Laser Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Laser Operator
Job Description

The Laser Operator sets up and operates a CO2 6K Bystronic laser to cut parts from thin gauge and structural steel according to blueprint specifications. This role performs basic troubleshooting and preventative maintenance, works with a variety of metals and thicknesses, and guides material handlers to ensure efficient and high-quality production in a custom metal fabrication environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate a CO2 6K Bystronic laser (26") for parts cutting in a production environment.
• Cut parts from mild steel up to 1 inch thick and stainless steel up to 5/8 inch thick, as well as aluminum and other steels as required.
• Configure CNC laser programs and adjust settings to meet blueprint and shop drawing specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints and shop drawings to determine cutting paths, tolerances, and material requirements.
• Perform basic troubleshooting on the laser equipment to resolve operational issues and minimize downtime.
• Carry out preventative maintenance tasks on the laser to maintain optimal performance and extend equipment life.
• Run quality checks on parts after laser operation to verify dimensions, tolerances, and overall part quality.
• Instruct material handlers on material preparation and setup procedures to support efficient workflow and output.
• Collaborate with team members on production priorities, sequencing, and problem-solving.
• Provide clear and productive leadership and guidance to more entry-level team members on safe and efficient work practices.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in and around the laser equipment.
• Follow all shop safety procedures and use appropriate equipment to handle and process materials.

• At least 2 years of experience operating a laser in a metal fabrication, production, or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience setting up and operating a CO2 6K Bystronic laser or similar CNC laser equipment.
• Ability to set up and operate CNC laser machines for cutting thin gauge and structural steel.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints and shop drawings.
• Demonstrated ability to perform basic troubleshooting on laser equipment.
• Experience conducting quality checks on parts after laser operation to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a production environment.
• Capability to provide clear instructions and leadership to entry-level team members.
• Comfort working with mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals.

• Experience in a custom metal shop or similar manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with Bystronic laser systems and related CNC interfaces.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality parts.
• Good communication skills to coordinate with material handlers and other team members.
• Ability to adapt to changing production priorities and work under time constraints.

You will join a medium-sized shop with a strong, family-oriented culture where collaboration and mutual support are highly valued. Leadership maintains an open-door policy and actively encourages feedback from all employees, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment. Team members benefit from close-knit working relationships, opportunities to share ideas, and a workplace that values continuous improvement and employee input.

Work Environment

This role is based in a custom metal shop environment with a medium-sized facility. The shop is not heated, and both bay doors remain open during the winter, so you must be comfortable working in cold conditions. You will work around CNC laser equipment, steel and aluminum materials, and typical fabrication shop tools. The culture emphasizes a strong family-type atmosphere, open communication, and approachable leadership with an open-door policy. Appropriate work attire suitable for a fabrication shop is expected, including clothing and footwear that support safety and comfort in a colder, industrial environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vancouver, WA.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Vancouver,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 10, 2026.

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 meets 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 solving for 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.

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.

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.