Laser Operator Jobs
Laser Operator jobs are open across manufacturing, aerospace, medical device fabrication, and automotive production, with specializations in laser cutting, laser engraving, and laser welding, at every level from entry-level technician to senior operator and CNC programmer. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 69+ Laser Operator jobs
American Metal Fabrications has an opening for an experienced CNC metal cutting laser operator or someone with a CNC background we're able to train to operate our CNC laser machines. We are a custom sheet metal fabrication shop located on the south side of Richmond, VA. We fabricate a wide variety of sheet metal products for many industrial companies and applications. We have one Mitsubishi CO2 laser and one Amada fiber laser that produce key parts daily for the products we fabricate. We prefer applicants to have experience specifically in running and operating industrial CNC laser cutting machines, and or experience with CNC machines. We are looking for someone that is self motivated and enjoys operating these high tech machines in a fast pace environment. The ability to operate a forklift is also required to load and unload the machine, knowledge of metal types, basic math, general blueprint reading, and measuring are all required . Please apply through this add, though our website, or at our facility.
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Forklift operation
Experience:
- CNC laser cutting: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
American Metal Fabrications has an opening for an experienced CNC metal cutting laser operator or someone with a CNC background we're able to train to operate our CNC laser machines. We are a custom sheet metal fabrication shop located on the south side of Richmond, VA. We fabricate a wide variety of sheet metal products for many industrial companies and applications. We have one Mitsubishi CO2 laser and one Amada fiber laser that produce key parts daily for the products we fabricate. We prefer applicants to have experience specifically in running and operating industrial CNC laser cutting machines, and or experience with CNC machines. We are looking for someone that is self motivated and enjoys operating these high tech machines in a fast pace environment. The ability to operate a forklift is also required to load and unload the machine, knowledge of metal types, basic math, general blueprint reading, and measuring are all required . Please apply through this add, though our website, or at our facility.
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Forklift operation
Experience:
- CNC laser cutting: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
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Find Laser Operator JobsLaser Operator Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in laser operator jobs.
- 1-3 years of experience operating CNC laser cutting or engraving equipment
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and CAD files
- Proficiency with fiber or CO2 laser platforms such as Trumpf, Mazak, or Bystronic
- High school diploma or GED with vocational or technical training preferred
- Experience setting up, programming, and troubleshooting laser machines with minimal supervision
- Familiarity with precision measurement tools including calipers and micrometers
Tips for Your Laser Operator Job Search
List every laser system you've run
Hiring managers scan for specific equipment names, so list every platform you've operated, whether fiber, CO2, Nd:YAG, or diode. Include wattage ranges and material types you've cut, engraved, or welded. Generic terms like 'industrial laser' won't get you past an applicant tracking system.
Highlight your tolerance and inspection experience
Many postings require you to verify finished parts meet tight tolerances. Call out your familiarity with calipers, micrometers, or optical comparators on your resume. Operators who can self-inspect are far more attractive to shops that run lean quality control teams.
Tailor applications to the material being cut
A shop cutting stainless steel sheet metal wants different depth on your resume than a medical device manufacturer cutting titanium or acrylic. Read each posting carefully and move your most relevant material experience to the top of your skills section before you apply.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists laser operator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match your equipment background and apply directly to each listing without jumping between sites.
Prepare for a hands-on skills demonstration
Many employers ask finalists to run a test part or program a simple cut path before extending an offer. Walk into the shop interview knowing how you'd approach a nest layout, verify beam alignment, and troubleshoot a rough edge, so you can talk through your process confidently if asked.
Negotiate shift differentials and overtime structure
Laser operator roles frequently run second or third shifts, and base pay alone doesn't tell the full story. Before accepting an offer, ask how shift differentials are calculated, what a typical overtime week looks like, and whether overtime is mandatory or voluntary.
Laser Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most laser operators?
The most active employers for laser operators right now are AWG, SendcutSend, and Ace Sanitary, and the most openings are in Texas, Michigan, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Aerospace, precision fabrication, and medical device manufacturers account for a large share of active postings.
How many laser operator jobs are remote?
About 5% of laser operator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most production roles. The sub-areas with the greatest remote possibility are laser application engineering, programming and nesting work done off the shop floor, and technical support or training roles that don't require direct machine operation.
How do you become a laser operator?
Start by completing a high school diploma or GED, then pursue a certificate or associate degree in machine tool technology, CNC operations, or precision manufacturing at a community college or vocational school. Seek entry-level positions as a machine operator or fabrication assistant to build hands-on time with laser equipment. Employers often provide on-the-job training on their specific laser platforms once you demonstrate mechanical aptitude and the ability to read technical drawings.
How do you get hired as a laser operator with little experience?
Employers frequently hire candidates with general CNC or machine tool experience and train them on laser-specific equipment, so highlight any time you've run automated cutting or engraving machinery even if it wasn't a laser. Completing a short laser safety or operation course through a trade school adds a credential that signals seriousness. Applying to contract or temp-to-hire roles in metal fabrication shops is a practical way to build documented laser hours quickly.
What does the laser operator interview process look like?
Most employers start with a brief phone screen focused on the specific laser platforms you've run and your experience with programming or setup. An in-person interview typically follows, often including a shop tour where you may be asked to identify equipment or describe how you'd handle a common issue like beam drift or inconsistent edge quality. For production roles, a practical skills test or a trial shift is common before a final offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to laser operator jobs?
You can find and apply to laser operator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search for roles that match your equipment background and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits. The process is straightforward and puts you in front of employers actively hiring for these positions right now.
See All 69 Laser Operator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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