CNC Laser Cutting Machine Operator

Summary:

Operates Amada ENSIS fiber laser cutting systems and automated material handling/storage equipment to cut sheet metal parts to specification. Loads material, monitors programmed cut cycles, unloads and sorts parts, performs quality checks, and completes routine machine care safely and efficiently.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate Amada ENSIS fiber laser cutting systems and automated load/unload and storage tower systems.
• Load steel, stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized, and galvanneal sheet stock; verify type, gauge, and quantity.
• Launch programmed cut jobs, monitor cutting, and make approved in-process adjustments.
• Unload, sort, label, and stage finished parts and skeleton scrap.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using calipers, tape measures, and other gauges.
• Monitor oxygen/nitrogen assist-gas systems for correct type, pressure, and purity.
• Perform operator preventive maintenance, including lens/nozzle cleaning, filter checks, and housekeeping.
• Report machine alarms, abnormal conditions, and quality issues; assist troubleshooting as directed.
• Maintain piece counts, scrap, downtime, and job status in the tracking/ERP system.
• Follow lockout/tagout, Class 4 laser safety, PPE, and 5S requirements.
• Coordinate job sequencing, tooling/lens changes, and material availability with the Programmer and Supervisor.
• Support continuous improvement to reduce cycle time, scrap, and downtime.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 6 months-2 years of CNC machine operation or sheet metal fabrication experience preferred.
• Prior CNC laser cutting or other CNC sheet metal fabrication experience strongly preferred; will train a strong mechanical candidate.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, cut lists, and production travelers.
• Basic computer literacy for machine HMI/touchscreen controls and production data entry.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments, including calipers, tape measure, and protractor.
• High attention to detail and commitment to safe operation around Class 4 laser and automated material-handling equipment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-mix, low-volume production environment.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• None required; forklift/overhead crane certification a plus if the role includes material handling.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read and understand English instructions, safety signage, and job travelers.

Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, and to read a tape measure/caliper to fractional and decimal precision.

Physical Requirements:

Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms; frequently required to lift and/or move material and finished parts up to 50 pounds, with team lift or material handling equipment used for heavier loads. Specific vision abilities required include close and distance vision. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

Work is performed on the manufacturing floor near CNC laser cutting and automated material-handling equipment. Noise levels are moderate to high, and PPE (safety glasses/laser-rated eyewear, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed footwear) is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.