Laser Operator - 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Shift

Location: Gastonia, NC 28056
Pay: Starting at $17.00/hr or higher based on experience
Job Type: Full-Time

Available Shifts

1st Shift: Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM-5:30 PM
2nd Shift: Monday-Thursday, 5:30 PM-4:00 AM
3rd Shift: Friday-Sunday, 6:00 AM-6:00 PM

Position Overview

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

This is not an entry-level position. Applicants must have at least one year of manufacturing experience and previous experience operating laser cutting equipment.

The ideal candidate will have experience reading blueprints, using precision measuring tools, loading and unloading materials, performing quality inspections, and operating machine controls or CNC interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate laser cutting equipment according to production requirements
• Load and unload sheet metal materials
• Select, load, and adjust machine programs using machine controls or computer interfaces
• Monitor machine performance and make approved adjustments as needed
• Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and production specifications
• Use tape measures, calipers, gauges, and other measuring tools to verify dimensions and tolerances
• Perform quality inspections on finished components
• Identify defects, dimensional inconsistencies, or production issues
• Complete production documentation and maintain accurate records
• Perform basic machine maintenance and report equipment issues
• Follow production schedules, safety procedures, and quality standards
• Maintain a clean and organized work area

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 1 year of manufacturing experience
• Previous laser cutting machine experience required
• Experience loading and unloading material and adjusting machine settings
• Ability to read blueprints, work orders, and manufacturing specifications
• Knowledge of manufacturing tolerances and quality inspection procedures
• Ability to accurately use tape measures, calipers, gauges, and other measuring tools
• Comfortable using computers, CNC interfaces, touchscreens, or machine control panels
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Reliable attendance and ability to work the assigned shift

Preferred

• Experience with CNC laser cutting equipment
• Sheet metal fabrication or metal manufacturing experience
• Technical training in CNC machining, manufacturing, or industrial technology
• Experience performing first-piece and in-process inspections
• Experience performing operator-level preventive maintenance

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift
• Frequently bend, stoop, squat, reach, and perform repetitive movements
• Lift and handle materials weighing 30 pounds or more
• Safely load and unload sheet metal and finished components
• Maintain visual attention to inspect parts and verify measurements
• Wear required PPE throughout the shift

Work Environment

This position is performed in an active manufacturing environment and may involve exposure to:

• Industrial machinery and production equipment
• Sheet metal and fabricated components
• Manufacturing noise
• Dust and typical production conditions
• Sharp metal edges and moving equipment
• Changing temperatures

This facility is not climate-controlled and does not have air conditioning. Candidates must be comfortable working in varying temperatures throughout their shift.

Safety & PPE

Required PPE may include:

• Safety glasses
• Steel-toe or composite-toe footwear
• Hearing protection
• Cut-resistant gloves
• Additional PPE as required by the work area