Laser Operator Team Member

Colonial Group; Pooler (GA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

JCB North America in Pooler, Georgia is seeking a Laser Operator to run and maintain CNC laser cutting equipment for heavy‑duty fabrication. The role emphasizes precision, quality output, safety, and adherence to production schedules.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment, supporting continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certificate in Laser Technology or related field.
• Minimum 2+ years operating CNC laser cutting equipment.
• 5+ years manufacturing or fabrication experience.
• Ability to pass pre-employment requirements.

Responsibilities

• Set up, program, and operate CNC laser cutting equipment.
• Adjust cutting parameters for quality and efficiency.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and calibration.
• Conduct dimensional inspections.
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Skills

Laser cutting

CNC programming

Blueprint reading

Quality control

Lean manufacturing

Safety consciousness

Education

High school diploma

Laser technology certificate

Tools

CNC laser systems

Measuring tools

Job description

Company Profile

80 years and countless innovations later, JCB is the world’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment. At 22 plants spanning four continents—and countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, India and Brazil—JCB manufactures a range of more than 300 products including Loadall telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, Access aerial work platforms, rough terrain forklifts, and Fastrac tractors.

JCB people are at the heart of our business and as a family-owned business we answer to our customers, not a group of shareholders. That freedom allows us to concentrate on developing the latest technologies and incorporating them into our equipment. We focus on what our customer needs on the jobsite – a machine that holds up in the toughest environment and increases their productivity.

At JCB, we stand behind our products – and our name.

Position Purpose

The Laser Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining advanced laser cutting equipment to support the production of heavy-duty construction and industrial equipment at JCB North America. This role ensures precision cutting, quality output, and optimal machine performance while maintaining safety, efficiency, and adherence to production schedules.

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced fabrication environment, supporting continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Position Type

Full Time, Non-Exempt

Location

Pooler, Georgia

Benefits and Other Compensation

JCB offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401 (k) retirement plan; paid time off and paid holidays.

Major Tasks, Responsibilities & Key Accountabilities

Laser Operations & Machine Setup

• Set up, program, and operate CNC laser cutting equipment to perform precision cutting operations on metal components
• Select appropriate cutting programs, fixtures, and tooling based on part specifications and production requirements
• Adjust and maintain laser beam focal points, alignment, and cutting parameters to ensure optimal performance and quality
• Perform machine setup and changeovers to support production schedules and minimize downtime

Equipment Maintenance & Calibration

• Perform routine machine maintenance, including:
• Optic cleaning (lenses and mirrors)
• Tape shots
• Preventative maintenance checks
• Conduct minor troubleshooting and adjustments to maintain equipment at peak operating performance
• Monitor machine performance and document operational metrics

Quality Assurance & Inspection

• Perform dimensional inspections using appropriate measuring tools to ensure parts meet specifications
• Identify, troubleshoot, and report defective materials or process issues to Team Lead or Supervisor
• Ensure all work meets quality standards and engineering specifications

Material Handling & Production Support

• Prepare and stage raw materials for production
• Safely load and unload materials using appropriate equipment
• Support overall fabrication workflow to ensure continuous production and meet output targets

Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

• Apply problem-solving tools and lean manufacturing principles to improve laser cutting operations
• Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and eliminate defects
• Partner with fabrication, quality, and engineering teams to drive process improvements

Safety & Housekeeping

• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with 5S and safety standards
• Adhere to all safety procedures and PPE requirements
• Ensure safe operation of all machinery and equipment at all times

• Perform other duties as assigned to support manufacturing operations

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Certificate in Laser Technology or related field from an accredited technical school
• Minimum 2+ years of experience operating CNC laser cutting equipment
• 5+ years of experience working in a manufacturing or fabrication environment
• Ability to pass all pre-employment requirements (drug screen, background check, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in heavy equipment or industrial manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with CNC programming and nesting software
• Experience working with structural steel, plate, or heavy-gauge materials
• Forklift certification (or ability to obtain)

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies

• Strong understanding of laser cutting processes, machine setup, and material properties
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and work instructions
• Proficiency in operating laser systems, press brakes, and fabrication equipment
• High attention to detail with a focus on precision and quality control
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to multi-task and adapt in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• Flexibility to work overtime or varying shifts as required
• Must wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times

Job Conditions

• Both office environment and occasionally manufacturing/factory environment.
• Subject to noise and temperature changes.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Must be able to work flexible schedule, including Friday - Sunday 6am -6pm
• Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10lbs, frequently and/or move up to 35lbs, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50lbs.
• Must be able to perform continuous, repetitious physical activities. These activities may involve fine movements or large motions.
• Must be able to grasp/pinch small items, reach out and up, and turn wrist.
• Must be capable of keeping pace with current production speed.
• Must be able to push/pull with reasonable force.
• Must be able to perform the following requirements of bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, and standing for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work in multiple climates including hot/cold temperatures, and dusty environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

JCB is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. JCB complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment at every location where the company has facilities. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability statute, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and local laws.

EEO EMPLOYER/VET/DISABLED.

JCB Inc. is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status; however, as a global company, JCB offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S., which can be found through our website at https://www.jcb.com/en-gb/about/careers

Disclaimer: This job description is general in nature and is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.