Machine Operator - Cerakote (Robotics)

Leatherman Tool Brand; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Leatherman in Portland, Oregon is seeking a Cerakote & Laser Machine Operator II to join our manufacturing team. You will operate Cerakote, laser, and related equipment, prepare components for coating, and ensure parts meet quality standards.

Ideal candidates have three years of machine-operation experience, strong mechanical aptitude, and the ability to troubleshoot and adjust equipment. We offer a four-day workweek with two shift options and safety-focused culture.

Qualifications

• At least three years of related machine-operation experience.
• Experience setting up, changing over, and operating manufacturing equipment.
• Intermediate mechanical and machine-operation skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and make adjustments.
• Experience with inspection equipment (micrometers, calipers, comparators).
• Basic blueprint-reading and computer skills.
• Basic shop math.
• Lean manufacturing exposure is a plus.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• NCRC certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate Cerakote, laser, and related manufacturing equipment used to process Leatherman components.
• Prepare components for coating, including blasting and other required preparation processes.
• Mix and prepare Cerakote coating materials according to established specifications and procedures.
• Load and unload robotic fixtures and monitor automated coating processes.
• Set up and perform changeovers on equipment while maintaining required tolerances.
• Monitor equipment and production output to ensure parts meet quality and quantity expectations.
• Make appropriate mechanical and/or program adjustments within the scope of the position.
• Perform laser-machine operations and established setups in accordance with work instructions and product specifications.
• Inspect components and finished products using micrometers, calipers, and comparators.
• Identify quality or equipment concerns and troubleshoot routine machine and process issues.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and help keep equipment and work areas operating safely and effectively.

Skills

Machine operation

Troubleshooting

Measurement tools

Blueprint reading

Education

High school diploma or GED

NCRC certificate

Tools

Cerakote equipment

Laser equipment

Robotic fixtures

Micrometers

Calipers

Job description

At Leatherman, we make tools that people carry into work, adventures, emergencies, and everyday life. Behind every Leatherman tool is a team of skilled people who care about craftsmanship, quality, and continually finding a better way to build.

We're looking for a Cerakote & Laser Machine Operator II to join our manufacturing team in Portland, Oregon.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced machine operator who enjoys working with technology, has strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail, and takes pride in producing high-quality work.

Shift Options

Day Shift: Monday–Thursday | 4:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Swing Shift: Monday–Thursday | 2:30 p.m.–1:00 a.m.

That's a regular four-day workweek, with additional coverage required based on team and business needs.

What You'll Do

As a Cerakote & Laser Machine Operator II, you'll help create the distinctive finishes, markings, and details that make our products unmistakably Leatherman.

You’ll:

• Operate Cerakote, laser, and related manufacturing equipment used to process Leatherman components.
• Prepare components for coating, including blasting and other required preparation processes.
• Mix and prepare Cerakote coating materials according to established specifications and procedures.
• Load and unload robotic fixtures and monitor automated coating processes.
• Set up and perform changeovers on equipment while maintaining required tolerances.
• Monitor equipment and production output to ensure parts meet quality and quantity expectations.
• Make appropriate mechanical and/or program adjustments within the scope of the position.
• Perform laser-machine operations and established setups in accordance with work instructions and product specifications.
• Inspect components and finished products using tools such as micrometers, calipers, and comparators.
• Identify quality or equipment concerns and troubleshoot routine machine and process issues.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and help keep equipment and work areas operating safely and effectively.
• Recognize opportunities to improve processes, quality, safety, and efficiency—and speak up when you have an idea.
• Follow all safety, PPE, hazardous-material, and hazardous-waste requirements.
• Support Level I machine operations and other manufacturing needs when necessary.

What We're Looking For

• We're looking for someone who combines technical ability with curiosity and craftsmanship.

You’ll be a strong fit if you:

• Have at least three year of related machine-operation experience.
• Have experience setting up, changing over, and operating manufacturing equipment.
• Have intermediate mechanical and machine-operation skills.
• Are comfortable troubleshooting equipment and making appropriate adjustments.
• Can use inspection and measurement equipment, including micrometers, calipers, and comparators.
• Have basic blueprint-reading and computer skills.
• Are comfortable using basic shop math.
• Understand the importance of rate control, standard work, and meeting production expectations.
• Have exposure to Lean manufacturing principles or production systems—a plus.
• Have a high school diploma or GED—preferred.
• Have a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)—also a plus.

Experience with Cerakote, industrial coating processes, robotic equipment, laser equipment, or similar finishing/manufacturing processes would be especially valuable, but we're also interested in strong machine operators who have the aptitude and desire to learn.

How We Work at Leatherman

We care about what you accomplish and how you accomplish it.

We’re looking for someone who...

Leatherman Behavior

Takes ownership, follows through, and understands how their work impacts the team and our customers.

Empowerment – Own Your Impact

Looks for ways to make our products, processes, quality, and work better.

Hunger – Raise the Bar

Speaks up when something doesn’t look right, shares ideas, and respectfully challenges assumptions.

Courage – Speak Honestly. Move Boldly.

Enjoys figuring out how things work, troubleshooting problems, learning new equipment, and trying better approaches.

Curiosity – Ask, Experiment, and Learn

Safety Matters

You’ll work in a manufacturing environment where safety, quality, and attention to detail are essential. This position may involve exposure to noise, dust, lubricants, grinding coolant mist/vapor, coating materials, and other substances associated with manufacturing operations.

You’ll receive appropriate training and are expected to follow all Leatherman safety procedures, wear required PPE, and follow applicable procedures for handling, storing, labeling, and disposing of hazardous materials and waste.

Physical Requirements

This is an active manufacturing position. You’ll regularly stand, walk, reach, use your hands to operate equipment and tools, and perform repetitive manufacturing activities. The position may also require bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, twisting and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds.

Why Leatherman?

There's something different about making a product you can hold in your hand and know that someone, somewhere, will depend on it.

At Leatherman, you'll have the opportunity to learn, build your skills, contribute ideas, and be part of a team making iconic products right here in Portland, Oregon.

If you're mechanically inclined, care about quality, enjoy solving problems, and want to be part of building something people depend on, we'd love to hear from you.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.