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KE
Kelley Engineering, LLC
Laser Operator
Entry-Level JobVerifiedNo experience needed
Career Insights for Etcher / Engraver
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Scorecard
Based on South Carolina data
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What they do
An Etcher or Engraver imprints illustrations or text on metal. Uses specialized engraving machinery or a manual process where acid creates imprints on a metal plate.
$43,583 / year median in South Carolina
+5% projected growth
Job Description
LASER OPERATOR
Job Type:
Full-time Starting Pay:
$17- 24 per hour
- All pay and promotion decisions are skills and performance-based
A SHIFT :
Monday through Thursday, 6:00 am- 4:30 pm Expected hours: No less than 40 hours per week
B SHIFT :
Tuesday through Thursday, 5:00 pm- 5:00 am (10% Shift differential) Expected hours: No less than 36 hours per week
- Punctuality and attendance are key
- The Laser Operator is responsible for preparing, programming, and operating laser cutting equipment to produce precision sheet metal components in accordance with engineering drawings and quality standards.
Responsibilities:
- Review work orders and drawings to determine job requirements including material type, thickness, grade, and finish.
- Load and set up materials per job specifications, ensuring correct sheet size, grain direction, and surface finish.
- Verifying all material matches job requirements and are free of defects such as dents, scratches, rust, or debris.
- Utilize DXF or solid models for programming; create or modify files as needed when not provided.
- Collaborate with the Production Manager and/or Engineering when programming assistance or clarification is required.
- Perform accurate nesting of parts to optimize material utilization and minimize waste.
- Load and unload materials safely, ensuring no damage to the machine or sheet metal.
- Monitor cutting operations to ensure quality, consistency, and adherence to specifications.
- Inspect parts for burs, accuracy, and ease of removal from the sheet, stack and label parts neatly on pallets for downstream processing.
- Maintain detailed identification of stock materials, including material type and size.
- Enter leftover or unused stock into the ERP system following company work instructions.
- Uphold Kelley Engineering quality standards in all aspects of production.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent. Technical or vocational training in manufacturing a plus.
- Previous experience in operating laser cutting equipment preferred.
- Ability to read and interpret drawings and work orders.
- Basic understanding of material types, grades, and finishes.
- Proficient with computer-based manufacturing software and file formats (e.g., DXF).
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to lift and move materials up to 50 lbs safely.
Physical Requirements and Typical Working Conditions:
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of materials up to 50 pounds
- Frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive motion
- Exposure to a manufacturing environment including noise, dust, sparks, moving equipment, and varying temperatures
- Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe footwear Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.
Pay:
$18.00- $28.