Contract Laser Cutter Operator Jobs in Reston, VA

The Company

Pro-Type Industries, a third-generation family-owned business established in 1969, provides high-quality CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, and finishing services from its headquarters in Sterling, VA. The company serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, military, manufacturing, electronics, technology, and marine. Pro-Type is deeply committed to employee training and development, boasting a highly skilled team with an average tenure of 17 years. The company's long-standing success is attributed to its dedicated workforce, considered its greatest resource for future growth.

Under new and forward-thinking ownership and management, for us, 50 years in the industry is only the beginning. If you are looking for a vibrant, professional growth opportunity with a company that is employee centric, then we hope you apply!

The Person

Pro-Type Industries is looking experienced Machinist CNC Laser Operator who is looking for an opportunity to be part of a growing company.

Our long-standing success is attributed to its dedicated workforce, considered its greatest resource for future growth. Our Machinist CNC Laser Operator is a pivotal player in the production of finished products for various customers and uses their skills and experience to apply accurate finishes to a variety of manufactured products for our customers.

What do we offer YOU?

A very competitive compensation package

including:

• Annual fully paid training for continuing education

  • Career Growth with a professional development plan

  • Employee recognition programs

  • Health, dental, vision, sick and vacation leave, on site gym, and more

• 401k with a generous employer match

• Collaborative team and entrepreneurial work environment

Our Ideal Candidate Is

• Passionate about excellence , sets high standards for themselves and commitment to delivering quality work
• Detailed focused to the point of extreme
• Dedicated to your craft and abilities
• Committed to tasks from start to finish
• Enjoys working independently and is self-motivated

Job Duties Include

• Set up and operate CNC laser cutting equipment to produce precision sheet metal components in accordance with production requirements.

• Review work orders, blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and CNC programs prior to beginning assigned jobs.

• Verify the correct material type, thickness, quantity, program, tooling, and machine settings for each job.

• Load and unload sheet metal and other materials safely and efficiently.

• Operate CNC laser equipment using established programs, setup instructions, and work procedures.

• Monitor machine operation and cutting performance throughout the production process.

• Make authorized machine adjustments to maintain part quality, cutting accuracy, and production efficiency.

• Produce components that meet customer drawings, dimensional tolerances, and quality requirements.

• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using appropriate measuring equipment.

• Use calipers, micrometers, scales, gauges, and other inspection tools to verify part dimensions and specifications.

• Identify and report issues involving programs, materials, tooling, equipment, drawings, or part quality.

• Remove completed parts from sheets and properly identify and organize parts for the next production operation.

• Perform basic deburring and part cleanup as required.

• Properly identify, handle, and maintain material and product traceability throughout the manufacturing process.

• Minimize material waste by following established nesting, material handling, and production procedures.

• Complete required production, quality, material, and job documentation accurately.

• Manage assigned work to remain aligned with the Sheet Metal and overall production schedule.

• Perform routine operator-level equipment inspections, cleaning, and basic preventive maintenance as required.

• Maintain the laser work area, equipment, tooling, and surrounding production area in a clean, organized, and safe condition.

• Follow all Pro-Type safety procedures, including requirements related to machine guarding, laser safety, material handling, and personal protective equipment.

• Follow applicable AS9100 quality procedures, customer requirements, and internal work instructions.

• Support Sheet Metal Department and other production activities as requested.

• Perform other duties in support of Pro-Type Industries as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Previous experience operating CNC laser cutting equipment in a metal fabrication or manufacturing environment preferred.

• Experience with precision sheet metal manufacturing is strongly preferred.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work orders, and manufacturing specifications.

• Basic understanding of CNC programs and the ability to follow established machine programs and setup instructions.

• Knowledge of sheet metal materials, thicknesses, and basic fabrication processes.

• Ability to identify and verify material prior to processing.

• Ability to use precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, scales, and gauges.

• Basic understanding of dimensional tolerances and quality inspection requirements.

• Ability to recognize cutting, machine, material, and part-quality problems and determine when assistance or escalation is required.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to learn CNC laser equipment and manufacturing processes.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality parts.

• Ability to follow established safety, quality, and production procedures.

• Ability to organize assigned work and meet production schedules.

• Ability to accurately complete production and quality documentation.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with Sheet Metal, Engineering, Quality, and other Production personnel.

• Dependable attendance and ability to work assigned schedules and overtime when required.

• Ability to stand for extended periods and regularly bend, reach, push, pull, and handle sheet metal and manufactured components.

• Ability to safely lift and/or move materials and parts consistent with the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

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• Experience operating industrial CNC fiber or CO₂ laser cutting equipment.

• Experience in an aerospace, defense, or AS9100-certified manufacturing environment.

• Experience with CNC nesting or laser programming software.

• Familiarity with sheet metal fabrication processes such as punching, bending, forming, deburring, and hardware installation.

• Experience performing first-piece and in-process dimensional inspections.