Weekend Laser Operator

Location: Gastonia, NC 28056
Pay Rate: Starting at $17.00 per hour or higher, depending on experience (DOE)
Job Type: Full-Time
Shift: Weekend Shift
Schedule: Friday through Sunday | 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Experience Level: Experienced

We are seeking an experienced, dependable, and mechanically inclined Weekend Laser Operator to join a busy metal manufacturing facility in Gastonia, NC.

This position is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring laser cutting equipment used to manufacture precision sheet metal components according to blueprints, work orders, and production specifications.

Candidates must have at least 1 year of hands-on manufacturing experience AND previous experience operating laser cutting equipment.

This is not an entry-level position. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, experience working with sheet metal, the ability to interpret blueprints and measurements, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and productivity.

• Set up and operate laser cutting machinery to cut and process sheet metal components according to production specifications.

• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work orders, and technical instructions.

• Load and unload sheet metal materials, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and galvanized metal.

• Enter, verify, and adjust machine settings, cutting parameters, and CNC programs as required.

• Perform machine startup, operation, and shutdown procedures according to established guidelines.

• Monitor laser cutting operations to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and consistent product quality.

• Make authorized machine adjustments to maintain proper cutting performance and dimensional accuracy.

• Inspect finished parts using tape measures, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring instruments.

• Verify material type, thickness, dimensions, and tolerances before and during production.

• Identify and report defective materials, incomplete cuts, equipment malfunctions, and quality concerns.

• Perform basic troubleshooting and routine operator-level preventive maintenance.

• Remove finished components from processed sheet metal and separate usable parts from scrap materials.

• Deburr, sort, stack, label, and organize completed metal components as required.

• Properly stage materials and maintain accurate identification of finished products.

• Complete production documentation, including quantities produced, material usage, scrap, and equipment downtime.

• Follow production schedules and meet established quality and productivity standards.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

• Follow all company safety procedures, including applicable lockout/tagout requirements and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Work collaboratively with supervisors, quality inspectors, maintenance personnel, and other production team members.

• Perform additional manufacturing duties as assigned.

• Minimum of 1 year of hands-on manufacturing experience required.

• Previous hands-on experience operating laser cutting equipment required.

• Experience working with industrial machinery, metal fabrication equipment, or CNC production equipment.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, production instructions, and manufacturing specifications.

• Experience handling sheet metal and fabricated metal components.

• Familiarity with materials such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and galvanized metal.

• Ability to accurately read a tape measure and use precision measuring tools, including calipers and gauges.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and basic equipment troubleshooting skills.

• Ability to identify dimensional inaccuracies, cutting defects, and quality concerns.

• Experience using common hand tools and power tools in a manufacturing environment.

• Ability to follow machine operating procedures and established safety requirements.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.

• Ability to work independently with limited supervision after training.

• Good communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

• Dependable attendance, punctuality, and strong work ethic.

• Must be available to work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

• Previous experience operating CNC laser cutting machines
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• Experience setting up, adjusting, or calibrating laser cutting equipment.

• Knowledge of laser cutting parameters, machine controls, and CNC…