Laser Cladding Operator

Nepean; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-day week

Above award wages

Career development

Job summary

NEPEAN Longwall in Paget, Mackay QLD is seeking a skilled Laser Cladding Operator to set up, operate, and maintain laser cladding equipment for repair and enhancement of industrial components. You will work in a manufacturing environment with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency.

The role requires experience with laser cladding, CNC/robotic systems, and reading engineering drawings. The successful candidate will join a team committed to safety and continuous improvement, with opportunities

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating laser cladding, CNC, robotic, or similar manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Experience using measuring equipment and conducting quality inspections.
• A proactive approach to safety and following workplace procedures.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Configure laser cladding systems, program machine parameters, adjust laser beam optics, and align powder or wire feed mechanisms.
• Inspect, clean, and pre-treat industrial workpieces to ensure proper metallurgical bonding.
• Operate CNC or robotic laser cladding cells, monitoring real-time metrics such as laser power, powder flow, shielding gas, and melt pool stability.
• Perform post-cladding inspections using micrometers, calipers, and non-destructive testing (NDT) methods to verify coating thickness and surface integrity.
• Clean and maintain laser optics, nozzles, and delivery systems, troubleshooting minor mechanical or software issues as they arise.
• Maintain a clean workstation and strictly adhere to laser safety protocols and PPE requirements.

Skills

Laser cladding

CNC/Robotics operation

Engineering drawings

Tools

CNC machines

Robotics

Grit-blasting equipment

Job description

NEPEAN Longwall is a leading provider of specialised underground mining equipment to the Australian coal industry. Due to continued growth, we are seeking a motivated and reliable Laser Cladding Operator to join our team based in Paget, Mackay QLD.

About the Role

We are seeking a Laser Cladding Operator to set up, operate, and maintain laser cladding equipment while ensuring work is completed to quality and safety standards. Working in a manufacturing environment, you will play a key role in the repair and enhancement of industrial components.

Key Responsibilities

• Configure laser cladding systems, program machine parameters, adjust laser beam optics, and align powder or wire feed mechanisms
• Inspect, clean, and pre-treat industrial workpieces (via grit-blasting or machining) to ensure proper metallurgical bonding
• Operate CNC or robotic laser cladding cells, monitoring real-time metrics such as laser power, powder flow, shielding gas, and melt pool stability
• Perform post-cladding inspections using micrometers, calipers, and non-destructive testing (NDT) methods to verify coating thickness and surface integrity
• Clean and maintain laser optics, nozzles, and delivery systems, troubleshooting minor mechanical or software issues as they arise
• Maintain a clean workstation and strictly adhere to laser safety protocols (Class 4 laser environments) and PPE requirements

About You

• Previous experience operating laser cladding, CNC, robotic, or similar manufacturing equipment
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work
• Experience using measuring equipment and conducting quality inspections
• A proactive approach to safety and following workplace procedures
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team

Why Join Us?

• 4-day compressed work week offering work-life balance
• Above award wages
• Supportive team environment
• Opportunity to work across multiple disciplines
• Long-term career development with an industry leader

NEPEAN believes in diversity and is committed to providing Equal Employment opportunities for all applicants. We welcome applicants from all walks of life which also includes various socio-economic, cultural, LGBTIQ, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.