Punch Laser Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Laser Operator

Job Description

The Laser Operator sets up and operates Mazak laser machines and Accupress and Absolute press brakes to fabricate sheet metal parts. This role involves loading materials, cutting and forming components, deburring finished parts, and supporting smooth production flow in a busy fabrication environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate Mazak laser machines to cut sheet metal parts according to production specifications.
• Operate Accupress and Absolute press brakes to form and bend sheet metal components accurately.
• Load sheet metal onto machines safely and efficiently, ensuring correct material selection and placement.
• Cut side panels and laser out parts following job orders, drawings, and programmed layouts.
• Monitor pending materials for the machines and ensure continuous material availability to minimize downtime.
• Perform deburring of cut and formed parts to remove sharp edges and ensure quality finishes.
• Identify and handle different metal materials appropriately for laser, press brake, plasma table, or water jet operations.
• Assist with basic fabrication tasks as needed to support overall production output.
• Follow established safety procedures and use proper protective equipment while operating machinery.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area around laser machines, press brakes, and related equipment.
• Report equipment issues or production concerns promptly to support timely maintenance and consistent quality.

Essential Skills

• 2–5 years of experience operating at least one of the following types of equipment: press brake, metal shop laser, plasma table, or water jet.
• Hands-on experience with press brake operation, including setting up and running forming programs.
• Experience working with laser equipment in a metal shop environment.
• Ability to identify metal materials, load programs, set up, and run a plasma table.
• Experience operating a water jet with metal materials (not plastics).
• Proficiency in sheet metal handling and fabrication processes.
• Ability to perform deburring on metal parts to meet quality standards.
• Comfort working with fabrication equipment such as laser machines, press brakes, turret punch presses, and forklifts.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow technical instructions and production specifications.
• Commitment to safe work practices in a fabrication and machining environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Mazak laser machines is a plus.
• Experience with Accupress and Absolute press brakes is beneficial.
• Experience in general metal fabrication and sheet metal work.
• Ability to work independently with minimal micromanagement while staying focused on production goals.
• Willingness to support various fabrication tasks, including deburring and material handling.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a focused yet laid-back culture with minimal micromanagement, allowing them to take ownership of their work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The schedule runs Monday through Friday with no weekend work, providing consistent hours and predictable time off. Team members receive annual credit toward proper safety shoes, as well as medical, dental, and vision benefits. Paid time off begins after the first two months and is prorated for the remainder of the year, with increased PTO accrual over subsequent years, supporting long-term stability and time for rest and personal needs.

Work Environment

The role is based in a 55,000 square foot, open-bay fabrication facility that is not air conditioned and uses large industrial fans to improve air circulation. The environment is typical of a metal shop with active laser machines, press brakes, and other fabrication equipment. Work is performed on a Monday–Friday schedule with no weekend shifts. Appropriate safety footwear is required, with annual support provided toward proper safety shoes

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Clearwater, FL.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Clearwater,FL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.