Step into a day on our laser floor
When you arrive at Pro-Type Industries in Sterling, VA, you’re joining a third‑generation, family‑owned manufacturer that’s been building complex parts since 1969. From aerospace and military to electronics, technology, marine, and broader industrial markets, our customers rely on our CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, and finishing capabilities. Under forward‑looking ownership, we invest heavily in people—training, mentorship, and a culture where the average team member has been with us 17 years. Your growth is our next chapter.
Your impact
As a Precision Sheet Metal Laser Machining Specialist, you turn digital intent into precision parts—safely, accurately, and on schedule. You’ll set up, run, and refine CNC laser cutting operations that feed our downstream processes and final assemblies.
What you’ll accomplish
- Set up and operate CNC laser cutting systems to produce precision sheet‑metal components that meet production demand.
- Review work orders, prints, engineering drawings, specifications, and CNC programs before starting each assignment.
- Confirm correct material type, thickness, quantity, program, tooling, and machine parameters for every job.
- Load and unload sheet metal and other materials safely and efficiently.
- Run laser equipment using established programs, setup instructions, and documented procedures.
- Continuously monitor machine operation and cutting performance throughout the run.
- Make authorized adjustments to maintain quality, dimensional accuracy, and throughput.
- Deliver parts that meet customer drawings, tolerances, and all quality requirements.
- Perform first‑piece and in‑process inspections with appropriate measurement methods.
- Use calipers, micrometers, scales, gauges, and related tools to verify dimensions and specs.
- Identify and report program, material, tooling, equipment, drawing, or quality issues promptly.
- Remove parts from sheets (“shakeout”) and label/organize for the next operation.
- Carry out basic deburring and part cleanup as needed.
- Maintain material and product identification and traceability at every step.
- Minimize material waste by following nesting standards, material handling practices, and production procedures.
- Accurately complete production, quality, material, and job records.
- Plan and manage your work to remain aligned with Sheet Metal and overall production schedules.
- Perform operator‑level inspections, cleaning, and basic preventive maintenance.
- Keep equipment, tooling, and the surrounding area clean, organized, and safe.
- Follow all Pro‑Type safety procedures, including machine guarding, laser safety, material handling, and PPE requirements.
- Adhere to applicable AS9100 procedures, customer requirements, and internal work instructions.
- Support the Sheet Metal Department and other production activities as needed.
- Perform other duties that support Pro‑Type Industries as assigned.
Who thrives here
- Insists on excellence and takes pride in delivering quality outcomes.
- Obsessively detail‑focused.
- Dedicated to the craft and confident in their abilities.
- Sees tasks through from start to finish.
- Self‑directed yet collaborative when the job calls for it.
What you bring
- High school diploma or GED (required); must be at least 18 years old.
- Hands‑on experience operating CNC laser cutting equipment in a metal fabrication or manufacturing setting (preferred).
- Strong background in precision sheet metal manufacturing (strongly preferred).
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work orders, and manufacturing specifications.
- Basic understanding of CNC programs and the discipline to follow established programs and setup instructions.
- Knowledge of sheet metal materials, thicknesses, and fundamental fabrication processes.
- Skill in identifying and verifying materials before processing.
- Proficiency with precision metrology (calipers, micrometers, scales, gauges).
- Working knowledge of dimensional tolerances and inspection requirements.
- Ability to recognize cutting, machine, material, and part‑quality issues—and know when to escalate.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to learn CNC laser systems and manufacturing processes.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accurate, high‑quality parts.
- Consistency in following safety, quality, and production procedures.
- Organizational skills to meet production schedules.
- Accuracy in completing production and quality documentation.
- Ability to work both independently and alongside Sheet Metal, Engineering, Quality, and Production teammates.
- Reliable attendance with the flexibility to work assigned schedules and overtime when required.
- Stamina to stand for extended periods and routinely bend, reach, push, pull, and handle sheet metal/components.
- Ability to safely lift and move materials and parts consistent with job demands, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred extras
- Experience with industrial CNC fiber or CO laser cutters.
- Background in aerospace, defense, or an AS9100‑certified manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with CNC nesting or laser programming software.
- Knowledge of punching, bending, forming, deburring, and hardware installation.
- Experience performing first‑piece and in‑process dimensional inspections.
How we invest in you
- Competitive compensation package.
- Annual fully paid training for continuing education and a tailored professional development plan.
- Employee recognition programs.
- Health, dental, vision, sick and vacation leave, on‑site gym, and more.
- 401(k) with a generous employer match.
- Collaborative team and entrepreneurial work environment.
Fifty years in, we’re just getting started. If you’re ready to grow with an employee‑centric team, we’d love to meet you.