Laser Operator & CAD Designer for Custom Parts

Steelworx Industrial Group; Fayetteville (AR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Steelworx Industrial Group is seeking an experienced Laser Operator with drafting and design capabilities to join our fabrication team. The role involves reading drawings, creating and modifying CAD files, and taking projects from concept to cut-ready parts.

Ideal candidates have experience in design and fabrication of custom parts for the food and beverage industry and with sanitary stainless‑steel fabrication. CNC router or similar equipment experience is a strong plus.

Qualifications

• Previous CNC laser operating experience.
• CAD drafting and design experience strongly preferred.
• Experience designing and fabricating custom parts, components, and equipment.
• Experience with 2D drawings, DXF files, nesting, and CNC programming.
• Ability to read fabrication and structural steel drawings.
• Experience with carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC laser cutting equipment.
• Create, modify, and prepare CAD drawings for production.
• Convert drawings, sketches, field dimensions, and customer information into cut‑ready parts.
• Read and interpret structural, fabrication, assembly, and shop drawings.
• Review dimensions, tolerances, material thicknesses, and part requirements before cutting.
• Nest parts efficiently to maximize material utilization and minimize scrap.
• Select appropriate cutting parameters for different materials and thicknesses.
• Load programs and perform machine setup.
• Inspect finished parts for dimensional accuracy and quality.
• Troubleshoot cutting, programming, nesting, and setup issues.
• Maintain organization of CAD files, programs, and production drawings.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and keep equipment and work areas clean and organized.
• Coordinate with fabrication personnel to ensure parts are produced correctly and on schedule.
• Assist with CNC router operation and programming when needed.
• Support the design and fabrication of custom parts, assemblies, and equipment.
• Follow established material‑handling and fabrication procedures to maintain proper separation between carbon steel and stainless steel
• Understand the importance of preventing cross‑contamination between carbon steel and stainless steel throughout cutting, handling, fabrication, and storage
• Assist other team members with fabrication, material handling, equipment operation, and other shop tasks outside of the normal day‑to‑day job scope when needed
• Be willing to work outside normal scheduled hours when project schedules, production requirements, or customer needs require it

Skills

CAD drafting and design

Reading fabrication drawings

2D drawings (DXF)

Nesting for material utilization

CNC laser operating experience

Team collaboration

Tools

DXF files

CNC routing

Laser cutting equipment operation

Job description

Steelworx Industrial Group is seeking an experienced Laser Operator with drafting and design capabilities to join our fabrication team. The role involves reading drawings, creating and modifying CAD files, and taking projects from concept to cut-ready parts.

Ideal candidates have experience in design and fabrication of custom parts for the food and beverage industry and with sanitary stainless‑steel fabrication. CNC router or similar equipment experience is a strong plus.