; additional certifications in fabrication or related fields are a plus.
• 3+ years of fabrication experience, with expertise in operating and maintaining fabrication equipment.
• Experience in the custom sign manufacturing industry preferred.
• Previous leadership or team coordination experience is highly desirable.
• Advanced mechanical skills, including proficiency with power tools, punch presses, press shears, and other fabrication equipment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and work orders.
• Excellent communication skills to provide clear instructions and feedback to team members.
• Problem-solving abilities to address production challenges and implement process improvements.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining quality standards.
• Ability to stand, bend, and move for extended periods.
• Regularly lift and handle materials weighing up to 50-80+ lbs, with the use of lifting equipment as necessary.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with moderate to loud noise levels.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles or continuous improvement practices is a plus.
• Proficiency in using computer systems for documentation and tracking production activities.