Laser Operator (1st Shift)

About the CompanyLouis Industries is one of the most modern steel processing facilities in central Minnesota. We employ around 100 people and serve over 180 customers predominantly located in the upper Midwest. Our customers vary from small, local owned companies to multi-million-dollar Fortune 500 companies. The parts Louis fabricates are found in products and equipment that are shipped globally. We utilize the latest technology available in laser, punching, forming, welding and quality control equipment, with an emphasis on supporting lean, rapid response manufacturing to support our customer's varied needs. We strive to look toward the future, invest in automation, and continuously improve our processes, production capabilities, and our people. In addition, we are a major regional supplier with inventory of mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. We are employee focused, offer flexible schedules, full benefits, and competitive pay.About the roleThe Laser Operator is responsible for laser operations including machine setup, productivity, maintenance and quality.What you'll doRegularly operate laser and/or punching machinesLoad and edit machine programsLoad material in sheet baysMaintain cutting quality at acceptable feed ratesPerform first part and random part inspections according to protocol on work order routerPerform general laser maintenance, including startup/shutdown, window cleaning, nozzle centering, cleaning dust bins, replacing cutting beds, and keeping lasers and work environment cleanPerform advanced maintenance, including window changing/focal depth, external optical path cleaning and realignment, pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical repairAssures that all products conform to prescribed quality standardsHandle assorted steel raw material and steel scrapSeparate/"pick" parts from skeletons that are cut on the laser and stack onto pallet/containersPackage parts using banding or shrink wrap, as neededSafely operate forklift to load and unload material and move completed partsOperate small hand and power toolsFollow all standard safety regulationsSupport process improvement activitiesQualificationsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Certified and experienced forklift operatorCertified crane operator preferredKnowledge of inventory control and manufacturing processesFamiliarity with blueprints and inspection equipmentProficient with mathematical equationsSkill in mechanical repair of electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systemsAble to communicate orally or in written form effectively with personnelCAD training or experience preferredSchedule1st shift - Monday through Thursday 7am-4:30pm and Fridays 7am-11amBenefitsHealth, Dental and Vision InsuranceCompany Paid Life InsuranceHSA Match401k ContributionPPE ReimbursementsTuition Reimbursement ProgramEmployee Referral BonusAccrued PTOHoliday PayBereavement PayBonusesThe pay range for this role is:20 - 24 USD per hour (Paynesville, MN)

Created: 2026-04-02