Laser/Punch Combination Operator – Amada EMLK 3015 (1st, 2nd, 3rd Shifts)

AST Manufacturing; Grand Prairie (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

AST Manufacturing is seeking an experienced CNC operator to safely set up, run, and monitor a high‑throughput Amada EMLK 3015 punch/laser system. You will inspect parts, verify toolings, and maintain production quality while following safety procedures.

Responsibilities include loading tooling, running programs, measuring parts with calipers and gauges, and performing routine maintenance. Shift schedules vary; 1st/2nd/3rd shifts available, full‑time position.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; safety training including Hazardous Communication and Lockout/Tagout is preferred.
• Experience operating CNC turret punch, laser, or punch/laser combo equipment (Amada preferred) is highly desirable.
• Forklift and/or overhead crane certification is a plus; ability to read blueprints and job travelers.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate the Amada EMLK 3015 punch/laser to produce parts per job traveler and customer prints.
• Load/unload tooling and verify stations, orientation, and die clearance per setup sheet.
• Run CNC programs from machine control after confirming material type, thickness, and sheet size.
• Perform first-piece inspection and in-process checks using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and tape measures.
• Maintain housekeeping and complete production paperwork for each job run.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Experience operating CNC turret punch/laser equipment (Amada preferred)

Tools

Amada turret punch/laser system

CNC control systems

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

Job description

Job Summary

Safely meets the required quality level and production schedule for the Amada EMLK 3015 punch/laser combination machine by setting up, running, and monitoring the machine and inspecting parts, personally or through co-workers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Safely set up and operate the Amada EMLK 3015 punch/laser combination machine to produce parts per
  the Job Traveler, setup sheet, and customer prints.
• Load and unload turret tooling (punches, dies, forming tools, tapping tools, and multi-tools) per the
  program setup sheet, and verify correct stations, orientation, and die clearance.
• Call up and run CNC programs from the machine control, verify the correct program and revision, and
  confirm material type, thickness, and sheet size before running.
• Load sheet material and unload finished sheets and skeletons manually or with automated load/unload
  equipment where applicable.
• Remove parts from the skeleton (shake-out), break micro-joints, and deburr or clean edges as required.
• Perform first-piece inspection and in-process checks using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and tape
  measures, and compare results to the print.
• Watch for and report problems such as burrs, slug pulling, misformed features, poor cut quality, dross, or
  dimensional errors to the Programmer and Shift Manager.
• Perform routine operator maintenance such as checking and cleaning the laser nozzle and lens,
  checking assist gas levels, lubricating tooling, cleaning the turret and table, and emptying slug and scrap
  bins.
• Report worn, chipped, or dull tooling and send tools for sharpening or replacement as directed.
• Work with all types of sheet metal, including cold-rolled and galvanized steel, stainless steel, and
  aluminum.
• Follow all laser safety, machine guarding, and Lockout/Tagout procedures, and never bypass safety
  devices.
• Follow all directions as noted on the Job Traveler.
• Ensure that all parts processed meet the customer’s required quality level. All issues must be reported to
  the Shift Manager and/or Quality Assurance personnel.
• Follow the daily production schedule as noted on the Scheduling Board, and communicate any delays to
  the Programmer/Scheduler.
• Ensure proper housekeeping around the assigned area, including scrap and skeleton removal and
  emptying trash at the end of every shift.
• Complete all production paperwork for each job run on the EMLK 3015, including part counts and scrap.
• Properly document all spare parts and tooling taken from the Parts Bins or tool crib.
• Ensure that all completed parts and associated Travelers are taken to the proper location for the next
  operation or final review.

Physical Effort

• Ability to sit or stand for 3 to 4 hours before a break.
• Ability to lift and carry approximately 50 pounds.
• Ability to handle sheet metal safely, including large or sharp-edged sheets, with proper gloves and PPE.
  Mental Effort, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Must be able to prioritize own workday schedule.
• Ability to read blueprints and Job Travelers.
• Ability to use precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges).
• Basic understanding of CNC machine controls and turret punch/laser operation.
• Good mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Ability to recognize quality problems early and communicate them clearly.

Recommended Training/Education

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience operating CNC turret punch, laser, or punch/laser combination equipment (Amada preferred);
  equivalent experience will be considered.
• Forklift and/or overhead crane certification is a plus.
• Safety training including but not limited to Hazardous Communication, Lockout/Tagout, Laser Safety, Eye
  Safety, and Fire Evacuation.

Shifts:

• 1st Shift: Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm
• 2nd Shift: Monday-Friday, 3:00pm-11:30pm
• 3rd Shift Sunday-Thursday, 11:00pm-7:30am

Job Type: Full Time

Pay: Submit Application for Pay Details

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The
employee is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department or unit. The job
description above is meant to be an outline; the details may be modified in the future to accommodate changing conditions.