Laser Helper

Laser Operator Helper

Department: Production - Metal Shop

Reports To: Laser Operator/Production Supervisor

Position Summary

The Laser Operator Helper assists the Laser Operator with the safe and efficient operation of laser cutting equipment within the metal fabrication department. This position supports daily production by preparing, loading, unloading, sorting, stacking, organizing, and transporting sheet metal and finished components while helping maintain a continuous workflow through the laser cutting process.

The Laser Operator Helper works closely with the Laser Operator and production team to ensure materials are properly handled, completed parts are organized and staged, and production requirements are completed safely, efficiently, and according to quality standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Laser Operator with daily laser cutting and production requirements.
• Assist with loading and unloading sheet metal and other materials used in the laser cutting process.
• Receive finished parts from the laser cutting machine and stack them safely and accurately.
• Sort, organize, and stage completed parts according to work orders and production requirements.
• Assist with identifying and preparing the correct materials for scheduled production jobs.
• Safely handle and transport sheet metal, fabricated components, finished products, and scrap materials throughout the metal shop.
• Assist with the handling of large, heavy, or oversized materials and components.
• Inspect completed parts for obvious defects, damage, or quality concerns.
• Assist with deburring, cleaning, and preparing fabricated parts for the next stage of production as needed.
• Maintain production flow by preventing backups around the laser equipment and ensuring completed parts are removed and staged efficiently.
• Assist the Laser Operator with organizing materials and parts that require additional processing or multiple operations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area around the laser cutting equipment.
• Follow production schedules, work orders, written instructions, and direction provided by the Laser Operator and Production Supervisor.
• Follow all company safety procedures and properly utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Communicate equipment, material, production, quality, or safety concerns to the Laser Operator or Production Supervisor.
• Work cooperatively with other production employees to achieve daily manufacturing and production goals.
• Perform other production and metal fabrication duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous manufacturing, metal fabrication, machine operation, or warehouse experience preferred but not required.
• Ability and willingness to learn laser cutting and metal fabrication processes.
• Mechanically inclined with the ability to work safely around tools, machinery, and manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to read and follow work orders, production instructions, and basic manufacturing documentation.
• Basic understanding of measuring tools and material handling preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a production team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the work shift.
• Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
• Ability to safely handle sheet metal, fabricated components, and other production materials.
• Ability to assist with handling large, heavy, or oversized materials.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements associated with production and material handling.
• Ability to work safely in an industrial manufacturing environment around machinery, metal materials, and typical production-area noise.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong attention to detail.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Mechanically inclined and willing to learn.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to follow work orders and production priorities.
• Strong organizational and material-handling skills.
• Commitment to workplace safety and proper use of PPE.
• Commitment to product quality and accuracy.
• Ability to take direction from the Laser Operator and Production Supervisor.

Performance Expectations

• Maintain continuous material and production flow at the laser cutting equipment.
• Support the Laser Operator in meeting daily production requirements.
• Safely and efficiently load, unload, sort, stack, and stage materials and finished parts.
• Support safe handling of sheet metal, heavy materials, and oversized components.
• Minimize machine downtime caused by material handling, unloading, stacking, or staging.
• Properly organize completed parts according to work orders and production requirements.
• Identify and communicate obvious quality, material, equipment, or safety concerns.
• Assist in achieving departmental production goals and quality standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and efficient work area.

Position Purpose:

The Laser Operator Helper position exists to support the Laser Operator and maintain efficient laser cutting operations within the metal fabrication department. The position helps maximize machine productivity by assisting with material preparation, loading and unloading, part handling, sorting, staging, and transportation. The Laser Operator Helper also supports workplace safety and product quality by ensuring sheet metal and finished components are handled properly and production flow is maintained with minimal interruption.