Laser Machine Operator Lead

Job Summary:

This position is primarily responsible for operating and tending various Laser Cutting Machines and completing secondary production/post-cut tasks. Responsibilities include performing regularly scheduled maintenance, observing machine performance/operation and spot-checking output to ensure the highest level of quality and accuracy possible for completed product.

Job Components:

Major Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and direction to Laser Machine Operators to ensure production goals are met.

• Coordinate daily work assignments, machine coverage, and production priorities based on business needs.

• Serve as the first point of contact for production questions, machine issues, quality concerns, and workflow challenges.

• Train, coach, and cross-train team members on laser equipment, processes, safety requirements, and work instructions.

• Monitor team productivity, quality, attendance, and adherence to established procedures; communicate concerns to management.

• Ensure production schedules, quotas, and quality expectations are consistently met.

• Review work orders, technical drawings, and production requirements with team members before production begins.

• Perform first-level troubleshooting of laser equipment and coordinate maintenance support when necessary.

• Identify production bottlenecks, defects, and process issues and recommend corrective actions.

• Verify proper machine setup, material selection, cutting specifications, and completed product quality.

• Ensure accurate production documentation, material usage, scrap reporting, and work order completion.

• Lead and support 6S, safety, housekeeping, and continuous improvement initiatives within the Laser department.

• Assist with onboarding and hands-on training of new Laser Machine Operators.

• Provide feedback to management regarding employee performance, training needs, workflow, and staffing needs.

• Maintain production flow and provide hands-on machine support as needed to meet operational demands.

• Act as the department point of contact in the supervisor/manager’s absence. Follow/support 6S initiatives and comply with all safety standards; maintain clean work area.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Educational Requirements:

· High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• Associate degree in Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.

Previous Experience:

• Minimum of two years of Gerber laser cutting machine experience, preferably within the textile or manufacturing industry.

• Previous lead, training, or team leadership experience preferred.

• Experience training and cross-training employees on equipment and production processes.

• Experience reading technical drawings, work instructions, and tolerances.

• Experience with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and drafting preferred.

• Experience working with various raw materials and textiles.

• Experience troubleshooting equipment and production issues.

• Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office.

• Ability to stand for extended periods while operating laser equipment.

• Ability to safely move raw materials weighing up to 75 lbs.

Competencies and Skills:

• Strong leadership and team coordination skills.

• Ability to train, coach, and provide direction to team members.

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong planning, organization, and time-management skills.

• Ability to prioritize production needs and adjust quickly to changing demands.

• Ability to identify performance, quality, and workflow concerns and communicate them to management.

• Ability to work independently while providing day-to-day support and direction to the team..

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong planning, organization, and time-management skills.

• Ability to prioritize production needs and adjust quickly to changing demands.

• Ability to identify performance, quality, and workflow concerns and communicate them to management.

• Ability to work independently while providing day-to-day support and direction to the team