Laser Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Laser Operator

Job Description

The Laser Operator supports a busy metal fabrication shop by accurately and efficiently cutting structural and aerospace components from various metals. This role ensures that materials meet precise specifications to keep welding and fabrication processes running smoothly. The position is ideal for someone with fabrication shop experience who values precision, safety, and continuous production flow.

Responsibilities

• Set-up and operate laser cutting equipment to cut metal materials to specified dimensions and tolerances.
• Accurately measure and cut steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and other alloys using tape measures and precision measuring tools.
• Read and interpret blueprints, cut sheets, and work orders to determine cutting requirements and sequence of operations.
• Perform layout and marking of raw materials prior to cutting to ensure optimal material usage and accurate part dimensions.
• Inspect cut materials for accuracy, tolerances, and quality, making adjustments as needed to maintain specifications.
• Handle and organize raw materials and finished parts properly to maintain order and efficiency in the shop.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance, including cleaning, minor adjustments, and routine checks to keep machines in safe working condition.
• Use deburring tools, grinding equipment, and other finishing tools to remove sharp edges and prepare parts for downstream processes.
• Operate related shop equipment such as drill presses, press brakes, and other machine shop tools as needed to support production.
• Collaborate closely with welders and fabricators to prioritize work, meet production timelines, and resolve issues related to cut parts.
• Follow all safety procedures and shop guidelines to maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 2+ years of saw operation experience in a metal fabrication shop.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, cut sheets, and work orders.
• Strong ability to read a tape measure and perform precise measurements for metal cutting.
• Experience working with various metals, including steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.
• Solid understanding of cutting tolerances and material optimization to minimize waste.
• Hands-on experience with deburring, grinding, and basic finishing of cut parts.
• Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with machine operation and setup in a fabrication or machine shop.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and maintain a safe working environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a metal fabrication shop producing structural or aerospace components.
• Familiarity with drill presses, press brakes, and other common fabrication equipment.
• Exposure to CNC equipment or laser cutting processes in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience setting up machines, including selecting blades and configuring speeds and feeds.
• Comfort working with sheet metal and various raw material forms such as bar, plate, and structural shapes.
• Ability to use calipers and other precision measuring tools for inspection.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate effectively with welders, fabricators, and other team members.
• Organizational skills to maintain proper material handling, labeling, and storage in the shop.

Why Work Here?

You join a production environment that values precision, craftsmanship, and safety while supporting high-quality structural and aerospace projects. The team-oriented culture encourages collaboration between saw operators, welders, and fabricators, giving you the chance to see your work contribute directly to finished products. You gain hands-on experience with a variety of metals, tools, and processes, offering strong opportunities to grow your technical skills and advance within a professional fabrication setting.

Work Environment

The role is based in a busy metal fabrication shop and machine shop environment focused on structural and aerospace components. You work with band saws, cold saws, drill presses, press brakes, grinding tools, deburring equipment, and other machine shop tools, as well as measuring devices such as tape measures and calipers. The position involves handling raw materials like steel, aluminum, stainless steel, sheet metal, and structural shapes, with regular exposure to cutting, grinding, and fabrication processes. The work is hands-on and physically active, requiring time on the shop floor around production equipment. Safety procedures, proper material handling, and organized work areas are emphasized to maintain a clean, efficient, and secure workspace. Dress typically includes appropriate workwear suitable for a fabrication shop, along with required personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, hearing protection, and protective footwear.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Decatur, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $28.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Decatur,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.