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Punch Laser Operator Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Punch Laser Operator information

See Reno, NV salary details

$13

$19

$27

How much do punch laser operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for punch laser operator in Reno, NV is $19.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid machine operator?

The highest paid machine operators are often those working in specialized fields such as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining, industrial manufacturing, or operating complex, high-precision equipment. Experience, certifications, and working in high-demand industries or locations can also significantly increase earning potential for machine operators, including punch laser operators. Salaries for top earners can exceed $60,000 annually depending on these factors.

What are some common challenges faced by Punch Laser Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Punch Laser Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise tolerances during high-volume production runs and troubleshooting minor equipment malfunctions. Successfully addressing these issues typically involves careful machine setup, routine maintenance, and a strong attention to detail. Operators can also benefit from ongoing training on new machine technologies and collaborating closely with quality control and engineering teams to quickly resolve any production issues. Developing strong communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving can help ensure efficient workflow and product quality.

Can I make money with laser engraving?

A Punch Laser Operator can generate income by providing laser engraving services for custom products, promotional items, or art pieces. Success depends on skill, quality, and market demand, with opportunities to work freelance or for companies. Developing proficiency with laser equipment and marketing your services can help increase earnings.

What are Punch Laser Operators?

Punch Laser Operators are skilled technicians who operate machines that use a combination of punching and laser cutting to shape and cut metal sheets according to specific designs. They are responsible for setting up the machinery, loading materials, programming the machine with the required specifications, and monitoring the process for quality and safety. In addition to machine operation, they often inspect finished parts for accuracy and perform routine maintenance on the equipment. Their work is essential in manufacturing industries that produce metal components for various applications.

How much do laser cutter operators make?

Laser cutter operators typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while skilled operators with certifications can earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing or specialized environments.

What is the difference between Punch Laser Operator vs CNC Punch Press Operator?

AspectPunch Laser OperatorCNC Punch Press Operator
CertificationsTypically requires machine operation and safety certificationsSimilar certifications, often overlapping with machine safety and operation
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, metal fabrication shopsManufacturing facilities, sheet metal shops
Job FocusOperating laser punching machines for precise cutsOperating CNC punch presses for shaping metal sheets
Industry UsageMetal fabrication, aerospace, automotiveMetalworking, construction, manufacturing

Both roles involve operating machinery to cut and shape metal sheets, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The main difference lies in the equipment used: Punch Laser Operators focus on laser punching machines, while CNC Punch Press Operators work with CNC-controlled punch presses. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right roles in metal fabrication industries.

What is a punch press operator?

A punch press operator is a worker who operates punch presses to cut, shape, or form metal or other materials by applying pressure with a die. They set up machines, select appropriate tools, and ensure safety protocols are followed during production. This role often requires knowledge of machine operation, precision, and sometimes certification in safety standards.

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

To thrive as a Punch Laser Operator, you need a solid understanding of metal fabrication, blueprint reading, and machine operation, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with CNC machine controls, CAD/CAM software, and safety certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate production, minimize errors, and promote workplace safety in a manufacturing environment.
What job categories do people searching Punch Laser Operator jobs in Reno, NV look for? The top searched job categories for Punch Laser Operator jobs in Reno, NV are:

Maintenance and Facilities Manager

Future Form Manufacturing

Sparks, NV • On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

JOB TITLE: Maintenance and Facilities Manager


PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: Ensure the ongoing reliability, uptime, and safety of all production equipment and physical facilities across Future Form Manufacturing’s three Sparks, NV locations. The Maintenance and Facilities Manager leads a team of 7–13 technicians, owns the company’s CMMS implementation, and is a key partner in FFM’s transition to continuous operations. This role combines deep industrial maintenance expertise with facilities management, budget ownership, and a strong emphasis on internal and external customer service.


CORE VALUES: The following list of Core Values and Behaviors are necessary to meet the minimum requirements:


TEAMWORK

  • Help each other succeed
  • Communicate clearly and directly, listen well
  • Encourage teammates
  • Blameless problem solving


HONESTY AND INTEGRITY

  • Honor your commitments
  • Do the right thing
  • Consistent in your attitudes and actions


LEAN

  • Improve processes
  • Open to new ideas
  • Share information, and teach
  • Expose issues

NUMBERS FOCUSED

  • Deliver results
  • Analyze data for improvement
  • Take ownership and accountability
  • Work smarter, not harder


EXCELLENCE

  • Exhibit passion in serving customers
  • Contribute solutions
  • Sense of urgency
  • Be the best at what you do
  • Seek knowledge


FUN

  • Be positive
  • Celebrate achievements
  • Don’t take yourself too seriously


CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES:

Essential


Equipment Reliability & Maintenance

  • Direct all preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance for production equipment including automated powder coating lines, CNC press brakes, robotic and manual welding systems, hardware insert machines, sheet metal punch and laser cutting systems, and material handling equipment (forklifts, electric pallet jacks)
  • Develop and maintain a robust PM program and critical spare parts inventory strategy to maximize equipment uptime and minimize unplanned downtime
  • Build and maintain a preventive maintenance work instruction and schedule database; perform or oversee daily, weekly, monthly, and annual PM tasks per manufacturers’ recommendations
  • Adjust and calibrate automated equipment including robots and CNC machines; disassemble, repair, or replace machine parts and test to ensure correct operation
  • Detect, diagnose, and communicate equipment issues to appropriate personnel; conduct root cause analysis to eliminate recurring failures
  • Install new equipment as needed per manufacturers’ specifications; partner with Production and Engineering to schedule planned maintenance around production demands
  • Build and maintain a maintenance downtime tracker; use equipment data to drive continuous improvement of PM frequency, parts stocking, and resource allocation


