What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laser & Automation Technician position at UNARCO MATERIAL HANDLING LLC?
Position Summary
The Laser & Press Automation Technician is responsible for the operation of the facility’s Mitsubishi laser cutting system and a contributor to advanced CNC forming operations. This salaried role is responsible for equipment reliability, programming, process optimization, and continuous improvement across laser cutting and forming technologies, including LVD and Trumpf press brakes.
This position requires a highly self-directed technician who can balance day-to-day operational excellence with long-term process improvement and technology development.
Key Responsibilities
Laser Operations (Primary Focus)
- Own overall performance, reliability, and optimization of the Mitsubishi laser cutting system
- Program, set up, and optimize laser cutting operations using G-code and M-code
- Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, and process-related laser issues
- Monitor and improve cut quality, scrap, uptime, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
- Develop and refine cutting processes for a variety of materials and thicknesses
- Maintain accurate documentation for programs, machine settings, and known issues
- Coordinate with maintenance, engineering, and OEM support to resolve complex issues
Advanced Forming & Equipment Development (Secondary Focus)
- Learn and support CNC programming and operation of advanced forming equipment, including:
- 16 ft and 14 ft LVD press brakes and the14 ft Trumpf press brake
- Support setup optimization, troubleshooting, and programming refinement for forming operations
- Assist engineering with forming feasibility, part development, and bend-quality challenges
- Support startup, learning, and standardization of new forming or fabrication equipment
Help develop standard work, best practices, and documentation
Qualifications:Required Qualifications
- Strong background in CNC machine operation and programming
- Proficiency in G-code and M-code
- Experience operating and supporting laser cutting equipment in a production environment
- Strong electromechanical troubleshooting skills
- Solid mechanical aptitude with foundational electrical knowledge
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with CNC press brakes or forming presses
- Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar CAD software
- Experience with LVD and/or Trumpf equipment
Professional Expectations
- Operates with a high level of independence and ownership
- Proactively identifies improvement opportunities when equipment is running well
- Demonstrates discipline in documentation, process control, and follow-through
- Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis capability
- Collaborates effectively with engineering, maintenance, and production teams
- Willingness to support urgent issues as needed to ensure critical equipment uptime
Education & Experience
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Technical degree or manufacturing-related coursework preferred
- Minimum 5 years of experience with CNC lasers or advanced CNC manufacturing equipment
- Equivalent hands-on experience may substitute for formal education