AS9100 Sheet Metal Laser Operations Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Build parts that fly, sail, compute, and protect

At Pro‑Type Industries (Sterling, VA), we’ve spent more than five decades turning complex requirements into trusted parts across aerospace, military, electronics, technology, marine, and industrial markets. As a third‑generation, family‑owned company founded in 1969, we pair modern capability—CNC machining, precision sheet metal, finishing—with an employee‑centric culture led by forward‑thinking ownership. People choose to stay here (average tenure: 17 years) because growth is real and craft matters.

Your mission

You will own laser cutting operations that uphold AS9100 rigor and our customers’ exacting standards. From program review to first‑piece inspection, you’ll ensure each part leaves the laser right the first time and is ready for downstream processing.

Core responsibilities

• Configure and operate CNC laser cutting equipment to produce precision sheet‑metal components per schedule.
• Study work orders, engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and CNC programs before each run.
• Validate correct material type, thickness, quantity, program, tooling, and machine settings.
• Safely load/unload sheet metal and related materials.
• Execute jobs using established programs, setup instructions, and work procedures.
• Track machine health and cutting performance throughout production.
• Apply authorized adjustments to protect dimensional accuracy, quality, and efficiency.
• Deliver components that meet drawings, tolerances, and defined quality requirements.
• Conduct first‑piece and in‑process inspections.
• Verify part specs using calipers, micrometers, scales, gauges, and other metrology tools.
• Escalate issues tied to programs, materials, tooling, equipment, drawings, or quality.
• Break out finished parts from sheets and clearly identify/organize for the next operation.
• Perform basic deburring and general part cleanup.
• Maintain correct identification, handling, and full material/product traceability.
• Limit waste through disciplined nesting, material handling, and production practices.
• Complete all production, quality, material, and job documentation with accuracy.
• Manage priorities to align with Sheet Metal and plant‑wide schedules.
• Carry out operator‑level inspections, cleaning, and basic preventive maintenance.
• Keep equipment, tooling, and the surrounding area clean, organized, and safe.
• Follow Pro‑Type safety policies: machine guarding, laser safety, material handling, and PPE.
• Comply with AS9100 procedures, customer requirements, and internal work instructions.
• Assist Sheet Metal and other production activities when requested.
• Perform additional duties in support of Pro‑Type Industries as assigned.

What you’ll need to succeed

• High school diploma or GED; 18+ years of age.
• Background operating CNC laser cutting equipment in metal fabrication/manufacturing (preferred).
• Experience in precision sheet metal manufacturing (strongly preferred).
• Ability to interpret drawings, blueprints, work orders, and manufacturing specifications.
• Working knowledge of CNC programs and the discipline to follow established programs and setups.
• Understanding of sheet metal materials, thicknesses, and basic fabrication processes.
• Skill verifying materials prior to processing.
• Proficiency with calipers, micrometers, scales, gauges, and similar instruments.
• Familiarity with dimensional tolerances and inspection requirements.
• A keen eye for cutting/machine/material/part ‑quality issues and when to seek assistance.
• Mechanical aptitude with the drive to learn CNC laser equipment and processes.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality parts.
• Consistency in following safety, quality, and production procedures.
• Ability to organize workloads and meet schedule commitments.
• Accuracy and completeness in documentation.
• Comfort working independently and with Sheet Metal, Engineering, Quality, and Production teams.
• Reliable attendance and flexibility to work assigned schedules and overtime as required.
• Physical ability to stand for long periods; regularly bend, reach, push, pull, and handle sheet metal/components.
• Capacity to safely lift/move materials and parts in line with role demands, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred profile

• Experience with industrial CNC fiber or CO₂ laser cutting systems.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or AS9100‑certified manufacturing.
• Knowledge of CNC nesting or laser programming software.
• Exposure to punching, bending, forming, deburring, and hardware installation.
• Experience performing first‑piece and in‑process dimensional inspections.

Grow with us

• Competitive compensation.
• Annual fully paid training for continuing education and a personalized development plan.
• Employee recognition programs.
• Health, dental, vision, sick and vacation leave, on‑site gym, and more.
• 401(k) with a generous employer match.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial culture where craftsmanship and initiative are rewarded.

Bring your craft to a place that invests in it. Apply and help write our next 50 years.