CNC Operator

Our Next Energy; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Our Next Energy in Novi, MI seeks a laser cutting operator to set up, operate, and monitor laser cutting machines to meet exact specifications.

You will read blueprints, adjust settings, and load materials while performing in-process quality checks and maintenance. This fast-paced role requires safe practices and collaboration with engineering and quality teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical/vocational certification preferred.
• 1–3+ years of laser cutting experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to read blueprints, drawings, and work instructions.
• Experience with CNC/CAD-CAM software a plus.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to use precision measurement tools such as calipers and micrometers.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Willingness to work assigned shifts, including nights/weekends as production requires.
• Maintain clean, organized work area following 5S standards.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams for process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor laser cutting machines to meet specifications.
• Read blueprints and work orders to determine cutting parameters.
• Load and unload raw materials and verify material specs before processing.
• Adjust machine settings to optimize cut quality and minimize waste.
• Perform in-process quality checks using calipers and micrometers.
• Identify and troubleshoot machine malfunctions or defects; perform basic maintenance.
• Maintain production records including outputs, scrap, and downtime.
• Follow all safety protocols and wear PPE.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Measurement tools

Troubleshooting

Quality awareness

Lean manufacturing

Education

High school diploma

Technical/vocational cert

Tools

AutoCAD

CAD/CAM

Calipers

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Set up, operate, and monitor laser cutting machines to cut, engrave, or etch materials to precise specifications
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and work orders to determine cutting parameters
• Load and unload raw materials; verify material specifications before processing
• Adjust machine settings (power, speed, focus) to optimize cut quality and minimize material waste
• Perform in-process quality checks using calipers, micrometers, and other measurement tools
• Identify and troubleshoot machine malfunctions or quality defects; perform basic maintenance and calibration
• Maintain accurate production records, including output counts, scrap rates, and downtime
• Follow all safety protocols, including proper use of PPE and laser safety procedures

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical/vocational certification in machining or manufacturing preferred
• 1–3+ years of experience operating laser cutting equipment (fiber, CO2, or similar) in a manufacturing setting
• Ability to read technical drawings, blueprints, and work instructions
• Experience with CNC or CAD/CAM software a plus
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to use precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, etc.)
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving startup environment
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
• Willingness to work assigned shifts, including potential nights/weekends based on production needs
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with 5S standards
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to support process improvements

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Background in battery, automotive, aerospace, or precision sheet metal manufacturing
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, typically throughout an 8–12-hour shift.
• Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to handle, position, manipulate, and inspect parts, tools, gauges, controls, and equipment.
• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift, move, or position up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation or mechanical assistance.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive motions associated with machine operation and material handling.
• Ability to safely load and unload raw materials, workpieces, tooling, and finished components.
• Sufficient visual acuity, including near vision and depth perception, to read blueprints, machine displays, measurement devices, and inspection results and to identify defects or dimensional variations.
• Ability to distinguish details and perform precision measurements using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other inspection equipment.
• Ability to work safely around moving machinery and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety footwear, gloves when appropriate, and other task‑specific PPE.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is primarily performed in a manufacturing, machining, or production environment.
• Regular exposure to operating machinery, moving mechanical parts, metal chips, sharp edges, tooling, coolants, lubricants, oils, and other materials commonly associated with machining operations.
• Noise levels may range from moderate to loud, requiring the use of hearing protection in designated areas.
• May be exposed to temperature variations, vibration, dust, fumes, odors, and airborne particles within applicable safety limits and control measures.
• Requires strict adherence to all safety procedures, machine guarding requirements, lockout/tagout practices, housekeeping standards, and established work instructions.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required by the task and work area.
• Work may involve interaction with production, quality, engineering, maintenance, and materials teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• May require overtime, weekend work, or alternate shifts based on production schedules and business needs.
• The employee must maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and promptly report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, or quality issues.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

An individual must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Our Next Energy Inc. (ONE) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to disability or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.