CNC Laser Programmer

Friedman Industries Inc; Corpus Christi (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Friedman Industries Inc. in the Corpus Christi area is seeking a CNC Laser Programmer to create, modify, and optimize laser cutting programs for metal components, aligned with engineering drawings and production needs.

You will review blueprints and material specs, set speeds and power, nest parts, and work with production, maintenance, and quality teams to minimize scrap and ensure safe operation. A high school diploma and CAD/CAM familiarity are preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience creating and editing CNC laser programs with nesting and optimization.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and material specs.
• Hands-on experience operating CNC laser cutting equipment in industrial settings.
• Knowledge of hot-rolled, cold-rolled, coated, and stainless materials.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software and basic file management.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality.
• Ability to work with production, maintenance, and quality teams and communicate clearly.
• High school diploma; CNC programming or industrial technology training preferred.
• Prior steel processing or pipe/tube manufacturing experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create, modify, and optimize CNC laser programs per drawings and production needs.
• Review blueprints, material specs, and work orders to generate programs.
• Set cutting parameters such as speed, power, and nesting.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and quality teams.
• Maintain program libraries and document process changes.
• Continuously improve cutting processes and workflows.

Job description

Company Description

Friedman Industries Inc., founded in 1965, is a publicly traded manufacturer and processor of metal products listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol FRD. The company operates eight U.S. facilities focused on metal processing, distribution, and the production of pipe and tube, including advanced temper mills and stretcher-leveler cut-to-length technology. Its Century Metals facility in Miami provides slitting and cut-to-length services for a wide range of materials, including cold-rolled, coated, stainless, and non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and brass. The tubular division in Lone Star, Texas runs two API-licensed electric resistance welded pipe mills, serving diverse industrial applications. Friedman Industries emphasizes safety, quality, and an entrepreneurial, collaborative culture where team members are valued as key partners in the company’s success.

Role Description

The CNC Laser Programmer role is a full-time, on-site position located in the Greater Corpus Christi Area. This role is responsible for creating, modifying, and optimizing CNC laser programs to cut metal components accurately and efficiently according to engineering drawings and production requirements. Day-to-day tasks include reviewing blueprints, material specifications, and work orders, translating them into machine-ready programs, and setting up cutting parameters such as speed, power, and nesting. The CNC Laser Programmer collaborates closely with production, maintenance, and quality teams to troubleshoot issues, minimize scrap, and ensure safe, efficient operation of laser equipment. This role also involves maintaining program libraries, documenting process changes, and continuously improving cutting processes and workflows.

Qualifications

• Experience creating and editing CNC laser programs, including nesting and optimization for sheet and plate cutting.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and material specifications for metal fabrication.
• Hands-on experience operating CNC laser cutting machines and related equipment in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of metal types, thicknesses, and cutting characteristics, particularly for hot-rolled, cold-rolled, coated, and stainless products.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software and basic computer skills for file management and documentation.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and commitment to safety and quality in daily operations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with production, maintenance, and quality teams and communicate clearly with colleagues and supervisors.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or certification in CNC programming, machining, or industrial technology is preferred.
• Prior experience in steel processing, metal fabrication, or pipe and tube manufacturing is a plus.