3rd Shift Laser Operator

Location: Gastonia, NC 28056
Pay: Starting at $17.00 per hour, with higher starting pay available based on relevant experience
Schedule: Friday through Sunday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Job Type: Full-Time
Shift: Weekend Schedule

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Laser Operator to join a fast-paced manufacturing operation in Gastonia, NC. This position is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and performing basic troubleshooting of laser cutting equipment used to manufacture precision sheet metal components.

The ideal candidate has hands-on manufacturing experience, previous laser machine operating experience, strong mechanical aptitude, and the ability to accurately interpret blueprints, measurements, and production specifications.

Applicants must have at least 1 year of hands-on manufacturing experience and previous experience operating laser cutting equipment.

This is not an entry-level machine operator position. Candidates should be comfortable working independently with production equipment, sheet metal materials, measuring tools, quality standards, and established production schedules.

Essential Responsibilities

Laser Machine Setup and Operation

• Set up and operate laser cutting equipment according to work orders, blueprints, production schedules, and manufacturing specifications.
• Load the correct type, thickness, and size of sheet metal into the equipment.
• Enter, verify, and adjust machine settings and cutting parameters as required.
• Complete machine startup and shutdown procedures.
• Monitor equipment throughout the cutting process to maintain consistent production and part quality.
• Make approved machine adjustments when necessary to maintain specifications.
• Operate multiple machines when required and trained to do so.
• Identify basic equipment, cutting, or production issues and perform troubleshooting within the scope of training.
• Promptly report equipment malfunctions, unusual machine conditions, or maintenance concerns to supervision.

Blueprint Reading and Precision Measurement

• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work orders, part specifications, and production instructions.
• Identify required dimensions, tolerances, material specifications, and part configurations.
• Accurately use tape measures, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring tools.
• Verify first-piece and in-process measurements to confirm parts meet established specifications.
• Confirm that the correct material is being used before beginning each production order.

Material Handling and Finished Part Processing

• Stage raw materials according to the production schedule.
• Inspect sheet metal for visible damage, defects, or material inconsistencies before processing.
• Safely handle materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and galvanized metal.
• Remove completed components from processed sheet metal.
• Separate usable parts from scrap material.
• Deburr, sort, stack, label, and organize finished components as required.
• Maintain proper identification and traceability of materials and finished parts.
• Place completed components into designated pallets, containers, racks, or kitting areas.

Quality Control

• Inspect manufactured components for dimensional accuracy, workmanship, and compliance with specifications.
• Use appropriate measuring equipment to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Identify defects, incomplete cuts, damaged parts, or other nonconforming materials.
• Separate questionable or nonconforming products from acceptable production.
• Report quality concerns according to established procedures.
• Make authorized process adjustments when necessary to maintain quality standards.
• Maintain consistent attention to detail throughout the production process.

Equipment Care and Basic Maintenance

• Perform routine operator-level preventive maintenance according to established procedures.
• Clean, inspect, and lubricate equipment as required.
• Keep machine components and work surfaces free from debris and excessive material buildup.
• Perform minor component replacement or adjustments only when properly trained and authorized.
• Document or report maintenance issues requiring additional technical support.
• Help maintain equipment in safe and reliable operating condition.

Production and Documentation

• Follow daily and weekly production schedules.
• Complete assigned work orders accurately and within expected production timelines.
• Maintain production documentation, including quantities completed, material usage, scrap, downtime, and other required information.
• Monitor workflow and communicate production delays or equipment concerns promptly.
• Work efficiently while maintaining required quality and safety standards.
• Support efforts to reduce waste, improve productivity, and maintain organized production flow.
• Follow established procedures for material identification, inventory accuracy, and finished product handling.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• At least 1 year of hands-on manufacturing experience.
• Previous hands-on experience operating laser cutting equipment.
• Experience working directly with manufacturing machinery or production equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, work orders, and manufacturing specifications.
• Ability to accurately read a tape measure and use precision measuring tools.
• Experience working with sheet metal or fabricated metal components.
• Familiarity with materials such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and galvanized metal.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to identify quality defects and dimensional inconsistencies.
• Experience using common hand tools and power tools in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work.
• Ability to follow written and verbal work instructions.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision after training.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, quality personnel, maintenance personnel, and production team members.
• Ability to organize work, manage multiple priorities, and meet production deadlines.
• Reliable attendance and ability to consistently work the required weekend schedule.

Preferred Qualifications

The following experience is helpful but not required:

• Experience with CNC laser cutting equipment.
• Experience setting up, adjusting, or calibrating laser cutting machinery.
• Experience in sheet metal fabrication, metal manufacturing, or precision manufacturing.
• Technical training in CNC machining, metal fabrication, industrial technology, or a related field.
• Experience performing first-piece and in-process quality inspections.
• Familiarity with manufacturing tolerances and quality standards.
• Experience performing operator-level preventive maintenance.
• Experience operating multiple pieces of production equipment during a shift.

Safety Responsibilities

Safety is an essential part of this position. The Laser Operator is expected to:

• Follow all established machine safety procedures, lockout/tagout requirements applicable to the position, and workplace safety rules.
• Wear required personal protective equipment at all times in designated areas.
• Operate equipment only when properly trained and authorized.
• Safely use hand tools, power tools, and material-handling equipment.
• Report unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, injuries, near misses, or hazards promptly.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to reduce safety risks.
• Participate in required safety training and meetings.
• Follow established procedures when handling sharp sheet metal and fabricated components.

Physical Requirements

This manufacturing position requires the ability to perform physical tasks throughout a 12-hour shift, including:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Frequently bending, reaching, stooping, squatting, and performing repetitive movements.
• Frequently lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and handling materials weighing 30 pounds or more.
• Safely handling sheet metal, fabricated components, tools, and production materials.
• Working around industrial machinery and moving equipment.
• Working in an environment where noise levels and temperatures may vary.
• Wearing required personal protective equipment.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

This position is performed in an active manufacturing environment. Employees may regularly work around:

• Industrial machinery and production equipment
• Sheet metal and fabricated metal components
• Moving equipment and material-handling activities
• Manufacturing noise
• Sharp edges and metal surfaces
• Changing temperatures depending on production conditions
• Production deadlines and changing workload demands

Employees are expected to remain alert, follow safety procedures, and maintain an organized work area throughout the shift.

Personal Protective Equipment

Required personal protective equipment may include:

• Safety glasses
• Steel-toe or composite-toe safety footwear
• Hearing protection
• Cut-resistant gloves
• Additional protective equipment appropriate to the assigned work area

What We Are Looking For

Successful candidates will be dependable, safety-conscious manufacturing professionals who are comfortable working directly with machinery and metal products. The strongest candidates will have demonstrated experience operating laser cutting equipment, reading blueprints, taking accurate measurements, identifying quality issues, and meeting production expectations in an industrial manufacturing environment.