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Job Description

Overview

The Lab Machine Operator is responsible for preparing testing blanks for mechanical testing of forgings in the aerospace industry, focusing on safely cutting nickel-based steels and titanium using various saws.

Responsibilities

  • Read and interpret drawings and blueprints to remove testing blanks from correct locations.
  • Ensure traceability of all pieces and materials is maintained.
  • Operate multiple saws simultaneously.
  • Operate overhead and jib cranes.
  • Use measuring equipment and gauges such as micrometers, pi-tapes, and calipers.

Requirements

  • 1-2 years of manufacturing experience with large bandsaws or abrasive saws.
  • Strong analytical, arithmetic, problem solving, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
  • Experience with blueprints, dimensions, and measurement devices such as micrometers and scales.
  • Familiarity with cutting nickel and steel.
  • Very fast-paced work ethic is essential.
  • Good numerical skills and ability to read and interpret gauges.
  • Good team player able to take direction.
  • Excellent attitude and motivational skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Capable of making sound decisions.
  • Effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing.

Additional Information

  • 2nd Shift: 2 pm – 10 pm (if working 8 hours), 2 pm – 12:30 am (if working 10 hours), 2 pm – 2:30 am (if working 12 hours).
  • Weekday and weekend overtime may be requested.
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How this job compares in Houston, TX

Pay in context

This employer didn't publish a rate. For reference, welding jobs in Houston, TX currently run a median of $25/hr in our index, with the middle half of them falling between $22–$32/hr across 77 postings with published pay. That median is a reasonable floor to anchor on when a recruiter asks what you're looking for.

The local market in Houston, TX

We're tracking 326 other active welding openings in Houston, TX right now, from 193 different employers. 127 of them were added in the last week. Across Texas as a whole we're tracking 1,322 other active welding openings from 712 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Houston, or widen the search to Texas.

Precision Castparts currently has 1 other opening live in Texas, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in Texas at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Welding Shop in Houston, TX (27), Zachry Group (22), and Austin Industries (16). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Texas, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Pasadena at $40/hr, Arlington at $39/hr, and Midlothian at $38/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Houston, TX

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Lab Machine Operator figures were last recalculated when this page was built.