CNC Fiber Laser Operator

McCarthy Fabrication; Sanford (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

McCarthy Fabrication in Sanford, NC is seeking an experienced Laser Operator to run 12KW fiber laser cutting machines for aluminum, steel, and stainless fabrication. You will interpret fabrication drawings, perform setups, and maintain tight tolerances.

Responsibilities include loading/unloading sheets, optimizing part orientation, conducting lens inspections and nozzle changes, performing quality checks with calipers, and reporting material usage.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years operating CNC laser cutters.
• Experience with laser maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Able to read shop drawings, blueprints, and cut files (DXF/PDF).
• Familiar with basic G-code, CNC controls, and nesting software.
• Strong understanding of aluminum, stainless, and carbon steel behavior under heat.
• Comfortable lifting up to 50 lbs and standing all day.
• Solid shop math and tape measure skills.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, problem solving, and able to work with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain CNC fiber laser cutting equipment.
• Read and interpret fabrication drawings, blueprints and cut lists.
• Load/unload sheets and parts; optimize part orientation and nesting.
• Perform basic machine setups, lens inspections, and nozzle changes.
• Perform quality checks to ensure accurate tolerances on finished products using calipers, tape measures, and other inspection tools.
• Track material usage and report drops or scrap.
• Flag any programming or material issues immediately.
• Maintain clean work area and equipment adhering to safety protocols.
• Assist with secondary operations when laser is idle (deburring, organizing, press brake work if qualified).

Skills

CNC laser cutting

G-code understanding

Blueprints / drawings

Nesting software

Tools

DXF/PDF reading

Nesting software

G-code / CNC controls

Laser maintenance basics

Job description

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Laser Operator to run 12KW fiber laser cutting machines for aluminum, steel, and stainless fabrication. Candidates must be able to interpret fabrication drawings, perform setups, and meet tight tolerances. Bonus if you have experience operating a press brake.

Core Responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain CNC fiber laser cutting equipment.
• Read and interpret fabrication drawings, blueprints and cut lists.
• Load/unload sheets and parts; optimize part orientation and nesting.
• Perform basic machine setups, lens inspections, and nozzle changes.
• Perform quality checks to ensure accurate tolerances on finished products using calipers, tape measures, and other inspection tools.
• Track material usage and report drops or scrap.
• Flag any programming or material issues immediately.
• Maintain clean work area and equipment adhering to safety protocols.
• Assist with secondary operations when laser is idle (deburring, organizing, press brake work if qualified).

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years operating CNC laser cutters.
• Experience with laser maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Able to read shop drawings, blueprints, and cut files (DXF/PDF).
• Familiar with basic G-code, CNC controls, and nesting software.
• Strong understanding of aluminum, stainless, and carbon steel behavior under heat.
• Comfortable lifting up to 50 lbs and working on your feet all day.
• Solid shop math and tape measure skills.
• Reliable, high attention to details, problem solving skills, and capable of working with minimal supervision.

Bonus Skills:

• Press brake operation: setup, tooling selection, bend sequencing.
• Forklift certification or experience.
• Light fabrication or welding background.