Laser Cutting Specialist

Harmonics Recruitment; Munster; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmonics Recruitment is seeking a Laser Cutting Specialist to join a leading manufacturing company in the Mid West. The role provides technical leadership in laser cutting operations, optimising processing performance, driving continuous improvement, and supporting new product introductions for efficient, high-quality output on the shop floor.

You will develop and tune CNC programs and nesting strategies, troubleshoot real-time issues, train operators, and drive improvements across production,

Qualifications

• Technical qualifications in Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication, precision engineering, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of laser cutting technology and associated manufacturing processes.
• Experience with CNC programming, nesting software, and CAD/CAM systems.
• Proven experience in process optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience troubleshooting manufacturing and production issues.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience within a precision engineering or metal fabrication environment would be advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and manufacturing software systems.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience setting up, operating, and troubleshooting industrial laser cutting equipment.
• Experience optimising laser cutting parameters across a range of materials, thicknesses, and customer requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and expertise for all laser cutting operations.
• Develop, optimise, and maintain laser cutting programmes and nesting strategies.
• Ensure efficient machine utilisation, material yield, and process performance.
• Support new product introduction activities, including process development and validation.
• Monitor production performance and identify opportunities for productivity improvements.
• Ensure compliance with engineering drawings, customer specifications, and quality requirements.
• Support capacity planning and manufacturing capability development activities.
• Collaborate with Production and Quality teams to improve throughput, reduce waste, and enhance operational performance.
• Carry out hands‑on machine set‑up, first‑off trials, and process prove‑outs for new and existing products.
• Operate laser cutting equipment as required to validate programmes, optimise cutting parameters, and support production requirements.
• Conduct on-machine troubleshooting and process adjustments to resolve quality, productivity, or technical issues in real time.
• Work directly on the shop floor with operators to identify and implement process improvements and best practices.
• Support production during peak periods by providing practical operational expertise and hands‑on assistance where required.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives within laser processing operations.
• Optimise cutting parameters to improve quality, speed, and cost efficiency.
• Investigate technical issues and perform root cause analysis to implement corrective actions.
• Develop standard operating procedures and process documentation.
• Support engineering change management activities.
• Evaluate new technologies and equipment upgrades to improve manufacturing capability.
• Provide technical guidance on material selection and manufacturability.
• Lead and participate in practical laser cutting trials, material evaluations, and process development activities to improve manufacturing performance.
• Validate process improvements through hands‑on testing and measurement, ensuring repeatability and production readiness.

Skills

Laser cutting expertise

Analytical thinking

Continuous improvement mindset

Attention to detail

Communication

Training & coaching

Planning & organisation

Cross‑functional collaboration

Operational excellence

Hands-on shop floor

Education

Technical qualifications in Engineering/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

CNC programming

Nesting software

CAD/CAM systems

Job description

About the Company

Harmonics Recruitment is hiring for a Laser Cutting Specialist to join a leading Manufacturing company in the Mid West.

About the Role

The Laser Technical Specialist will provide technical expertise and leadership in laser cutting operations, responsible for optimising laser processing performance, driving continuous improvement initiatives, supporting new product introductions, and ensuring efficient, high-quality manufacturing output.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and expertise for all laser cutting operations.
• Develop, optimise, and maintain laser cutting programmes and nesting strategies.
• Ensure efficient machine utilisation, material yield, and process performance.
• Support new product introduction activities, including process development and validation.
• Monitor production performance and identify opportunities for productivity improvements.
• Ensure compliance with engineering drawings, customer specifications, and quality requirements.
• Support capacity planning and manufacturing capability development activities.
• Collaborate with Production and Quality teams to improve throughput, reduce waste, and enhance operational performance.
• Carry out hands‑on machine set‑up, first‑off trials, and process prove‑outs for new and existing products.
• Operate laser cutting equipment as required to validate programmes, optimise cutting parameters, and support production requirements.
• Conduct on-machine troubleshooting and process adjustments to resolve quality, productivity, or technical issues in real time.
• Work directly on the shop floor with operators to identify and implement process improvements and best practices.
• Support production during peak periods by providing practical operational expertise and hands‑on assistance where required.

Process Improvement & Technical Support

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives within laser processing operations.
• Optimise cutting parameters to improve quality, speed, and cost efficiency.
• Investigate technical issues and perform root cause analysis to implement corrective actions.
• Develop standard operating procedures and process documentation.
• Support engineering change management activities.
• Evaluate new technologies and equipment upgrades to improve manufacturing capability.
• Provide technical guidance on material selection and manufacturability.
• Lead and participate in practical laser cutting trials, material evaluations, and process development activities to improve manufacturing performance.
• Validate process improvements through hands‑on testing and measurement, ensuring repeatability and production readiness.

Equipment & Maintenance Support

• Liaise with Maintenance teams to maximise equipment reliability and performance.
• Support preventative maintenance planning and troubleshooting activities.
• Work with equipment suppliers and service providers on machine upgrades and technical issues.
• Assist in equipment validation and commissioning activities.
• Support the implementation of best practices for machine care and operational efficiency.
• Perform routine machine calibrations, cutting parameter verification, and operational checks to maintain optimum performance.
• Support fault finding activities directly on equipment alongside Maintenance and equipment suppliers.

Training & Development

• Train and support operators in laser processing techniques, programming, and best practices.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, quality, and technical excellence.
• Share technical knowledge and support cross‑functional team development.

Qualifications

• Technical qualifications in Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication, precision engineering, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of laser cutting technology and associated manufacturing processes.
• Experience with CNC programming, nesting software, and CAD/CAM systems.
• Proven experience in process optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience troubleshooting manufacturing and production issues.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Experience within a precision engineering or metal fabrication environment would be advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and manufacturing software systems.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience setting up, operating, and troubleshooting industrial laser cutting equipment.
• Experience optimising laser cutting parameters across a range of materials, thicknesses, and customer requirements.

Required Skills

• Strong technical expertise in laser cutting and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Effective communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to train, coach, and support operational teams.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Purpose driven with a focus on operational excellence.
• Strong practical, hands‑on approach with the ability to combine technical expertise and shop floor execution.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with significant time spent supporting production operations directly.

Harmonics Recruitment is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.