CO₂ Laser Cutting Machine Operator

Job Purpose

To operate and monitor CO₂ laser cutting machines safely and efficiently to produce components as per approved drawings, specifications, and production schedules. The operator is responsible for machine setup, material loading, cutting parameter selection, quality inspection, basic troubleshooting, and maintaining a safe and clean working environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate CO₂ laser cutting machines for cutting sheet metal and other approved materials.
• Read and understand engineering drawings, cutting layouts, and job specifications.
• Load and unload raw materials and finished components safely.
• Set appropriate cutting parameters such as laser power, cutting speed, gas pressure, frequency, and focus according to material type and thickness.
• Verify material grade, thickness, dimensions, and job requirements before starting production.
• Load and execute approved CNC programs / cutting files.
• Perform trial cuts and make necessary parameter adjustments to achieve the required quality.
• Monitor the machine during operation for proper cutting, abnormal sounds, alarms, sparks, or other irregularities.
• Inspect finished parts for dimensions, edge quality, burrs, burn marks, distortion, and other defects.
• Use measuring instruments such as vernier calipers, micrometers, measuring tapes, and gauges as required.
• Maintain production records, inspection records, and machine-related documentation.
• Carry out routine cleaning and basic preventive maintenance of the machine.
• Check consumables and machine components such as lenses, nozzles, mirrors, filters, and assist-gas connections as applicable.
• Report machine breakdowns, abnormal conditions, tool/consumable wear, and quality problems to the supervisor or maintenance team.
• Follow approved operating procedures, work instructions, quality standards, and production schedules.
• Ensure proper segregation and identification of raw materials, work-in-process, rejected parts, and finished components.
• Maintain housekeeping around the machine and work area.
• Follow all safety procedures related to laser equipment, compressed gases, electrical systems, moving machinery, and fire prevention.
• Coordinate with the programming, production, quality, and maintenance teams when required.

Required Skills

• Basic knowledge of CO₂ laser cutting machine operation.
• Ability to understand engineering drawings and dimensions.
• Knowledge of sheet-metal cutting processes and material handling.
• Basic understanding of CNC programs and machine operating interfaces.
• Ability to set and adjust cutting parameters.
• Knowledge of measuring instruments and basic dimensional inspection.
• Ability to identify common cutting defects and take corrective action.
• Basic machine troubleshooting and preventive-maintenance awareness.
• Good attention to detail and quality consciousness.
• Ability to follow production schedules and work instructions.
• Good housekeeping and safety awareness.

Personal Attributes

• Responsible and disciplined approach to machine operation.
• Good attention to detail.
• Willingness to work in shifts when required.
• Ability to work as part of a production team.
• Good communication and problem-solving skills.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and product quality.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Production output against planned quantity.
• Cutting accuracy and product quality.
• Material utilization / scrap percentage.
• Machine utilization and downtime.
• Rejection and rework percentage.
• Adherence to production schedules.
• Compliance with safety procedures.
• Proper machine operation and housekeeping.

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing / production-floor environment.
• May require shift work, including overtime when necessary.
• Regular exposure to machinery, sheet-metal materials, noise, heat, and industrial working conditions.
• Appropriate PPE must be worn at all times as specified by company safety procedures.

Pay: ₹7,500.00 - ₹15,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person