Manufacturing - Laser & Plasma Operator

EFCO Corp.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

EFCO Corp. is seeking a CNC Cutting Operator to fabricate steel parts to production standards at our Des Moines, IA facility. You will load materials, operate laser/plasma cutting systems, adjust settings, and ensure accurate part identification and quality.

The role requires reading blueprints, using calipers, micrometers and tape measures, and passing EFCO’s internal test. 100% onsite, safety-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience operating CNC cutting systems (laser/plasma).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints; familiarity with measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, tape measures).

Responsibilities

• Load and prepare material on the machine bed using material handling equipment.
• Operate CNC cutting equipment and adjust torch settings based on material thickness.
• Remove and identify finished parts; sort and clean components; return scrap for reuse.
• Program and adjust machine functions for new or custom production runs.
• Perform quality checks and maintain production records in work orders and Kronos; complete routine maintenance.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area; follow environmental and safety procedures.

Skills

CNC cutting operation

Blueprint reading

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Tape measures

Job description

Purpose

Operate laser and plasma cutting systems to fabricate steel parts to production standards. Handle setup, programming, inspection, and material movement with attention to safety, accuracy, and equipment care.

EFCO Culture & Safety Statement

Act with Integrity by demonstrating honesty, responsibility, trustworthiness, and respect in all actions. Strive for Quality through continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making. Embrace Innovation by being self-aware, collaborative, and curious. Deliver Super Service by creating value and consistently exceeding customer expectations.

At EFCO, the health and safety of our team members, visitors, and contractors is an overriding priority and EFCO is committed to promoting a safe and healthy work environment by requiring all team members to participate in environmental, safety, and health program activities. This includes always wearing required personal protective equipment; participating in safety training; engaging in and supporting safety activities including reporting hazards, unsafe work practices & near misses, incidents involving property damage, and any / all injuries – no matter how minor – immediately to their supervisor or manager.

Key Responsibilities

Load and Prepare Material (20%)
Select and position the correct steel on the machine’s cutting bed using material handling equipment. Confirm item numbers and align materials for efficient processing.

Operate CNC Cutting Equipment (25%)
Use the machine controller to retrieve and run the appropriate cutting program. Adjust torch settings based on material thickness, align the starting point, and initiate the cutting process.

Remove and Identify Cut Parts (15%)
Sort finished pieces, confirm part identification, and perform basic cleaning of components. Return scrap material for reuse where applicable.

Program and Adjust Machine Functions (10%)
Make on-the-fly programming changes or full setups as needed for new or custom production runs. Monitor machine performance and adjust parameters to meet tolerances.

Perform Quality and Maintenance Tasks (15%)
Inspect parts for conformance, perform required quality audits, and maintain accurate production records in work orders and Kronos. Complete routine machine maintenance and report issues.

Maintain a Clean and Safe Work Area (15%)
Follow all environmental and safety procedures, participate in training and safety programs, and keep the workspace clean and organized.

Additional duties may be assigned as required by business necessity may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing to meet organizational goals and priorities.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Experience operating CNC cutting systems (laser/plasma).
• Certification(s) and License(s): N/A
• Leadership: N/A
• Computer Skills: N/A
• Other Requirements: Ability to read and interpret blueprints; familiarity with measuring tools including calipers, micrometers, and tape measures; must pass EFCO’s internal test.

Core Competencies

• Technical Skills: Proficiently uses job-specific tools, systems, and procedures to perform tasks effectively.
• Direction, Planning, Organization: Sets clear objectives, aligns efforts, and manages time and resources to achieve results.
• Responsibility: Takes ownership of actions, tasks, and outcomes; follows through on commitments.
• Analysis: Breaks down complex information to identify patterns, relationships, and root causes.
• Judgment: Makes sound decisions by evaluating facts, risks, and potential outcomes.

EFCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration for employment 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

Level II Work: Exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or 25 lbs. of force frequently, and/or 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects.

To ensure a safe work environment while meeting the physical demands of the job you must be able to perform the following physical and mental tasks with or with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Climbing: Rarely
• Hearing & Speaking: Continuously.
• Vision: Continuously
• Balancing: Occasionally to Frequently, depending on the work environment.
• Standing: Frequently to Continuously
• Sitting: Rarely to Continuously
• Walking: Frequently
• Forward Bend in Standing: Occasionally to Frequently
• Rotation in Standing: Occasionally
• Squatting: Occasionally to Frequently
• Kneeling: Occasionally to Frequently
• Stooping: Occasionally to Frequently
• Static postures: Occasionally to Frequently
• Right-hand Left-hand Coordination: Continuous
• Reaching: Frequently
• Crawling: Occasionally
• Crouching: Occasionally to Frequently
• Repetitive Motions- Shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, fingers: Continuously
• Elevated work: Crown level 5 lbs up to 2 mins occasionally, and rarely 20 lbs up to 20 secs
• Floor to waist vertical lift: Frequently 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs
• Waist to crown vertical lift: Frequently 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs
• Horizontal carry: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally up to 50 lbs for 25 feet
• One hand carry: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally up to 50 lbs for 25 feet
• Push horizontally: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs
• Pull horizontally: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs
• One hand pull right hand: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs for 20 ft
• One hand pull left hand: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs for 20 ft
• Left hand repetitive coupling: Frequently 65 lbs, Occasionally up to 80 lbs
• Right hand repetitive coupling: Frequently 65 lbs, Occasionally up to 80 lbs
• Expertise in:
  • Ability to regularly perform all job functions at company office or worksite
  • Ability to withstand environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, noises. Etc.
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment as required

Working Arrangement

• This role will work 100% onsite at our Des Moines, IAlocation.

The company reserves the right to modify, update, change and/or make corrections to this job description, at the sole discretion of senior leadership, at any time during the employee’s employment term, at the sole discretion of management.