Laser Machine Operator - 1st Shift

AOC Metal Works; Chester (VA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

AOC Metal Works is seeking a Laser Operator to set up, run, and maintain laser cutting equipment, ensuring precise parts and strict safety compliance. You will read blueprints, adjust parameters, and monitor quality throughout production.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma or GED, 2–3 years in a metal fabrication environment, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. The role requires attention to detail and teamwork in a fast-paced shop.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; 2-3 years' experience in similar industry, trade or profession preferred.
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to learn quickly.
• Ability to read work orders and effectively communicate verbally with others
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow instruction and written processes
• Work safely and efficiently
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move items up to 50 pounds
• Flexible schedule is required (requires occasional Saturday work)

Responsibilities

• Follow all company rules, quality standards (ISO) and safety policies (OSHA).
• Set-up, adjust and prepare turret punch/laser combination. Set-up includes but is not limited to: finding proper tooling per set up.
• Check the heights of tooling and adjust. Set-up and adjustment of material.
• Locate and upload proper program from machine control. Ensure optimal laser cutting conditions.
• Provide immediate feedback, to supervisor on jobs not meeting set-up and/or production standards.
• Work with engineering and operations to ensure finished products are produced in the safest, effective manner, while maintaining high quality control standards.
• De-burr parts with file or grinder, as needed.
• Responsible for proper packaging, identifying and moving all finished products to the proper location.
• Ensure all equipment, and area, is properly set-up in a safe manner and that all safety devices are in use.
• Performs set-up inspections, first piece inspections as well as all subsequent inspections as required by QC standards.
• Monitor equipment and tool wear, and request external maintenance when required.
• Work with Supervisor, Programmer/Mfg. Engineer and Engineering to make constant improvements in tooling, programs and lean activities.
• Assist with any other duties as assigned.
• Follow all company policies and procedures.
• Ensure a safe working environment through consistent practice of safety programs and procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Reading blueprints

Safety awareness

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Laser cutter

Job description

At AOC Metal Works, it is our policy to be number one in quality, delivery, and customer service. We strive to exceed our customers' expectations and promote through our continuous improvement efforts, while providing a safe and teamwork-based work environment.

Compensation Disclaimer: The advertised pay range is based on the position's requirements and may vary depending on the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, and overall fit for the role. Final compensation will be determined based on these factors.
Position Description Summary:
A Laser Operator sets up, runs, and maintains laser machines to precisely cut, engrave, or shape metal, focusing on quality by inspecting parts, performing daily checks, loading materials, selecting programs/lenses, and following strict safety protocols. The operator sets up the machine by entering the required parameters, positions sheet metal accurately, and oversees the laser cutting process. The successful candidate is able to accurately read blueprints or drawings, and will have skills for smooth production.

Principal Accountabilities:

(The following is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all expectations.)

:

• Follow all company rules, quality standards (ISO) and safety policies (OSHA).
• Set-up, adjust and prepare turret punch/laser combination. Set-up includes but is not limited to: finding proper tooling per set up. Check the heights of tooling and adjust. Set-up and adjustment of material. Locate and upload proper program from machine control. Ensure optimal laser cutting conditions. Provide immediate feedback, to supervisor on jobs not meeting set-up and/or production standards.
• Work with engineering and operations to ensure finished products are produced in the safest, effective manner, while maintaining high quality control standards.
• De-burr parts with file or grinder, as needed.
• Responsible for proper packaging, identifying and moving all finished products to the proper location.
• Ensure all equipment, and area, is properly set-up in a safe manner and that all safety devices are in use. Performs set-up inspections, first piece inspections as well as all subsequent inspections as required by QC standards.
• Monitor equipment and tool wear, and request external maintenance when required.
• Work with Supervisor, Programmer/Mfg. Engineer and Engineering to make constant improvements in tooling, programs and lean activities.
• Assist with any other duties as assigned.
• Follow all company policies and procedures.
• Ensure a safe working environment through consistent practice of safety programs and procedures.

Education, Knowledge, Experience and Skills Required for Position:

• High school diploma or GED; 2-3 years' experience in similar industry, trade or profession preferred
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to learn quickly.
• Ability to read work orders and effectively communicate verbally with others
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow instruction and written processes
• work safely and efficiently
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move items up to 50 pounds
• Flexible schedule is required (requires occasional Saturday work)

Physical Demands:

• Lift, carry, push and or pull 1 – 50 lbs. frequently.
• Squat/kneel, bend/stoop, crawl, twist/turn, grasp and reach overhead and outward frequently.
• Sit, stand and walk for 1 – 10 hours per day.
• Work in a fast-paced industrial environment wearing hearing protection, eye protection, steel-toed shoes and other appropriate protective clothing.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, machinery, and material handling equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Facility is not climate-controlled.