Laser Operator - 2nd Shift - SSC North

Southern Specialties; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Specialties is seeking an experienced Laser Operator to join the fabrication team in Tulsa, OK. This role operates and maintains Bystronic fiber laser cutting systems (6kW and 15kW) with automation, handling lenses, nozzles, parameter adjustments, and routine maintenance to maximize uptime and quality.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on laser equipment troubleshooting skills, the ability to read blueprints, and experience with automated material handling.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of laser cutting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Troubleshooting CNC laser systems.
• Ability to understand machine diagnostics, alarms, and fault codes.
• Experience changing lenses and nozzles and performing machine setup adjustments.
• Understanding of cutting parameters and their impact on quality and productivity.
• Ability to read blueprints and manufacturing drawings.
• Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication processes.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Operate Bystronic fiber laser cutting systems safely and efficiently.
• Monitor production schedules and maintain continuous machine operation.
• Troubleshoot faults, alarms, and automation issues.
• Perform lens and nozzle changes and routine maintenance.
• Make parameter adjustments to improve cut quality and productivity.
• Evaluate cut quality and make corrections when needed.
• Diagnose issues with gases, consumables, and machine performance.
• Operate automated loading/unloading and parts sorting systems.
• Minimize downtime through preventive maintenance and issue resolution.
• Maintain equipment records and communicate improvements to supervisors.

Skills

Laser cutting experience

CNC troubleshooting

Blueprint reading

Mechanical aptitude

Independent work

Tools

Bystronic laser system

ByTrans Extend

Automation towers

Laser optics

Forklift

Overhead crane

Job description

Position: Laser Operator - 2nd Shift - SSC North

Location: Tulsa, OK

Job Id:304

# of Openings:1

We are seeking experienced Laser Operators to join our fabrication team. This position is responsible for operating and maintaining advanced Bystronic fiber laser cutting systems, including 6kW and 15kW lasers with extensive automation systems. This is not an entry-level machine operator position.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience troubleshooting laser equipment, adjusting cutting parameters, performing routine machine maintenance, and maximizing machine performance in a high-production manufacturing environment. Candidates should be comfortable working with automated material handling systems, diagnosing machine faults, and ensuring quality parts are produced with minimal downtime.

Our facility is climate-controlled, clean, and focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities & Authorities

• Operate advanced Bystronic fiber laser cutting systems safely and efficiently.
• Monitor production schedules and maintain continuous machine operation.
• Troubleshoot machine faults, alarms, automation issues, and cutting quality problems.
• Perform lens changes, nozzle changes, centering procedures, and routine optical maintenance.
• Make minor adjustments to cutting parameters to improve cut quality and production efficiency.
• Evaluate cut quality and make corrections when issues arise.
• Diagnose issues involving assist gases, consumables, material conditions, and machine performance.
• Operate and monitor automated loading, unloading, storage, and parts sorting systems.
• Minimize downtime through effective troubleshooting and preventive maintenance practices.
• Conduct routine inspections and maintain equipment according to manufacturer recommendations.
• Verify part quality using prints, work instructions, and inspection tools.
• Maintain accurate production and maintenance records.
• Communicate equipment concerns and improvement opportunities to supervisors and maintenance personnel.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, productivity, quality, and cost reduction.
• Maintain an organized and safe work area.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of laser cutting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven troubleshooting skills with CNC laser systems.
• Ability to understand machine diagnostics, alarms, and fault codes.
• Experience changing lenses, nozzles, and performing machine setup adjustments.
• Understanding of cutting parameters and their impact on quality and productivity.
• Ability to read blueprints and manufacturing drawings.
• Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication processes.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with Bystronic laser systems.
• Experience with ByTrans Extend automation.
• Experience with automated material towers and parts sorting systems.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices.
• Familiarity with assist gases, beam delivery systems, and laser optics.
• Forklift and overhead crane experience.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work around moving machinery and automated equipment.
• Ability to wear required PPE.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a technician-level laser operator, not someone whose experience is limited to loading material and starting machine cycles. Successful candidates will be able to:

• Think critically when issues arise.
• Diagnose machine and automation problems.
• Make informed process adjustments.
• Understand the relationship between material, consumables, gas, and cutting performance.
• Take ownership of machine uptime and part quality.
• Work independently during off-shifts with minimal supervision.