Laser Set-Up II - 2nd Shift

Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions; Bloomingdale (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision coverage

401(k) with employer match up to 4%

Education support program

Paid time off and holiday pay

Job summary

Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions is seeking a Laser Set-Up II to set up, operate, and adjust laser cutting equipment to produce quality parts per drawings and work instructions. The role collaborates with production, programming, and quality teams to meet safety, quality, and delivery goals.

Responsibilities include loading programs, selecting materials, verifying settings, and performing routine adjustments to maintain accuracy and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Two+ years of experience operating laser cutting equipment or comparable manufacturing machinery.
• Able to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and work instructions.
• Knowledge of metal fabrication processes and laser cutting operations.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate laser cutting equipment according to work orders, drawings, and setup instructions.
• Load programs, select materials, install tooling or fixtures, and adjust machine parameters as required.
• Verify machine settings and material alignment before production runs.
• Make routine adjustments to maintain cutting accuracy and production efficiency.
• Inspect first-piece and in-process parts to verify conformance with drawings.

Skills

Read drawings/blueprints

Operate laser cutting equipment

Use precision measuring tools

Troubleshoot machine issues

Safety/compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Calipers, micrometers

Job description

Description

OVERVIEW

Cadrex is seeking a Laser Set-Up II who is responsible for setting up, operating, and adjusting laser cutting equipment to produce quality parts according to production requirements, engineering drawings, and work instructions. This role requires the ability to perform routine and moderately complex setups, verify machine settings, troubleshoot common issues, and maintain production quality and efficiency. The Laser Set-Up II works with production, programming, and quality teams to meet safety, quality, and delivery expectations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up and operate laser cutting equipment according to work orders, drawings, and setup instructions.
• Load programs, select materials, install tooling or fixtures, and adjust machine parameters as required.
• Verify machine settings and material alignment before production runs.
• Make routine adjustments to maintain cutting accuracy and production efficiency.
• Operate equipment safely and follow established procedures.
• Inspect first-piece and in-process parts to verify conformance with drawings and specifications.
• Use measuring tools, such as calipers, micrometers, and other inspection equipment, to confirm dimensions.
• Identify defects or dimensional issues and adjust within established parameters.
• Document inspection results and report quality concerns to the appropriate personnel.
• Identify and resolve common machine, setup, and cutting issues.
• Recognize equipment or process abnormalities and elevate complex problems as needed.
• Support efforts to reduce scrap, rework, downtime, and material waste.
• Recommend improvements to setup procedures, workflow, and production efficiency.
• Review work orders, drawings, and production schedules to understand job requirements.
• Coordinate with operators, programmers, supervisors, and quality personnel to resolve production issues.
• Maintain production records and communicate job status, material needs, and equipment concerns.
• Follow all safety procedures, including requirements for laser equipment, material handling, and personal protective equipment.
• Perform routine equipment checks and basic preventative maintenance.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Report equipment malfunctions, maintenance needs, and unsafe conditions promptly.

Requirements

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of experience operating and setting up laser cutting equipment or comparable manufacturing machinery preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and work instructions.
• Working knowledge of metal fabrication processes, material types, and laser cutting operations.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments and perform basic dimensional inspections.
• Basic understanding of machine controls, setup parameters, and production documentation.
• Ability to identify common equipment and quality issues and make appropriate adjustments.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

LOCATION

• Onsite

SCHEDULE

• Monday-Friday

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, vibration, hot parts & sharp edges. The employee is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and occasionally loud.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

CADREX CORE VALUES

• Safety first, rise to the challenge, collaboration, accountability, and do the right thing

TOTAL COMPENSATION INCLUDES

• Health/dental/vision coverage
• Employer-paid and supplemental life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay
• Monthly remote work stipend (for remote employees who qualify)
• 401(k) investment plan, with an employer match of up to 4%
• Education support program
• Safety eyeglasses/shoe reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Bonus plan for all full-time employees

ABOUT US

CADREX Manufacturing Solutions is a leading provider of complex sheet metal and machined production parts, assemblies, and weldments for a variety of end markets, including electrical transmission and distribution, warehouse automation, technology, aerospace & defense, medical, food, and industrials. With locations in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Monterrey Mexico, CADREX offers numerous in-house manufacturing capabilities, including laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication, complex assembly, CNC punching, CNC machining, forming, robotic welding, stamping, fastener insertion, and tool and die manufacturing, to effectively serve customers with lights-out manufacturing capabilities for mid- to high-volume production. For more information, visit www.cadrex.com.

Cadrex provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.