Laser Operator

Job Title: Laser Operator

Job Description

The Laser Operator will fabricate and develop metal materials to meet work order requirements. You will be responsible for setting up, programming, and maintaining laser cutting equipment, ensuring safe and effective machine operation.

Responsibilities

• Operate Amada laser cutting machines to cut, shape, and etch various metals according to blueprints, work orders, and job specifications.
• Set up, calibrate, and load materials into the laser cutting machines, ensuring the machine settings are optimized for each job.
• Use Amada-specific software to input job specifications, adjust cutting parameters, and program laser paths.
• Manage material inventory, verify material types, and ensure correct material is loaded for each job. Safely handle and dispose of scrap metal.
• Follow all safety procedures and protocols while operating machines and handling materials. Report any safety hazards to the supervisor immediately.
• Work closely with other operators, fabricators, and production team members to meet daily production goals and deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records of machine settings, part counts, and material usage. Complete daily production reports and maintain accurate job logs.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of experience operating Amada laser cutting machines or similar CNC laser systems.
• Experience with Amada laser cutting software.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and schematics.
• Basic understanding of sheet metal fabrication processes.
• Knowledge of machine maintenance and preventative care.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large manufacturing plant environment with normal exposure to noise, dust, and hazards associated with working in a high traffic, heavy machinery setting. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday and may vary depending on the shift (5am/6am starts for 1st shift, 2:30pm-1am for 2nd shift). The job requires overtime and work hours may change at management's discretion with prior notice.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Dekalb, IL.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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 Dekalb,IL.

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

About Aerotek:

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.