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AM
Alliance Machine & Fabrication
Laser Programmer / Lead Laser Operator
Career Insights for Textile Machine Operator
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Based on North Carolina data
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What they do
A Textile Machine Operator may set up, operate, or tend machines that wind or twist textiles; or draw out and combine sliver, such as wool, hemp, or synthetic fibers. Includes slubber machine and drawing frame operators. They may set up, operate, or tend machines that cut textiles; knit, loop, weave, or draw in textiles.
$39,209 / year median in North Carolina
-6% projected decline
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Laser Programmer / Lead Laser Operator with a strong background in sheet metal fabrication. This is a hands-on position responsible for programming, nesting, setting up, and operating our Fiber and CO₂ laser cutting machines. The ideal candidate will be able to efficiently program and nest parts, maximize material utilization, keep the lasers running productively throughout the shift, and work with a helper to load/unload material and support production. Key Responsibilities Program and nest sheet metal parts for laser cutting Create efficient nests to maximize material utilization and minimize scrap Set up and operate Fiber and CO₂ laser cutting machines Run production jobs on the lasers and monitor machines throughout the cutting process Keep laser machines productive and minimize unnecessary downtime Direct and work alongside a laser helper responsible for assisting with material handling, loading/unloading, part removal, and general laser-area support Review drawings, CAD files, and job specifications prior to programming and production Select appropriate cutting parameters based on material type and thickness Optimize programs for cut quality, machine efficiency, production speed, and material utilization Perform machine setups, changeovers, and adjustments as required Troubleshoot programming, nesting, machine, and cutting issues Make adjustments as needed to maintain part quality and dimensional accuracy Inspect completed parts and verify they meet drawing and job requirements Work closely with production, engineering, scheduling, and quality personnel Maintain organized programs and job files Assist with receiving incoming material as needed, verifying material type, thickness, quantity, and condition against purchase orders and job requirements Ensure proper material identification and traceability throughout the production process Maintain accurate inspection reports, material records, and production documentation Complete and maintain required quality and inspection documentation Keep programming, setup, material, machine, and job records organized, accurate, and up to date Communicate material discrepancies, machine issues, quality concerns, or documentation issues to the appropriate team members Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laser work area Required Qualifications Previous experience programming and operating Mitsubishi CNC laser cutting equipment Strong experience with sheet metal nesting and material optimization Ability to independently set up and run Fiber and CO₂ lasers Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, dimensions, and tolerances Understanding of sheet metal materials, thicknesses, tolerances, and laser cutting processes Ability to troubleshoot laser cutting, machine, programming, and production issues Strong attention to detail Ability to manage multiple jobs and keep machines running efficiently Ability to work independently while also directing and working with a helper Ability to work in a fast-paced sheet metal fabrication / job-shop environment Preferred Experience MetaCAM / Metamation software experience preferred Diamond software experience preferred Previous experience in a sheet metal fabrication or job-shop environment Experience programming and operating multiple laser machines Strong Mitsubishi laser experience