Laser Operator

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Set up, operate, and monitor a fiber optic laser in accordance with approved programs, work instructions, and safety procedures. Review work orders, nesting information, drawings, material type, gauge, quantity, and revision before starting each job. Load sheet metal onto the laser and unload cut parts and skeletons using approved handling methods and equipment.

Inspect first-piece and in-process parts for cut quality, dimensions, completeness, and damage; immediately report discrepancies. Identify, count, label, sort, and stage finished parts accurately for downstream departments. Monitor consumables and machine conditions; clean lenses/nozzles and perform operator-level preventive maintenance as trained and authorized.

Recognize alarms, poor cut conditions, material defects, or unsafe conditions and stop/escalate work when necessary. Operate a forklift and other authorized material-handling equipment to move sheets, pallets, and completed work. Maintain accurate production, scrap, material, and inspection records. Keep the machine and surrounding work area clean, organized, and free of hazards.

Communicate job status, material needs, quality concerns, and equipment issues during shift handoffs. Support other shop activities and duties as assigned. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Previous CNC laser, sheet-metal fabrication, or manufacturing experience preferred; Amada experience is a plus.

Ability to read shop drawings, work orders, part identification, and basic dimensional information. Working knowledge of tape measures and basic shop math, including fractions and decimals. Strong attention to detail, organization, and the ability to follow established processes. Ability to obtain and maintain company forklift authorization.

Ability to work independently while contributing as a dependable team member. Basic computer and data-entry skills preferred. Safety, Quality, and Team Expectations Follow all company safety rules, lockout/tagout requirements, PPE requirements, and equipment-specific procedures applicable to assigned work. Stop work and promptly report injuries, hazards, near misses, defective equipment, and quality concerns.

Produce work to current drawings, specifications, and quality standards; do not knowingly pass defects to the next operation. Communicate respectfully, support coworkers, accept coaching, and contribute to a team-oriented workplace. Follow company policies and perform work only within assigned training and authorization.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements Regularly stand and walk for extended periods in a manufacturing environment. Frequently bend, reach, push, pull, grip, and perform repetitive motions throughout the shift. Lift, carry, and position materials or components weighing up to 50 pounds repetitively, with assistance or lifting equipment when appropriate.

Work around moving equipment, sharp sheet-metal edges, noise, dust, and varying temperatures while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE). Maintain the visual acuity, manual dexterity, and coordination needed to perform accurate fabrication or assembly work. Schedule and Attendance Maintain reliable, punctual attendance and report ready to work at the scheduled start time.

Work overtime, alternate shifts, and flexible hours as production needs require. Graveyard- Shift Differential