Weekend Laser Operator

Weekend Laser Operator Location: Gastonia, NC 28056 Pay Rate: Starting at $17.00 per hour or higher, depending on experience (DOE) Job Type: Full-Time Shift: Weekend Shift Schedule: Friday through Sunday | 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Experience Level: Experienced Position Summary We are seeking an experienced, dependable, and mechanically inclined Weekend Laser Operator to join a busy metal manufacturing facility in Gastonia, NC.

This position is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring laser cutting equipment used to manufacture precision sheet metal components according to blueprints, work orders, and production specifications. Candidates must have at least 1 year of hands-on manufacturing experience AND previous experience operating laser cutting equipment.

This is not an entry-level position. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, experience working with sheet metal, the ability to interpret blueprints and measurements, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and productivity. Essential Job Responsibilities Set up and operate laser cutting machinery to cut and process sheet metal components according to production specifications.

Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work orders, and technical instructions. Load and unload sheet metal materials, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and galvanized metal. Enter, verify, and adjust machine settings, cutting parameters, and CNC programs as required. Perform machine startup, operation, and shutdown procedures according to established guidelines.

Monitor laser cutting operations to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and consistent product quality. Make authorized machine adjustments to maintain proper cutting performance and dimensional accuracy. Inspect finished parts using tape measures, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring instruments. Verify material type, thickness, dimensions, and tolerances before and during production.

Identify and report defective materials, incomplete cuts, equipment malfunctions, and quality concerns. Perform basic troubleshooting and routine operator-level preventive maintenance. Remove finished components from processed sheet metal and separate usable parts from scrap materials. Deburr, sort, stack, label, and organize completed metal components as required.

Properly stage materials and maintain accurate identification of finished products. Complete production documentation, including quantities produced, material usage, scrap, and equipment downtime. Follow production schedules and meet established quality and productivity standards. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Follow all company safety procedures, including applicable lockout/tagout requirements and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Work collaboratively with supervisors, quality inspectors, maintenance personnel, and other production team members. Perform additional manufacturing duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Minimum of 1 year of hands-on manufacturing experience required.

Previous hands-on experience operating laser cutting equipment required. Experience working with industrial machinery, metal fabrication equipment, or CNC production equipment. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, production instructions, and manufacturing specifications. Experience handling sheet metal and fabricated metal components.

Familiarity with materials such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and galvanized metal. Ability to accurately read a tape measure and use precision measuring tools, including calipers and gauges. Strong mechanical aptitude and basic equipment troubleshooting skills. Ability to identify dimensional inaccuracies, cutting defects, and quality concerns.

Experience using common hand tools and power tools in a manufacturing environment. Ability to follow machine operating procedures and established safety requirements. Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work. Ability to work independently with limited supervision after training.

Good communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Dependable attendance, punctuality, and strong work ethic. Must be available to work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience operating CNC laser cutting machines . Experience setting up, adjusting, or calibrating laser cutting equipment. Knowledge of laser cutting parameters, machine controls, and CNC programming. Previous experience in sheet metal fabrication, machining, or precision manufacturing. Ability to read complex blueprints and interpret dimensional tolerances.

Experience performing first-piece inspections and in-process quality checks. Familiarity with metal fabrication processes, material specifications, and quality standards. Experience performing routine operator-level preventive maintenance. Experience operating multiple pieces of manufacturing equipment. Technical or vocational training in CNC machining, manufacturing technology, or metal fabrication.

Basic computer skills for entering machine settings and documenting production information. Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus, but not required. Physical Requirements Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including: Stand and walk for extended periods throughout a 12-hour shift.

Frequently bend, reach, stoop, squat, and perform repetitive hand and arm movements. Lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing 30 pounds or more , using assistance or mechanical equipment when appropriate. Safely handle sheet metal, metal components, tools, and production materials. Maintain sufficient hand-eye coordination and visual attention to operate machinery and inspect finished parts.

Work safely around moving industrial machinery and material-handling equipment. Wear required protective equipment throughout the shift. Work Environment Fast-paced metal fabrication and industrial manufacturing facility. Regular exposure to laser cutting machinery, metal materials, and production equipment. Work areas may contain sharp metal edges, industrial noise, dust, and varying temperatures.

Frequent handling and inspection of sheet metal components. Production deadlines and changing manufacturing requirements. Required adherence to workplace safety policies and equipment operating procedures. Safety and Personal Protective Equipment Safety is a priority in this position. Employees must follow established safety procedures and properly use required protective equipment.

Required PPE may include: Safety glasses Steel-toe or composite-toe safety footwear Hearing protection Cut-resistant gloves when handling metal materials Additional protective equipment appropriate to the assigned equipment and work area Employees must immediately report unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, equipment malfunctions, and workplace hazards to supervision.