Laser Programmer Operator Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

LASER PROGRAMMER

Our client is a growing manufacturer of food-processing equipment based in Gainesville, Georgia, and part of a global industry leader. They design and build the machinery that leading food producers rely on every day. Driven by record demand, they are expanding their fabrication team and looking for a skilled Laser Programmer to turn engineering designs into efficient, production-ready cutting programs in a clean, modern shop.

The Laser Programmer creates, optimizes, and maintains the CNC laser cutting programs that drive our fabrication shop. Working from engineering drawings and CAD models, you will develop efficient nests, generate accurate cut programs, and set the standard for material utilization, part quality, and machine throughput. This role bridges engineering and the shop floor — translating designs into production-ready programs and supporting laser operators so parts flow accurately and on time.

• Program CNC laser cutting machines using CAM/nesting software (e.g., SigmaNEST, Radan, Lantek, AP100, or OEM controls).

• Import and interpret CAD files, engineering drawings, and models to create accurate, production-ready cut programs.

• Develop and optimize nests to maximize material yield, minimize scrap, and balance run time.

• Select appropriate cut parameters, lead-ins/lead-outs, tabbing, and common-line cutting based on material type and thickness (steel, stainless steel, aluminum).

• Maintain and organize program libraries, part revisions, and material/tooling databases.

• Partner with engineering to resolve drawing questions, flag design-for-manufacturability issues, and support new-part introduction.

• Support and troubleshoot laser operators on setup, program edits, and first-article runs.

• Track material usage and remnants, and drive continuous improvement in yield and throughput.

• Verify part quality and dimensional accuracy against prints; validate programs with first-article checks.

• Document programming standards and follow all safety and 5S housekeeping practices.

• High school diploma or GED; technical CAD/CAM training or an associate degree is a plus.

• 2–5 years of CNC laser programming experience in a metal fabrication or sheet-metal environment.

• Proficiency with CAM/nesting software (SigmaNEST, Radan, Lantek, AP100, or equivalent).

• Strong blueprint reading with the ability to interpret CAD models and GD&T.

• Solid understanding of laser cutting of steel, stainless steel, and aluminum — parameters, material behavior, and thickness considerations.

• Precision measurement and quality-control fundamentals (calipers, micrometers, gauges).

• Detail-oriented and organized, able to work independently and collaborate with engineering and operations.

• Authorized to work in the United States, and able to reliably commute to our Gainesville, GA facility (on-site role; no relocation assistance).

• Hands-on CNC laser operating and setup experience (able to run what you program).

• CAD experience (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar) for minor part edits and clean-up.

• Experience programming across major laser platforms such as Amada, Trumpf, Bystronic, LVD, Salvagnini, or Mitsubishi.

• Stainless-steel or food-equipment sheet-metal fabrication background.

• Cross-training on press brake, turret punch, or CNC machining.

• Experience with ERP-integrated manufacturing and lean/continuous-improvement practices.

• Combination of a programming workstation and the manufacturing shop floor.

• Standing, walking, and occasional lifting up to 50 lbs when supporting the floor.

• Personal protective equipment required in production areas, including eye and hearing protection.

• Full-time, day shift, with overtime available due to strong ongoing demand.

• Competitive pay commensurate with experience, plus overtime opportunities.

• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage; health savings account (HSA); 401(k) with company match; company-paid life and short-/long-term disability; and paid time off.

• Tuition reimbursement to help you keep growing your skills.

• Stability and growth: a permanent, direct-hire role at an established and expanding food-equipment manufacturer, in a clean and modern local shop — no relocation required.