Laser Machine Operator

Department: Production / Manufacturing

Designation: Laser Machine Operator

Location: Manufacturing Plant

Reporting To: Production Supervisor / Production Manager

Experience: 1–5 Years

Employment Type: Full-Time

1. Job Purpose

To operate and monitor CNC/laser cutting machines safely and efficiently to produce high-quality sheet-metal components as per approved drawings, production plans, and quality standards.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Machine Operation

• Operate CNC Laser Cutting machines as per production requirements.
• Load and unload sheet-metal/raw materials safely.
• Set machine parameters such as cutting speed, power, gas pressure, and focus as required.
• Select and run approved CNC programs for different components.
• Monitor machine performance during production.
• Ensure correct material grade, thickness, and dimensions before starting production.
• Carry out first-piece inspection before continuing batch production.
• Maintain proper machine settings to minimize rejection and material wastage.

B. Production

• Achieve daily/shift production targets as assigned by the Production Supervisor.
• Follow production schedules and prioritize jobs based on production requirements.
• Ensure maximum machine utilization and minimize machine idle time.
• Follow nesting/program instructions to optimize material utilization.
• Report production delays, machine breakdowns, and material shortages immediately.

C. Quality Control

• Check dimensions and quality of laser-cut components using measuring instruments.
• Identify issues such as:

o Incorrect dimensions o Excessive burrs o Incomplete cutting o Burn marks o Distortion o Incorrect holes/slots o Wrong program or material

• Ensure components conform to approved drawings and specifications.
• Segregate rejected/non-conforming components and inform the Quality/Production team.

D. Machine Maintenance

• Perform routine machine cleaning and basic preventive maintenance.
• Check cutting nozzles, lenses, filters, gas lines, and other consumable parts.
• Maintain proper housekeeping around the machine.
• Report abnormal machine sounds, vibration, errors, or breakdowns immediately.
• Do not make unauthorized modifications or repairs to the machine.

E. Safety

• Strictly follow factory safety rules and machine operating procedures.
• Use required PPE such as safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, and other applicable protective equipment.
• Follow laser-machine safety procedures.
• Ensure machine guards and safety systems are functioning properly.
• Handle sheet-metal materials carefully to avoid injury.
• Maintain a clean and obstruction-free working area.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, accidents, and near-miss incidents.

F. Documentation

• Maintain production records and machine operating logs.
• Record production quantity, rejection quantity, downtime, and material usage as required.
• Complete shift handover reports accurately.
• Record machine breakdowns and maintenance issues.
• Ensure traceability of materials and finished components.

3. Required Skills

• Knowledge of CNC laser cutting machine operation.
• Basic knowledge of sheet-metal manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of basic measurement tools such as:

o Vernier caliper o Measuring tape o Micrometer, where applicable

• Basic understanding of CNC programs and machine parameters.
• Knowledge of different sheet-metal materials and thicknesses.
• Ability to identify basic cutting defects.
• Good numerical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in shifts.
• Good discipline and teamwork.

4. Educational Qualification

Minimum: ITI / Diploma in Mechanical, Production, Manufacturing, or related technical discipline.

ITI candidates with relevant laser/CNC machine operating experience may also be considered.

5. Experience

· Freshers: ITI candidates with relevant technical knowledge may be considered.

· Experienced: 1–5 years of experience operating CNC Laser Cutting machines in a sheet-metal/manufacturing environment.

• Experience with Fiber Laser / CNC Laser Cutting machines will be preferred.

6. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Daily production target achievement
• Machine utilization
• Production efficiency
• Rejection percentage
• Material utilization
• First-piece approval accuracy
• Machine downtime
• Cutting quality
• Adherence to production schedule
• Safety compliance
• 5S/housekeeping compliance

7. Preferred Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate should be:

• Technically competent in laser machine operation
• Quality-conscious
• Safety-conscious
• Able to work under production pressure
• Willing to work in shifts
• Disciplined and punctual
• Good at following work instructions
• Capable of working independently as well as with a team

8. Career Growth

Laser Machine Operator → Senior Laser Machine Operator → Laser Machine Setter → Production Supervisor → Production Engineer / Team Leader

Note: The employee is expected to comply with all company policies, safety procedures, quality standards, attendance requirements, and instructions issued by authorized supervisors.