Laser Operator

Aerotek; North Carolina; On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Fiber Optic Machine Operator Technician to set up, operate, monitor, and maintain fiber optic production equipment in a fast-paced industrial setting. You will ensure production goals, quality, and safety while minimizing downtime and waste.

Responsibilities include reading blueprints, performing routine maintenance, recording data, and collaborating with maintenance and quality teams to resolve issues. Prior experience with laser or CNC laser equipment is a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Experience with manufacturing or automated production equipment preferred.
• Familiarity with fiber optic manufacturing equipment is a plus.
• Experience in machinist work, CNC operations, or laser operator roles is beneficial.
• Familiarity with sheet metal fabrication processes and large-scale structural steel work.
• Experience working within 5S and structured housekeeping programs.
• Willingness to participate in specialized technical training to expand fiber optics, laser operation, and CNC skills.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate fiber optic production machinery according to specifications and work instructions.
• Monitor machine performance and adjust settings to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Inspect products at various stages to ensure quality and customer requirements.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and perform minor repairs to reduce downtime.
• Carry out routine preventive maintenance and keep equipment clean and in good condition.
• Record production data, machine settings, and quality results in the reporting system.
• Follow safety policies and SOPs; collaborate with teams to resolve issues.
• Change tooling, materials, and machine settings to support different production runs.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area following 5S standards.
• Operate laser and CNC laser equipment as needed and read blueprints.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Laser equipment

CNC laser equipment

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Fiber Optic Machine Operator Technician

Job Description

The Fiber Optic Machine Operator Technician sets up, operates, monitors, and maintains fiber optic manufacturing equipment to produce high-quality fiber optic products in a fast-paced industrial environment. This role ensures production goals, quality standards, and safety requirements are consistently met while minimizing downtime, scrap, and waste.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate fiber optic production machinery according to established production specifications and work instructions.
• Monitor machine performance continuously and adjust settings to maintain product quality, production efficiency, and stable operation.
• Inspect fiber optic products at multiple stages of the manufacturing process to ensure compliance with quality standards and customer requirements.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues promptly and perform minor repairs or adjustments to reduce downtime and maintain production flow.
• Carry out routine preventive maintenance tasks and keep all equipment clean, lubricated, and in proper working condition.
• Accurately record production data, machine settings, quality inspection results, and downtime events in the production reporting system.
• Follow all safety policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality control requirements at all times.
• Collaborate with supervisors, maintenance personnel, and quality teams to identify, communicate, and resolve production issues.
• Change tooling, materials, and machine settings to support different production runs and product specifications.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area in line with 5S and housekeeping standards.
• Consistently meet daily production goals while maintaining high product quality and minimizing scrap and rework.
• Operate laser and CNC laser equipment, including laser cutters, as needed for fiber optic and related manufacturing processes.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and production documentation to set up and run equipment correctly.
• Perform assembly-related tasks associated with fiber optic and sheet metal components as required by the production schedule.

Essential Skills

• Proven ability to set up and operate manufacturing or automated production equipment in an industrial environment.
• Mechanical aptitude with strong troubleshooting skills for machine operation and minor repairs.
• Experience with machine operation, including laser, CNC laser, and laser cutter equipment, or willingness to learn these technologies.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, production schedules, blueprints, and technical documentation accurately.
• Basic computer skills for production reporting, data entry, and recording machine parameters and quality data.
• Strong attention to detail and a consistent commitment to product quality and process accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, heavy industrial manufacturing setting centered around structural steel fabrication.
• Capability to change setups, including tooling, materials, and machine settings, to support different production runs.
• Solid understanding of safety practices and adherence to company safety policies, SOPs, and quality control requirements.
• High school diploma or GED.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience operating manufacturing or automated production equipment in an industrial or fabrication environment.
• Experience with fiber optic manufacturing equipment is a plus but not required.
• Experience in machinist work, CNC operations, or laser operator roles is highly beneficial.
• Familiarity with sheet metal fabrication processes and large-scale structural steel work.
• Experience working within 5S and structured housekeeping programs.
• Comfort working with assembly tasks related to mechanical or electronic components.
• Willingness to participate in specialized technical training to expand skills in fiber optics, laser operation, and CNC technologies.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from highly competitive industrial wages, comprehensive corporate benefits, and access to specialized technical training that supports ongoing skill development and career growth. The organization values safety, technical excellence, and continuous improvement, offering a structured environment where employees can build long-term careers in advanced manufacturing while balancing the demands of heavy fabrication shifts.

Work Environment

This role operates on a 1st shift schedule in a fast-paced, saf