Laser Operator

Company Description Sanborn Tube & Fab, a division of Russel Metals Williams Bahcall, specializes in tubular fabricated parts, from first-operation tube cutting and laser processing through complete-to-print assemblies that can include bending, welding, machining, and finishing. Since 1957, the company has delivered supply chain solutions to OEMs, top fabricators, and small to medium manufacturers across automotive, medical, marine, office furniture, recreational products, heavy equipment, and agriculture industries. Sanborn is known for deep expertise in tubing and extrusions, offering cost-effective combinations of materials, processing, and finishing. With extensive capabilities in laser, lathe, cold saw, and band saw cutting of carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and brass, Sanborn operates as a distributor, fabricator, and mill representative. Its 72,000 sq. ft. facility in Pewaukee, WI supports Just-In-Time and lean manufacturing initiatives regionally and nationally.

Position Summary

The Tube Laser Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating tube laser equipment to produce high-quality tubular components according to customer specifications, engineering drawings, work orders, and established production standards. This position requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, a strong commitment to quality, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The Tube Laser Operator will be responsible for machine setup, loading and unloading material, monitoring the cutting process, inspecting finished parts, completing production documentation, and maintaining a clean and safe work area.

Essential Responsibilities

• Safely operate tube laser equipment to produce parts according to customer and engineering requirements.
• Set up the tube laser using work orders, programs, drawings, and setup instructions.
• Load and unload raw material using proper material-handling procedures.
• Verify material type, size, wall thickness, length, and quantity before beginning production.
• Confirm the correct laser program, tooling, fixtures, and machine settings are being used.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using measuring equipment such as calipers, tape measures, gauges, and other inspection tools.
• Monitor cut quality and machine performance throughout the production run.
• Identify and report problems involving cut quality, dimensions, machine performance, sensors, tooling, or material.
• Make approved machine adjustments to maintain part quality and production efficiency.
• Follow all quality procedures, work instructions, and customer-specific requirements.
• Complete production records, inspection documentation, scrap reporting, and other required paperwork or electronic entries.
• Maintain proper material identification and traceability throughout the production process.
• Perform routine cleaning, housekeeping, and operator-level preventive maintenance.
• Keep the machine, tooling, work area, and surrounding floor clean and organized.
• Properly handle and dispose of scrap material.
• Communicate production issues, quality concerns, material shortages, and machine problems to the Tube Laser Lead or Production Supervisor.
• Assist with troubleshooting and machine changeovers as needed.
• Follow all company safety policies, including proper PPE requirements and safe material-handling practices.
• Work with other departments, including Quality, Engineering, Scheduling, and Maintenance, when necessary.
• Assist in training other employees on tube laser operation when qualified.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Quality Responsibilities

The Tube Laser Operator is responsible for producing parts that meet Sanborn Tube and Fab’s quality standards.

Responsibilities include:

• Understanding and following engineering drawings and specifications.
• Verifying critical dimensions and features.
• Performing required first-piece and in-process inspections.
• Identifying nonconforming material and properly segregating it.
• Immediately reporting quality concerns to the appropriate supervisor or Quality personnel.
• Never knowingly passing defective material to the next operation.
• Maintaining accurate inspection and production records.
• Following all applicable ISO and company quality procedures.

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all Sanborn Tube and Fab safety policies and procedures.
• Wear required PPE at all times.
• Use proper lifting and material-handling techniques.
• Follow machine guarding and lockout/tagout requirements.
• Never bypass safety devices, guards, sensors, or interlocks.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Report unsafe conditions, near misses, injuries, and equipment problems immediately.
• Participate in required safety training.

Equipment and Tools

The operator may work with or around:

• Tube laser cutting equipment, including BLM tube laser systems.
• Material-handling equipment.
• Calipers and measuring devices.
• Tape measures and gauges.
• Hand tools.
• Laser consumables and tooling.
• Computer-based production and ERP systems.
• Global Shop Solutions ERP system.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous manufacturing experience preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to understand machine operation.
• Ability to read and understand basic engineering drawings.
• Ability to use basic measuring instruments.
• Basic computer skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Commitment to safety and quality.

Preferred

• Previous tube laser or laser-cutting experience.
• Experience operating BLM tube laser equipment.
• CNC machine operating experience.
• Experience with Global Shop Solutions or another manufacturing ERP system.
• Experience reading GD&T and detailed engineering drawings.
• Previous experience in tube fabrication or metal manufacturing.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently bend, reach, push, pull, and lift.
• Safely handle tubing and manufactured components.
• Lift and move materials within the requirements of the job and company safety procedures.
• Work around manufacturing equipment, noise, metal chips, and production materials.
• Wear required PPE for extended periods.

Key Performance Expectations

Success in this position will be measured by:

• Safety: Consistently following all safety requirements.
• Quality: Producing parts that meet customer and engineering specifications.
• Productivity: Meeting established production schedules and standards.
• Machine Utilization: Operating equipment efficiently and minimizing unnecessary downtime.
• Scrap Reduction: Identifying and preventing causes of scrap and rework.
• Attendance: Maintaining dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Housekeeping: Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work center.
• Communication: Promptly communicating machine, quality, material, and production issues.
• Teamwork: Working effectively with production, quality, engineering, maintenance, and scheduling personnel.

Work Environment

The Tube Laser Operator works primarily in a manufacturing environment and may be exposed to machine noise, metal products, moving equipment, cutting processes, and varying temperatures. Proper PPE and adherence to all safety procedures are required.