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Cnc Laser Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Machinist

Santa Ana, CA

$98K - $130K/yr

Programming/set-up/operation of CNC multi-axis milling, laser-cutting, and forming machines ... REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS * 3+ years experience as a machine setup/operator. * Experience with CAD ...

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Cnc Laser Operator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$22

$29

How much do cnc laser operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for cnc laser operator in Riverside, CA is $22.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $24.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are CNC Laser Operators?

CNC Laser Operators are skilled professionals who operate Computer Numerical Control (CNC) laser cutting machines to cut, engrave, or shape materials such as metal, plastic, or wood according to precise specifications. They are responsible for setting up the machines, loading materials, programming the equipment, monitoring operations, and ensuring quality control. CNC Laser Operators also perform routine maintenance on the machines and may troubleshoot issues to ensure smooth production. This role requires technical expertise, attention to detail, and knowledge of safety protocols in a manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges CNC Laser Operators face when working with different materials?

CNC Laser Operators often encounter challenges related to material thickness, reflectivity, and heat sensitivity. For example, cutting thicker or highly reflective metals like aluminum and copper can require adjustments in laser settings or multiple passes to achieve clean cuts. Additionally, operators must regularly monitor for warping or burning when processing heat-sensitive materials such as plastics. Developing a strong understanding of how different materials respond to laser cutting, and collaborating closely with engineers or programmers, helps overcome these challenges and ensures high-quality output.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CNC Laser Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CNC Laser Operator, you need a strong understanding of machining processes, blueprint reading, and basic math, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with CNC laser cutting machines, CAD/CAM software, and precision measuring instruments is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators maintain quality and collaborate with team members. These skills ensure safe, accurate, and efficient operation of laser equipment, directly impacting production quality and workplace safety.

What Does a CNC Laser Operator Do?

Computer numerical control (CNC) laser operators run computerized cutting and engraving machines to slice and carve materials, such as metal parts, plastic, and wood. In this role, you set up the machine lens and adjust the instrument between each project to meet specifications while adhering to proper safety procedures before, during, and after you operate machinery. You may also be responsible for repairing and maintaining the CNC laser machinery, as well as taking inventory of CNC machine-related products. You find CNC laser operators most commonly in manufacturing plants; these positions can be either part-time or full-time, and usually operate during regular business hours.

What are popular job titles related to Cnc Laser Operator jobs in Riverside, CA? For Cnc Laser Operator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cnc Laser Operator jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Cnc Laser Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Cnc Laser Operator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Cnc Laser Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Cnc Laser Operator job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,260 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
Machinist

$98K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Anduril is fielding the next generation of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) to tackle the extremely challenging industry demands of seabed exploration. Founded in 2018 by a group of experts in the AUV industry, Anduril has brought to the market a unique, ultra-long-range, full-ocean-depth platform and a completely refreshed maritime vehicle and flexible manufacturing architecture that scales from "large" to "extra-large" vehicle sizes. Today, Anduril is executing on multi-million-dollar contracts for the US Navy and DARPA while simultaneously performing Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) commercial surveys. Anduril is a well-funded, venture-backed team with over 100-years of combined AUV experience from organizations such as Liquid Robotics, Teledyne, Bluefin Robotics, Oceaneering, the US Navy, and more.
As our team continues to quickly grow, we are looking for motivated candidates that are inspired to work within an extremely energetic, creative, and innovative team that is passionate about subsea robotics and exploring the open ocean. We work in a highly dynamic environment where collaboration and idea sharing are a way of life.
We are seeking an Machinist/Fabricator to join Anduril, working in a cutting-edge production environment to advance the state-of-the-possible in subsea robotics. You will play a key role in delivering our AUVs to our customers by working hands-on with our engineering team on a multi-disciplinary workflow to deliver world class AUVs. This role will include fabricating high-quality parts from a cutting edge machine shop as well as building assemblies to support the production floor, as needed and building tooling/fixtures to support development and prototyping efforts.
ADD IF Q2Q ROLE: Please note: This role will be based in our Quincy, MA location until Q4 of 2025. Following this period, the successful candidate will be expected to work out of our new Quonset, RI facility. Based on eligibility, relocation assistance may be available.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Reading and interpreting technical drawings and CAD models.
  • Programming/set-up/operation of CNC multi-axis milling, laser-cutting, and forming machines.
  • Design/spec out and implement various work holding and fixture methods.
  • Ability to troubleshoot issues and make adjustments during the manufacturing process.
  • Perform quality control both during and at completion of the manufacturing process.
  • Help lead the organization, machine maintenance and cleanliness of the work area.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 3+ years experience as a machine setup/operator.
  • Experience with CAD software like Solidworks or Siemens NX (Unigraphics)
  • Experience with 3 axis milling machines and lathes.
  • Experience with Trak controls.
  • Experience assembling electro-mechanical assemblies
  • High level of familiarity with various alloys, metals, plastics, etc.
  • High level of tooling and fixture experience.
  • Proficient in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Can own the completion of an assigned manufacturing project from start to finish
  • Ability to flex between R&D fabrication and production tasks
  • Able and willing to jump in on production assembly integration tasks as needed
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with IPG and Amada controls
  • Sheet metal fabrication experience (cutting, forming, welding)
  • 3D printing experience (FDM/SLA)
  • CMM/measurement arm experience (Hexagon, Faro)
  • Experience using CAM software
  • Experience with made-to-spec electro-mechanical assemblies

US Salary Range
$98,000-$130,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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