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Laser Machine Operator Jobs in Fort Wayne, IN (NOW HIRING)

Responsible for the operation of trucks and heavy machinery to maintain or construct roads ... slope grade lasers, sondes for tile tracing, operating underground cameras, slope levels, and ...

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Laser Machine Operator information

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$13

$18

$21

How much do laser machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for laser machine operator in Fort Wayne, IN is $18.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do laser machine operators make in the US?

Laser machine operators in the US typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in CAD software or advanced machinery may earn higher wages and have better job prospects.

What does a laser machine operator do?

A laser machine operator assists with the setup, maintenance, and operation of a CNC machine. Your responsibilities in this career have you selecting lenses, loading programs, and calculating machine specs and parameters based on the thickness and type of material use. You then cut the material and prepare products for shipment. You maintain and repair equipment, fill the bulk tank system, reorder supplies, and keep the area organized and clean. Your duties have you set up and operate the equipment and assist other machine operators. As a laser machine operator, you work in a fast-paced environment, so you must be able to follow complicated instruction closely.

What is a laser machine operator?

Laser Machine Operators are skilled technicians who set up, operate, and maintain laser cutting or engraving machines used in manufacturing and fabrication. Their responsibilities include interpreting blueprints, adjusting machine settings, ensuring product quality, and performing routine maintenance. They work with various materials such as metal, plastic, and wood to produce precise components or designs according to specifications. Safety and attention to detail are crucial in this role to prevent accidents and ensure accurate output.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laser machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Laser Machine Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or technical training in manufacturing or machining. Familiarity with CNC laser cutting machines, CAD software, and safety protocols is essential, and certifications in machine operation or manufacturing technology are often preferred. Problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help operators adapt to production demands and maintain quality standards. These skills and qualities ensure precise, efficient, and safe operation of laser machinery, which is critical for meeting production goals and maintaining workplace safety.

What is the difference between Laser Machine Operator vs CNC Machine Operator?

AspectLaser Machine OperatorCNC Machine Operator
Required CertificationsLaser safety training, technical certificationsMachining certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, fabrication shops, industrial settingsManufacturing, metalworking, automotive industries
Employer & Industry UsageLaser cutting, engraving, precision fabricationAutomotive parts, aerospace, general machining

Both roles involve operating computer-controlled equipment in manufacturing environments. Laser Machine Operators focus on laser cutting and engraving, requiring laser safety certifications. CNC Machine Operators handle various machining tasks on CNC mills or lathes, often needing machining certifications. While their work environments overlap, their specific skills and equipment differ, making each role specialized within manufacturing industries.

Is being a laser machine operator hard?

Laser machine operators need to have good attention to detail, technical skills, and the ability to follow safety protocols. The job involves operating complex equipment, making precise adjustments, and sometimes working in a fast-paced environment. While it can be challenging initially, proper training and experience help develop proficiency.

What are some common challenges laser machine operators face, and how can they be addressed?

Laser Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise tolerances, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring material quality. To address these, operators should stay up-to-date with machine maintenance schedules, follow safety protocols, and communicate regularly with quality control and engineering teams. Continuous training on new technologies and close attention to detail can help minimize errors and downtime, leading to more efficient production.
What are popular job titles related to Laser Machine Operator jobs in Fort Wayne, IN? For Laser Machine Operator jobs in Fort Wayne, IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Laser Machine Operator jobs in Fort Wayne, IN look for? The top searched job categories for Laser Machine Operator jobs in Fort Wayne, IN are:
Infographic showing various Laser Machine Operator job openings in Fort Wayne, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,743 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Building Manager / Supervisor-Weld Shop (Fort Wayne, IN)

Ottenweller Company, Inc.

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Summary
Coordinates manufacturing operations to fabricate and deliver parts in a safe manner that meets or exceeds customer goals and expectations. Evaluates information such as job routers, product specifications, parts, and material inventory lists, and machine and worker production rates to establish efficient allocation and scheduling of parts, materials, machines, and sequences of operations. Interviews, hires, and trains employees in area of supervision. Reports directly to Plant Manager.
Preferred weld experience for this position.
DUTIES
Supervises and coordinates activities of production employees directly or through Team-leaders. Ensures that Team boards are updated daily with effective and clear measures of communication.
Performs discipline of staff as necessary by fully understanding and properly implementing company handbook policies re: attendance and categories of conduct.
Performs coaching of staff by ensuring that there is a development plan for every person, that training checklists are applied to employee MYOCI accounts, and that training is tracked and verified in a timely manner.
Evaluates performance of direct reports in timely 90 -Day and annual reviews. Establishes and tracks measurable goals for staff.
Creates and tracks development and cross-training plans for direct reports.
Coordinates production activities with Sales: by monitoring and informing Sales team of reduced schedules due to scrap.
Coordinates production activities with Engineering: by pursuing inquiries related to the process to correctly produce parts and tracking continuous improvement ideas of staff.
Coordinates production activities with Quality: by issuing hold-tags, clarifying prints and inspection forms as needed.
Leads and participates in a 5S project/s annually (5S = Sort, Set In order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain).
Reviews and communicates capacity of work centers to team members thru Team Boards to ensure there is a plan to meet customer requirements. Understands hour demand for each resource and how to staff areas accordingly.
Coordinates production activities to improve on-time delivery of product by utilizing Andon lights to visually determine and demonstrate jobs staged, keeping operators informed on the priority of work and the number of jobs/hours to complete each shift.
Promotes the use of continuous improvement activities to improve Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Profitability metrics. Coaches team members on creation of ideas and helps timely completion of them.
Utilizes Vantage software to investigate and solve issues with material and/or staging shortages at work centers.
Coordinates production activities with Purchasing: by tracking shortages, past due POs, and facilitating employee requests/MROs
Coordinates production activities with Maintenance: by reviewing stats of down machines, following up on open maintenance requests, and gathering updates on preventative maintenance.
Revises production schedules and priorities as a result of equipment failures or operating problems. Ensures that top 25% of parts have redundant machines and processes to be reviewed during the monthly production meetings.
Directs production personnel in the resolution of issues or problems affecting operations. Examples include, but are not necessarily limited to: Safety, Routers, Scrap, Quality, Maintenance, Training, Vacation, Sick Time, and Attendance.
Leads and participates in Lean Projects to eliminate the 8 wastes of manufacturing using time studies to evaluate direct and indirect activities.
(Building Managers at OCI receive salary and overtime compensation.)
Qualifications:
Qualifications: High school diploma and six to nine years metal fabrication experience and/or training or an equivalent combination of education or experience are required. Working knowledge of punching, laser cutting, plasma-cutting, burning, forming, welding, machining, and painting. Bachelor's or Associate degree preferred. Computer literacy is required, may receive instruction on-the-job. Lean Manufacturing experience preferred.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to walk, climb and/or bend. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
This is a management position This is a full time position