Laser Cladding Operator

Napean Conveyors; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-day week

Above award wages

Supportive team environment

Cross-discipline work

Career development

Job summary

NEPEAN Longwall in Paget, Mackay QLD is seeking a Laser Cladding Operator to set up, operate and maintain laser cladding equipment in a manufacturing environment. Your work will help repair and enhance industrial components while upholding quality and safety standards.

You will configure laser systems, read engineering drawings, inspect workpieces, and perform post-cladding checks. The role offers a 4‑day week, above‑award wages, and pathways for long‑term career development within an industry

Qualifications

• Experience operating laser cladding or similar equipment.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Experience using measuring equipment and conducting quality inspections.

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 (Class 4 laser environments) and PPE requirements.

Skills

Laser cladding

Engineering drawings

Quality inspections

Safety compliance

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Tools

CNC machines

Robotic systems

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.