1st Shift Machine Operator - Laser

Reliance, Inc.; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Plains Steel is seeking a laser machine operator to perform advanced production activities on laser equipment within a safety-focused Plant team.

You will review specifications, set up machines, measure parts, and perform inspections while moving material using forklifts or cranes. This role supports the plant’s continuous operations and efficiency goals.

Qualifications

• Valid Driver’s License and eligibility to drive.
• 0–5 years of relevant experience or equivalent education.
• Adequate manual dexterity and limb coordination.
• Ability to read and follow written instructions.
• Basic measurement and arithmetic skills required.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Teamwork mindset with safety awareness a must.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Review blueprints, work orders, and tooling instructions.
• Set up laser cutting unit, select nozzles, and adjust speeds/feeds.
• Operate laser machines as workload requires and position pieces for processing.
• Perform in-process and finished-product quality inspections.
• Move material between production areas using forklift, side loader, or crane.

Skills

Valid Driver’s License

0-5 years of experience

Manual dexterity

Read and comprehend instructions

Basic measurement & math

Stand for sustained periods

Teamwork & safety awareness

Lift up to 100 lbs occasionally

Education

High School diploma/GED

Job description

Job Summary

This job is in the Plant family (department), which includes positions responsible for performing the work of receiving, processing, storing, & distributing of metal. This includes specialized equipment operation and support functions that require a practical knowledge of the nature and operations of warehouse work with an emphasis on safety as well as the materials, facilities and methods employed by the Reliance Steel & Aluminum family of companies. The main responsibilities of this position are performing advanced production activities on variety of laser machines.

Note to Applicant

The ideal candidate for any position at Central Plains Steel will understand the dynamics of a cohesive team and feel a responsibility to help create and support that culture. Individuals who are Humble, Hungry, and Smart: who want to be part of a team that continuously strives to provide the “Best-In-Class” service to both our internal and external customers by following our guiding principles of:

• Respect for others
• Integrity, both in our principles and the unity of our team
• Excellence in everything we do
• Honoring our commitments

Physical Requirements

Stand or Sit(Stationary position), Walk(Move, Traverse), Use hand/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position), Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance (Ascend/Descend, Work atop, Traverse), Stoop, kneel, crouch, or Crawl(Position self(to), Move), Talk/hear(Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information), See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess), Pushing or Pulling, Reaching, Repetitive Motion

Function in the Job

Heavy work - Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Job Function

• Review and follow blueprints, work orders, tooling instructions or other written specifications.
• Determine processing specifications such as materials, forms, sizes, surface conditions, material defects dimensions, tolerances, and operational sequences.
• Ensure correct material for the job is used according to work orders.
• Coordinates and executes material handling.
• Set up laser cutting unit for safe operation by selecting appropriate nozzles, setting speeds, and feeds.
• Position work pieces for processing (may operate a combination of different machines).
• Operate laser machines during processing as required based on workload or business needs.
• Adjust controls to set cutting speed, depth, and feed rates.
• Measure and examine pieces using precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, scales, and squares to ensure conformance to work order specifications.
• Perform “In Process” and “Finished Product” quality control inspections.
• Remove scrap metal and clean equipment according to designated maintenance procedures.
• Diagnose problems and makes necessary adjustments.
• Report any irregularities to supervisor for direction.
• Completes work order paperwork/documentation.
• Move material from production areas to storage or other designated areas using forklift, side loader, or crane.
• May mark identification on material/work pieces before processing.
• Responsible for adhering to/ensuring compliance with applicable safety and quality standards.
• All other duties and responsibilities assigned by management.

Required Skills

• Valid Driver’s License - required.
• 0-5 years of relevant experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities - required.
• Ability to show adequate manual dexterity, finger dexterity, arm-hand steadiness, and multilimbed coordination - required.
• Ability to read and comprehend written instructions as applied to work situations - required.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Basic measurement skills, including taking, converting, and/or using measurements of length, width, height, and weight to perform basic math computations correctly - required.
• Basic arithmetic skills to calculate and convert decimals and fractions - required.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively - required.
• Ability to make sound decisions based on a combination of factors including knowledge, experience, and judgment - required.
• Ability to lift 100 pounds occasionally, 60 pounds repetitively - required.
• Ability to stand for sustained periods of time - required.
• Ability to push or pull 80 pounds of force - required.
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, internal customers and/or vendors - required.
• Must be able to obtain a certification to operate all required motorized material handling and rigging equipment - required.
• Basic computer proficiency and working knowledge of software applications - required.
• Employees are subject to temperatures more than 100 degrees F and below 32 degrees F
• Warehousing and material handling experience – preferred.
• High School diploma/GED - preferred.