Laser Operator (1st Shift)

Louisind; Minnesota; On-site; USD 33,062 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

Company Paid Life Insurance

HSA Match

401k Contribution

PPE Reimbursements

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Referral Bonus

Holiday Pay

Bereavement Pay

Job summary

Louis Industries in central Minnesota is seeking a Laser Operator to support laser cutting and punching operations, including machine setup, productivity, maintenance, and quality. The role emphasizes safety and high-quality parts, with hands-on training for both seasoned operators and newcomers.

We offer competitive pay and full benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, HSA match, 401(k) contributions, PPE reimbursements, tuition reimbursement, referrals, holiday

Qualifications

• Certified crane operator experience preferred.
• Knowledge of inventory control and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read blueprints and use inspection equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• CAD training or experience preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude; experience with electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate laser cutting and/or punching machines on a regular basis.
• Load, edit, and run machine programs.
• Load raw material into sheet bays.
• Maintain cutting quality while achieving acceptable feed rates.
• Perform first‑part and in‑process inspections per work order requirements.
• Startup and shutdown procedures.
• Window cleaning and nozzle centering.
• Cleaning dust bins and replacing cutting beds.
• Maintaining a clean and organized work area.
• Ensure all products meet prescribed quality standards.
• Handle assorted steel raw material and steel scrap.
• Separate ("pick") parts from laser‑cut skeletons and stack onto pallets or containers.
• Package parts using banding or shrink wrap, as required.
• Safely operate forklifts to load/unload material and move completed parts.
• Operate small hand and power tools as needed.
• Follow all safety regulations and company policies.
• Support continuous improvement and process improvement initiatives.

Skills

Crane operation

Inventory control

Blueprint reading

Effective communication

CAD training

Mechanical aptitude

Tools

Inspection equipment

Job description

Louis Industries is one of the most modern steel processing facilities in central Minnesota. We employ around 100 people and serve over 180 customers predominantly located in the upper Midwest. Our customers vary from small, local owned companies to multi-million-dollar Fortune 500 companies. The parts Louis fabricates are found in products and equipment that are shipped globally. We utilize the latest technology available in laser, punching, forming, welding and quality control equipment, with an emphasis on supporting lean, rapid response manufacturing to support our customer’s varied needs. We strive to look toward the future, invest in automation, and continuously improve our processes, production capabilities, and our people. In addition, we are a major regional supplier with inventory of mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

We are employee focused, offer flexible schedules, full benefits, and competitive pay.

About the Role

The Laser Operator is responsible for operating and supporting laser cutting and punching operations, including machine setup, productivity, maintenance, and quality. This role plays a key part in ensuring safe, efficient production and high-quality parts.

This position is open to both experienced operators and individuals who are new to manufacturing. We provide hands‑on training and support to help motivated individuals develop the skills needed to be successful in this role.

What You’ll Do

• Operate laser cutting and/or punching machines on a regular basis
• Load, edit, and run machine programs
• Load raw material into sheet bays
• Maintain cutting quality while achieving acceptable feed rates
• Perform first‑part and in‑process inspections per work order requirements
• Startup and shutdown procedures
• Window cleaning and nozzle centering
• Cleaning dust bins and replacing cutting beds
• Maintaining a clean and organized work area
• Ensure all products meet prescribed quality standards
• Handle assorted steel raw material and steel scrap
• Separate ("pick") parts from laser‑cut skeletons and stack onto pallets or containers
• Package parts using banding or shrink wrap, as required
• Safely operate forklifts to load/unload material and move completed parts
• Operate small hand and power tools as needed
• Follow all safety regulations and company policies
• Support continuous improvement and process improvement initiatives

What You’ll Need

• Certified crane operator experience preferred
• Knowledge of inventory control and manufacturing processes
• Ability to read blueprints and use inspection equipment
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• CAD training or experience preferred
• Mechanical aptitude; experience with electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems is a plus

Schedule

1st shift - Monday through Thursday 7am-4:30pm and Fridays 7am-11am

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• HSA Match
• 401k Contribution
• PPE Reimbursements
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Holiday Pay
• Bereavement Pay

Compensation: Starting at $24-$28/ hour (based on experience)