Facilities Management

  • Organize and plan building and equipment installments and refurbishments; keep all facilities up to code and in full compliance with applicable maintenance protocols
  • Perform regular and preventive maintenance of all buildings including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, compressed air, gas lines, and structural systems across all three facilities
  • Manage vendor and contractor relationships for specialized facility work, equipment services, and capital projects; obtain competitive bids and manage contractor performance
  • Support capacity expansion projects and facility modifications as the company grows; ensure all facilities meet safety, environmental, and code compliance requirements

Team Leadership & Development

  • Directly supervise and develop a team of 5–10 maintenance technicians and 2–3 facilities technicians across multiple sites; establish clear roles, schedules, and on-call rotations to support 24/7 operations
  • Conduct performance reviews, identify training needs, and build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement; recruit and onboard technicians as headcount grows with the business
  • Conduct maintenance training to ensure team competency on equipment, safety procedures, and CMMS usage

CMMS Development & Implementation

  • Serve as owner and champion of the company’s new integrated CMMS platform; lead the buildout of asset records, PM schedules, work order workflows, and KPI dashboards
  • Train maintenance and operations staff on CMMS usage; enforce adoption and use CMMS data to drive decisions on PM frequency, parts stocking, and resource allocation

Purchasing, Budget & Reporting

  • Order parts and materials through the FFM purchasing process, ensuring proper documentation in accordance with company requirements
  • Develop and manage the annual maintenance and facilities operating budget; track expenditures and report variances to leadership; build and maintain a cost savings tracker to be reviewed and verified by leadership
  • Track and report key metrics including OEE impact, MTTR, MTBF, PM compliance, and cost per asset; identify and present capital investment needs with supporting ROI analysis

Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

  • Follow all OSHA, NV OSHA, and Future Form Manufacturing safety regulations; enforce lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space, hot work, and all relevant safety programs
  • Maintain the responsibilities of the ISO 9001 system in accordance with the requirements defined in the Quality Manual and Procedure Level documentation
  • Participate in safety audits, incident investigations, and corrective action follow-through; maintain documentation for all regulatory inspections and certifications
  • Drive continuous improvement activities across maintenance and facilities operations; participate actively and positively in Lean activities
  • Maintain all work areas in a clean and organized manner; assist other team members as required; willing to work overtime as needed; all other duties as assigned

REPORTS TO: Director of Safety and Facilities


WORKS WITH: Manufacturers’ representatives, equipment vendors, external contractors, Production, Engineering, EHS, Purchasing, and FFM leadership

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION:

Follow all OSHA safety regulations and those set by Future Form Manufacturing

REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION:

Essential

  • 7+ years of industrial maintenance experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment; 3+ years in a supervisory or management role overseeing maintenance technicians
  • Hands-on knowledge of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems; experience with automated production lines, CNC equipment, or robotic systems
  • Proven ability to implement or significantly improve a CMMS; strong analytical skills to evaluate equipment data and drive PM and resourcing decisions
  • Strong understanding of LOTO, confined space, hot work, OSHA 1910 general industry standards, and safe maintenance practices
  • Experience managing facilities and vendor/contractor relationships across multiple buildings
  • Good blueprint reading skills; proficiency in reading schematics and technical manuals; good math skills including measurement of angles, material thicknesses, and load-bearing properties
  • Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills; ability to lead, coach, and hold a team accountable; good knowledge of electricity, plumbing, electronic repair, and OSHA safety requirements
  • Ability to work flexibly to support 24/7 operations including off-shift and weekend response when needed
  • Strong Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word skills

Beneficial
  • Experience in metal fabrication, sheet metal, powder coating, or heavy industrial manufacturing
  • Familiarity with laser cutting systems, CNC press brakes, or robotic welding equipment; ability to modify parts using lathes, grinders, and similar equipment
  • Background in predictive maintenance technologies (vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis)
  • Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) or Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CMRT), or similar credential
  • OSHA 30-Hour General Industry certification; forklift operator certification
  • Degree or coursework in Electronics; knowledge of relevant computerized equipment and their applications
  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Maintenance, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related field
  • Working knowledge of PLC systems, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and industrial controls

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION:

Sit 10%, Stand 40%, Walk 20%, Bend 5%, Squat 8%, Lift 5%, Twist 2%, Kneel 5%, Reach Above Shoulder 2%, Climb 2%, Drive 1%, Push/Pull 0%.

Maximum (minutes): Sit 24, Stand 96, Walk 120, Bend 9, Squat 72, Lift 24, Twist 5, Kneel 72, Reach Above Shoulder 5, Climb 48, Drive 5, Push/Pull 5.


Must be able to lift 50 pounds on a regular basis. Must have normal vision (with or without corrective lenses) and hearing (with or without corrective hearing aids).


Working Environment: Shop environment. Moderate noise level. Exposure to dust, heat and cold.


This position will require drug testing per company policy.


Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm