Industrial Laser Operator

Caldera Manufacturing Group; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off starting at 3 weeks

Job summary

Caldera Manufacturing is seeking an Industrial Laser Operator I to join our fabrication team in Reading, PA. You will operate CNC laser cutting equipment to produce precision components and maintain quality standards on the shop floor.

This hands-on role emphasizes safety, craftsmanship, and teamwork as you learn laser operation and support production with accurate part setup and inspection activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1+ year in manufacturing or machine operation; laser experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to read blueprints and use measurement tools.
• Basic understanding of metals and fabrication processes.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC laser machines to cut and shape metal components.
• Review blueprints, work orders, and specifications for accurate setup.
• Inspect finished parts with precision measuring tools to verify conformance.
• Monitor laser operations for quality and efficiency; report issues.
• Assist in equipment cleaning, calibration, and basic preventive maintenance.
• Safely load and unload materials using mechanical aids.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Safety awareness

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

CNC laser operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Bystronic CNC laser

Calipers / micrometers

Job description

• Location 1005 Patriot Parkway,Reading, PA, 19605,United States
• Employee Type Full Time-non exempt

The Primary Role

As an Industrial Laser Operator I, you are an essential part of Caldera Manufacturing’s fabrication team — turning raw materials into precision components that power our customers’ success. You’ll operate advanced CNC laser cutting equipment to produce parts that meet exacting standards of accuracy and quality.

This is a hands‑on role for someone who takes pride in craftsmanship, values safety, and enjoys seeing their work come to life on the production floor. You’ll learn the technical aspects of laser operation and gain exposure to the teamwork, precision, and attention to detail that define Caldera’s manufacturing excellence.

The Organization

Caldera is an industrial fabrication firm with production facilities across two states, in the midst of a strategic transformation from traditional fabrication to an engineered solutions provider. We're building something scalable, world‑class, and leading in sectors like AI data centers, industrial power and equipment, and national defense. This comprehensive repositioning touches every aspect of our business. Our evolution demands a quality function that enables rather than inhibits our growth trajectory while maintaining the highest standards that enterprise customers expect.

The People

You'll join a hungry and loyal team committed to transforming traditional fabrication from the inside out. Our people are highly skilled fabricators, engineers, and operational experts who bring decades of industrial experience combined with a love for innovation. We're straightforward problem‑solvers who take pride in turning complex challenges into elegant solutions. The leadership team values direct communication, continuous improvement, and results over rhetoric. As we evolve into a more sophisticated organization, we need someone who can help us drive quality excellence while building collaborative relationships that make production teams want to partner with quality rather than avoid it.

The Scope

• Set up and operate CNC industrial laser machines under supervision to cut and shape metal components.
• Review blueprints, work orders, and specifications to ensure accurate part setup and production.
• Inspect finished parts using precision measuring tools to confirm conformance to standards.
• Monitor laser operations for quality and efficiency; report issues to the supervisor promptly.
• Assist in equipment cleaning, calibration, and basic preventive maintenance.
• Safely load and unload materials using mechanical assist devices when necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed and inspection results.
• Follow all safety rules and company policies related to PPE, lockout/tagout, and equipment operation.
• Contribute to a clean, organized, and team‑oriented work environment.

The Key Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1+ year of experience in a manufacturing or machine operation role (laser experience preferred but not required).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and measurement tools.
• Basic understanding of metals and fabrication processes.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience operating CNC laser equipment (Bystronic).
• Familiarity with measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and protractors.
• Basic computer or CNC control experience.

The Benefits

Comprehensive health and dental insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off starting at 3 weeks (increases with length of service)

We are an equal opportunity employer. We strive to be a leader in diversity and inclusion, to continually lead with our values, and to allow our team to develop their potential, bring their full selves to work, and fully engage with each other. We believe that our diversity makes our team stronger.

This job description is not a binding contractual document. It is provided as a guide to types of duties required to be undertaken. This position may include other related duties as assigned. Duties vary from time to time and this description is subject to review and modification.

Physical Demands

• Lift/Carry (F): Move raw material sheets and parts weighing up to 50 lbs. (mechanical assist available).
• Push/Pull (O): Load/unload heavy sheets into machines with carts or cranes.
• Stand (F): Remain on feet for extended periods during machine operation.
• Walk (O): Move throughout fabrication and inspection areas.
• Sit (O): Limited, primarily for programming tasks or paperwork.
• Fine Manipulation (F): Use hands to adjust controls, measure parts, and operate tools.
• Reach (O): Reach into machine areas to set up or remove parts.
• Bend/Stoop (O): Occasional when loading/unloading materials.