Laser Operator
FlexTrades is hiring experienced Laser Operators for nationwide contract work with great pay, guaranteed overtime, and full benefits. If you have experience with Trumpf Fiber or CO2 lasers and are ready to travel for long-term assignments, we want to hear from you.
Job Location
Travel-based role with potential job sites in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
Job Summary
As a Laser Operator with FlexTrades, you’ll be responsible for setting up and operating Trumpf Fiber Lasers (or similar CO2 machines) to cut sheet metal for a variety of production projects. You’ll run single-machine setups, handle material loading, and perform quality inspections to ensure precision and consistency.
Key Responsibilities
- Set up and operate Trumpf Fiber Lasers (CO2 experience also accepted)
- Perform tape shots and center the laser beam as needed
- Execute general machine housekeeping, including slat cleaning
- Operate a sit-down forklift to load sheets into the auto feeder (training provided)
- Manually load partial-run sheets when required (no vacuum assist)
- Follow production lists to determine part orders, material types, and nesting requirements
- Cut sheet metal only — no tube or wire cutting involved
- Break parts from skeletons between runs, using a hand grinder when necessary
- Handle parts of various sizes and geometries (1”x1” to 4’x8’)
- Perform quality checks using calipers, micrometers, and tape measures
- Troubleshoot laser performance and escalate issues when needed
Materials and Equipment
- Primary metals: Mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum
- Material thickness: .060” to ½”
- Sheet sizes: 5’x10’ auto-fed and 2’x4’ manually loaded (smaller for thicker sheets)
- Equipment includes auto feeders and sit-down forklifts (no tube or wire cutting)
Candidate Requirements
- Experience operating Trumpf Fiber Lasers highly preferred
- Must be comfortable working independently with minimal supervision
- Must be able to work 2nd or 3rd shifts, 50+ hours per week
- Able to pass a drug test
- Open to long-term travel (assignments range from 3 months to 1 year)
- Flexible and capable of adapting to changing priorities and hot runs
Compensation & Benefits
- $30/hour + guaranteed weekly overtime (paid at time and a half)
- Full suite of benefits available
- Paid travel to and from job sites
- Paid lodging (single-occupancy hotel)
- Daily per diem of $45
- Flexibility to take time off between assignments
About FlexTrades
FlexTrades is a premier provider of skilled labor solutions for manufacturers across the United States. We employ highly skilled tradespeople and match them with projects that need their expertise. From coast to coast, we help American companies meet critical deadlines and production goals by providing a flexible, dependable workforce.
FlexTrades is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. We are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
