Laser Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Laser Operator

Job Description

The Laser Operator sets up and operates a CO2 6K Bystronic laser to cut thin gauge and structural steel components according to blueprint specifications. This role ensures accurate cutting, performs basic troubleshooting and preventative maintenance, and supports efficient material flow by guiding material handlers on preparation and setup procedures.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate a CO2 6K Bystronic laser, including a 26-foot bed, for parts cutting of thin gauge and structural steel.
• Cut parts from mild steel up to 1 inch thick and stainless steel up to 5/8 inch thick according to blueprint and shop drawing specifications.
• Operate CNC laser equipment to produce precise parts that meet quality and dimensional requirements.
• Run quality checks on parts after laser operations to verify accuracy, consistency, and adherence to specifications.
• Perform basic troubleshooting on the laser equipment to resolve common operational issues and minimize downtime.
• Carry out basic preventative maintenance tasks on the laser to keep equipment in good working condition.
• Instruct material handlers on material preparation and setup procedures to support efficient workflow and output.
• Collaborate with team members on the shop floor to coordinate work, share information, and maintain production schedules.
• Provide productive leadership and guidance to entry-level team members to support their development and ensure safe, efficient operations.
• Follow all shop safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area around the laser and related equipment.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience operating a laser in a metal fabrication, production, or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC lasers for cutting thin gauge and structural steel.
• Ability to cut parts according to blueprint and shop drawing specifications with high accuracy.
• Proficiency in reading, understanding, and interpreting blueprints and shop drawings.
• Experience running quality checks on laser-cut parts to ensure they meet dimensional and quality requirements.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for laser equipment to identify and resolve common operational issues.
• Ability to perform basic preventative maintenance on laser equipment.
• Experience working with materials such as aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a metal fabrication or production environment.
• Capability to provide clear, constructive instruction and guidance to entry-level team members.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating Bystronic laser equipment.
• Experience in a custom metal shop or similar fabrication environment.
• Comfort working with a variety of metals, including aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel.
• Strong communication skills for coordinating with material handlers and other shop personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to a collaborative, supportive shop culture.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a medium-sized custom metal shop that fosters a strong family-style culture and encourages open communication. The leadership team maintains an open-door policy and values employee feedback, creating an environment where team members feel heard and supported. This setting offers the opportunity to build close working relationships, contribute ideas for continuous improvement, and grow skills within a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

Work Environment

The role is based in a custom metal shop environment with active fabrication operations. The shop is medium-sized and maintains a strong family-oriented culture, where collaboration and open communication with leadership are encouraged. The facility is not heated, and both bay doors remain open during the winter, so employees must be comfortable working in cold weather conditions. Team members work around CNC laser equipment, metal materials such as aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel, and standard fabrication tools, following shop safety practices and appropriate industrial attire suitable for a metal fabrication setting.

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

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $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)

This is a fully onsite position in VANCOUVER,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 13, 2026.

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.

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.