We are a Dallas/Fort Worth TX manufacturing and engineering staffing agency specializing in recruiting Laser Programmers for high‑precision sheet metal fabrication, aerospace, defense, and medical device manufacturing environments. Our client is a vertically integrated, AS9100- and ISO 9001-certified manufacturer known for producing ultra‑precise components using state‑of‑the‑art laser cutting, CNC punching, forming, welding, and multi‑axis machining technologies.
Their facilities support full lifecycle manufacturing, including prototype development, rapid fabrication, high‑volume production, and complex assemblies for mission‑critical applications. With advanced fiber and CO2 laser systems, automated material handling, and integrated CAD/CAM workflows, the company delivers exceptional accuracy, repeatability, and throughput for demanding aerospace, defense, and medical device customers.
This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled Laser Programmer who thrives in a fast‑paced, precision‑driven environment and can contribute to world‑class fabrication and manufacturing operations.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop, optimize, and validate laser cutting programs for fiber and CO2 laser systems using CAD/CAM software such as BySoft, TruTops, SigmaNEST, MetaCAM, or RADAN.
- Interpret complex engineering drawings, 3D models, and GD&T requirements to generate accurate, manufacturable cutting paths.
- Create detailed nesting layouts to maximize material utilization, reduce scrap, and improve throughput for sheet metal fabrication.
- Select appropriate cutting parameters including power settings, feed rates, assist gases, nozzle types, and focal positions based on material type, thickness, and tolerance requirements.
- Program laser systems for stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, Inconel, carbon steel, and specialty alloys used in aerospace and medical device applications.
- Develop micro‑tabbing strategies, kerf compensation, lead‑in/lead‑out paths, and pierce optimization to ensure high‑quality edge finishes and dimensional accuracy.
- Collaborate with manufacturing engineers, CNC machinists, and quality teams to resolve cut quality issues, warping, heat‑affected zones, and dimensional non‑conformances.
- Support prototype development, rapid iteration, and engineering change requests (ECRs) for new product introductions.
- Perform first‑article validation, dimensional verification, and inspection documentation
- in accordance with AS9102 or customer‑specific requirements.
- Maintain revision control, program documentation, and traceability within PDM/PLM and ERP/MRP systems.
- Assist with fixture design, workholding strategies, and material handling improvements to support automated laser cutting operations.
- Troubleshoot laser equipment, optics, lenses, nozzles, and assist gas delivery systems in coordination with maintenance and engineering teams.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives including cycle time reduction, automation, lean manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 integration.
- Support internal and external audits, customer reviews, and compliance activities for aerospace, defense, and medical device programs.
Education
- Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication, or related technical field.
- Equivalent experience in laser programming or advanced fabrication may be considered.
Required Skills and Experience
- 5+ years of experience programming laser cutting systems in aerospace, defense, medical device, or precision sheet metal environments.
- Advanced proficiency with CAD/CAM software such as BySoft, TruTops, SigmaNEST, MetaCAM, or RADAN.
- Strong understanding of GD&T, ASME Y14.5, blueprint reading, and model‑based definition (MBD).
- Hands‑on experience with fiber and CO2 laser systems from manufacturers such as Trumpf, Bystronic, Amada, Mitsubishi, or Mazak.
- Experience programming for stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and high‑temperature alloys.
- Strong knowledge of nesting strategies, material optimization, and sheet metal fabrication workflows.
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems for routing, traceability, and revision control.
- Experience supporting AS9100, ISO 9001, or ISO 13485 quality systems.
- Ability to troubleshoot cut quality issues including burrs, taper, dross, heat distortion, and dimensional variation.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with automated laser cutting cells, material towers, or robotic loading/unloading systems.
- Background in CNC punching, forming, bending, or welding processes.
- Familiarity with medical device manufacturing, NADCAP requirements, or defense‑grade fabrication standards.
- Experience with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, or Siemens NX for dimensional analysis and model interpretation.
- Knowledge of SPC, MSA, and root cause analysis tools such as 8D, DMAIC, or A3.
- Exposure to Industry 4.0 digital manufacturing, machine monitoring, or automated inspection technologies.
- Certifications such as AWS Sheet Metal Specialist, ASQ CQT, or GDTP are a plus.
