The posting
Specific Role:
The Laser Operator plays a key role in EMIT's Material Processing Division and is responsible for the safe, efficient, and accurate operation of multiple laser and combination-processing machines, including the 3040 CO2 laser, 3040 fiber laser, Trumatic punch/laser combination machine, and tube laser. This role executes the daily production schedule across assigned equipment, maintains cut and punch quality to specification, manages denesting, labeling, staging, and D365 order tracking, and keeps each machine and work area clean, safe, and production-ready.
The operator must understand the unique material, tooling, parameter, and quality requirements of each machine and be capable of transitioning between equipment as production priorities require.
Key Accountabilities:
Production Execution
- Operate assigned laser equipment, including the 3040 CO2, 3040 fiber, Trumatic punch/laser combination machine, and tube laser, according to the daily production schedule.
- Load and unload sheet material, tube, and structural profiles safely and efficiently to maintain continuous machine utilization.
- Run assigned jobs in the correct sequence and complete work orders within the expected shift timeframe.
- Monitor machine performance during cutting and punching operations and make appropriate adjustments to power, speed, focus, assist gas, rotation, tooling, or other approved parameters based on the machine and material being processed.
- For Trumatic operations, monitor tooling and programs and communicate tooling wear, replacement needs, or machine faults before production or quality is impacted.
- Communicate material shortages, schedule concerns, machine faults, tooling issues, or production delays to the lead or Production Manager promptly.
- Transition between laser systems as production priorities require while maintaining safe setup and operating practices.
Quality Assurance
- Inspect finished parts against drawings, job specifications, and work instructions for dimensional accuracy, cut quality, edge condition, burr, dross, burn, surface condition, punch quality, form, cut angle, cope quality, and other applicable requirements.
- Apply machine-specific quality standards for thin and precision sheet on the 3040 fiber, sheet cutting on the 3040 CO2, punched and laser-cut parts on the Trumatic, and three-dimensional tube/profile features on the tube laser.
- Identify, segregate, and clearly communicate non-conforming parts immediately before they move downstream.
- Adjust approved machine parameters and tooling as needed to maintain quality across varying material types, thicknesses, wall thicknesses, profiles, and geometries.
- Monitor material condition, tooling wear, nozzle condition, beam alignment, and other machine-specific factors that may affect quality or performance.
- Communicate recurring defects, material inconsistencies, or quality patterns to the lead or Production Manager for corrective action or root-cause investigation.
Denesting, Palletizing, Labeling & Staging
- Denest or remove finished sheet, tube, and profile parts safely without damaging cut edges, surfaces, formed features, or precision geometry.
- Label all parts immediately with the correct manufacturing order information.
- Palletize, containerize, or stage finished parts in the designated area for the next production activity.
- Verify part identity, quantity, and label accuracy before releasing material downstream.
- Maintain clear separation and organization of similar-looking parts, especially tube/profile components and nested sheet parts.
D365 Order Management
- Scan and update manufacturing order status in D365 accurately throughout the shift.
- Open, progress, and close work orders correctly as jobs move through production and are completed.
- Ensure D365 information matches actual machine activity, completed quantities, and production status.
- Flag D365 discrepancies or system issues to the lead promptly for resolution.
Workplace Safety & Housekeeping
- Keep assigned machines, cutting tables, unload zones, work surfaces, and surrounding areas clean, organized, and free of scrap, tube offcuts, and hazards.
- Perform required daily machine checks and report maintenance needs, tooling wear, abnormal performance, or equipment concerns to the lead or maintenance team.
- Wear required PPE and follow all laser, machine-operation, material-handling, lifting, and lockout/tagout requirements applicable to assigned work.
- Use approved methods and equipment when handling sheet, tube, profiles, pallets, and finished parts.
- Report safety concerns, near-misses, incidents, or equipment issues immediately.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred.
- Previous manufacturing, machine operation, fabrication, or metal-processing experience preferred.
- Experience operating laser cutting, punch/laser combination, tube laser, CNC, or similar automated manufacturing equipment preferred.
- Ability to learn and safely operate multiple types of laser and combination-processing equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret manufacturing drawings, work instructions, production orders, part numbers, and basic dimensional information.
- Basic understanding of material types, thicknesses, profiles, and manufacturing specifications.
- Ability to use basic measuring and inspection equipment to verify part quality and dimensional requirements.
- Basic computer skills and ability to learn D365 and other production-related software and systems.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify quality defects, material discrepancies, and equipment concerns.
- Ability to prioritize work and transition between machines based on changing production requirements.
- Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with leads, Production Managers, Quality, Maintenance, Material Handling, and downstream production teams.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn machine setup, tooling, parameters, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance expectations.
- Dependable attendance and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Willingness to follow standardized work, safety procedures, quality requirements, and established production processes.
Physical and Safety Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 50–75 lbs. repeatedly.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move for an entire shift.
- Ability to safely handle sheet material, tube, structural profiles, finished parts, and production tooling.
- Ability to work safely around moving equipment, lasers, automated machinery, sharp material edges, and other manufacturing hazards.
- Wear and properly use all required PPE.
- Follow all applicable safety protocols when operating equipment, using tools, handling materials, and performing machine-related activities.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds.
Pay Range
$18—$28 USD
