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Eastern Shipbuilding Group

Builds commercial ships and Coast Guard cutters

Plasma Machine Operator

Full-TimeUpdated
No salary listed
Mid, Senior
Panama City, FL, USA
In Person
Manufacturing & Production OperationsWelding & Metal Fabrication

About the job

Requirements
  • A high school diploma or GED equivalence, plus three years of working knowledge of CNC machines; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • One year of experience as a CNC plasma machine operator is required, along with experience operating overhead cranes.
  • Knowledge of ship terminology, safety, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations is required.
  • Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills are required.
  • Basic to intermediate computer skills, including the ability to load files from a network location or disk, are required.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing and present information and respond to questions from management, supervisors, and employees is required.
  • Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagrammed instructions is required.
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints is required.
  • Knowledge of the safe operation and use of hand and power tools is required.
  • Ability to perform basic arithmetic across units of measure and read a tape measure is required.
  • The employee must be able to perform the physical demands of the role, including frequently lifting or moving up to 50 pounds, working at heights of at least 50 feet or from scaffolding or man-lifts, and working in confined spaces and extreme heat or cold.
  • The employee must be physically and medically qualified to wear required personal protective equipment.
Responsibilities
  • Set up and operate a CNC plasma machine to fabricate material according to specifications, plans, and safety standards.
  • Attend work regularly and work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends, and holidays.
  • Inspect and operate equipment daily.
  • Adjust controls to set and regulate machining factors as needed.
  • Start the machine and observe its operation; reposition the workpiece and change or adjust machine settings as needed.
  • Perform production work as part of the manufacturing process according to work instructions.
  • Troubleshoot equipment and make repairs or adjustments as needed.
  • Perform quality checks during production, follow procedures when defective material or parts are discovered, and ensure finished products meet company specifications and standards.
  • Work with minimal supervision.
  • Cross-train on equipment such as the Press Brake and Wheelabrator as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with operating processes, procedures, and techniques used in CNC plasma machine operation is desired.

About the company

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Eastern Shipbuilding Group

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Eastern Shipbuilding Group builds custom steel and aluminum vessels for commercial shipowners and U.S. government agencies. Its work includes the Coast Guard's Heritage Class offshore patrol cutters, alongside dredges, ferries and working boats used to move cargo and support marine operations. The company engineers and fabricates vessels to customer specifications, earning revenue through shipbuilding contracts and ship conversion and repair work. Its production combines conventional assembly with modular construction, with hull sections built before final assembly. Founded in 1976, the privately held business is headquartered in Panama City, Florida.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Panama City, FL

Founded

1976

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Veterans receive hiring priority: Eastern expressly prioritizes veteran applicants in its standing recruiting policy.
  • Eastern's Maritime Academy builds trade skills: students combine classroom instruction, hands-on shipyard experience and direct mentorship.
  • Work extends into the next decade: August 2026 ferry construction began, with contracted deliveries scheduled through 2032.

What critics are saying

  • Shipfitter schedules include weekends: the Allanton role requires flexible hours, overtime and holiday work.
  • Allanton shipfitters face physical demands: frequent lifting up to 50 pounds, plus work aloft or in confined spaces.
  • Hiring includes a screening hurdle: Eastern requires pre-employment drug testing for every position.

What makes Eastern Shipbuilding Group unique

  • Allanton streamlines fabrication indoors: connected steel-processing and panel-line buildings support straight-line production.
  • Port St. Joe extends vessel support: its 40-acre site has 1,000 feet of deepwater bulkhead for sustainment.
  • Eastern grew from an owner's fleet: its founder built fishing boats before taking custom vessel orders.

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