Laser Specialist

The Lee Company; Westbrook (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-paid health insurance

Profit sharing

Tuition reimbursement

Daycare subsidy

Job summary

The Lee Company is seeking a hands-on engineer to advance laser-processing concepts in its Innovation Center. You will prepare and run laser systems, learn how process choices affect results, and work with engineers to push the technology's limits.

Applicants may come from machining, engineering technology, or lab backgrounds; prior laser experience is helpful but not required. Emphasis is on practical skills, safety, and collaboration.

Qualifications

• We welcome applicants whose experience comes from formal study, technical training, apprenticeship, or substantial hands‑on work.
• Backgrounds may include machining, manufacturing, engineering technology, engineering, or laboratory operations.

Responsibilities

• Process Trials and Shop-Floor Work: Prepare sample parts, fixtures, and machine setups for laser-processing trials.
• Run assigned trials, adjust setup details and process settings with the project team.
• Inspect and measure processed pieces, compare results, and help the team decide what to investigate next.

Skills

Machining

CAD/CAM

CNC programming

Metrology

Safety practices

Education

Engineering technology degree

Machining apprenticeship

Tools

CNC machines

CAD/CAM software

G-code

Motion control

Job description

About the Company:

The Lee Company is a global leader in the design and production of miniature, precision fluid control components for the aerospace, medical/scientific instrument, oil tool, and automotive industries. Lee products are recognized worldwide for superior quality, reliability, and performance. Lee’s unique capabilities in miniaturization and engineering keep the company at the forefront of fluid control technology and identify Lee as a leading innovator in the field of fluid handling and control.

About the Role:

This role focuses on developing advanced laser-processing concepts to assist the Innovation Center efforts in R&D. The work spans a varied set of equipment, from laser welding and cutting systems to tools for micromachining and surface modification. The person in this role will prepare and run machine systems, learn how process choices affect the result, and work closely with engineers to explore the limits of the technology. Practical experience matters more than a particular career path; applicants may bring an engineering, lab, technical, or machining background.

Responsibilities:

Process Trials and Shop-Floor Work

• Prepare sample parts, fixtures, and machine setups for laser-processing trials.
• Run assigned trials, adjust setup details and process settings with the project team.
• Inspect and measure processed pieces, compare results, and help the team decide what to investigate next.

Programming, CAD/CAM, and Machine Motion

• Create or update CAD/CAM geometry and toolpaths for experimental parts, fixtures, and machining operations.
• Load, edit, or develop machine instructions and simple programs as the work requires; build confidence with unfamiliar controllers and programming tools.
• Utilize traditional machine equipment to build or modify test components or fixtures.

Safe and Reproducible Lab Practice

• Use laser sources and machine tools only under the applicable safety controls, procedures, and training for the equipment.
• Keep work areas orderly and experimental configurations traceable.
• Share observations with the project team and contribute practical suggestions for improving the setup, process, or lab capability.

Qualifications:

We welcome applicants whose experience comes from formal study, technical training, apprenticeship, or substantial hands‑on work. Relevant backgrounds may include machining, manufacturing, engineering technology, engineering, or laboratory operations.

• Can confidently handle small, precise components and use hand tools, measuring equipment, and production machinery with care.
• Has worked with CAD/CAM software and can use drawings or models to prepare manufacturing work.
• Has used motion control in a machine‑tool setting, such as CNC axes, positioning equipment, or coordinated movement, or has closely related experience.
• Is open to learning programming for machine operation and experimental work; prior programming experience is helpful but not a requirement.
• Approaches unfamiliar equipment with curiosity, patience, attention to detail, and respect for safe operating practices.
• Can document setups and results clearly and work constructively with colleagues from different technical backgrounds.
• Prior laser-processing experience is useful, but it is not required when the candidate brings strong practical machine skills and is ready to learn.

The Lee Company Advantages:

The Lee Company offers opportunities for career growth in a growing company providing an attractive range of benefits including company‑paid health insurance, profit sharing, tuition reimbursement, and daycare subsidy. The Lee Company is situated in southern New England in a rural, campus setting close to the Long Island Sound.

Pay range and compensation package:

The compensation range for this position is dependent on experience. Individual pay may adjust over time based on skill development, performance, and career progression within the role. The Lee Company offers an attractive range of benefits including company‑paid health insurance, profit sharing, tuition reimbursement, and daycare subsidy.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.