Laser Operator

Job Title: Fiber Optic Machine Operator Technician

Job Description

The Laser Operator Technician sets up, operates, monitors, and maintains fiber optic manufacturing equipment to produce high-quality products in a fast-paced industrial environment. This role focuses on meeting production goals while maintaining strict quality and safety standards, minimizing downtime and waste, and supporting continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate fiber optic production machinery in accordance with production specifications and standard operating procedures.
• Monitor machine performance continuously and adjust settings to maintain product quality, throughput, and overall efficiency.
• Inspect fiber optic products throughout the manufacturing process to ensure they meet established quality standards and specifications.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues promptly and perform minor repairs or adjustments to reduce downtime and maintain smooth operations.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on fiber optic manufacturing equipment and keep machines clean and in proper working condition.
• Accurately record production data, machine settings, quality inspection results, and downtime in the designated reporting systems.
• Follow all company safety policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality control requirements at all times.
• Collaborate with supervisors, maintenance personnel, and quality teams to identify, communicate, and resolve production issues.
• Change tooling, materials, and machine settings to support different production runs and product configurations.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area by following 5S principles and housekeeping standards.
• Consistently meet daily production goals while maintaining high product quality and minimizing scrap and rework.

Essential Skills

• Ability to set up and operate manufacturing or automated production equipment, preferably in an industrial environment.
• Mechanical aptitude with strong troubleshooting skills to identify and correct basic equipment issues.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, production schedules, blueprints, and technical documentation.
• Basic computer skills for production reporting, data entry, and recording machine settings and inspection data.
• Strong attention to detail and a clear commitment to quality and accuracy in all production activities.
• Understanding of safety practices and willingness to follow all safety policies and standard operating procedures.
• Experience with laser operation, CNC laser systems, and laser cutting equipment is highly relevant to the role.
• Ability to perform machine setups, including changing tooling, materials, and adjusting machine parameters.
• Comfort working with sheet metal, structural materials, and in a heavy industrial manufacturing setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience operating manufacturing or automated production equipment is preferred.
• Experience with fiber optic manufacturing equipment is a plus but not required; technical training will be provided.
• Experience as a machinist or laser operator, particularly with CNC laser cutters, is beneficial.
• Familiarity with reading blueprints and technical drawings in a production environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, heavy fabrication environment and adapt to changing production needs.
• Willingness to participate in specialized technical training to expand skills and support career growth.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from highly competitive industrial wages, comprehensive corporate benefits, and access to specialized technical training that supports long-term skill development and career growth. The organization values safety, continuous learning, and professional development, offering an environment where technical expertise is recognized and supported while balancing the demands of heavy fabrication work.

Work Environment

This role operates on a 1st shift schedule in a fast-paced, safety-focused heavy industrial manufacturing setting centered around large-scale structural steel fabrication and fiber optic production. The environment includes large machinery and fabrication equipment, with conditions that can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Team members work around laser cutters, CNC laser systems, and other automated production equipment, following strict safety protocols and 5S housekeeping standards to maintain an organized and efficient workspace. Appropriate industrial workwear is expected to ensure safety and comfort in a heavy fabrication environment.

This is a Contract position based out of Asheville, NC.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Asheville,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 1, 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.