Our Story
Established in 1974, Southern Metalcraft is a custom sheet metal fabricating firm located in Social Circle, Georgia. From the beginning we have been constantly striving to provide the most advanced processing capabilities to our customers. With all manufacturing services in-house, we are able to handle any project, from the simple part to the complex assembly. From order taking through delivery, our first priority is to meet our customers’ needs.
The most important and valued asset of SMI is our employees. Good equipment is only as good as those who operate it, and we take pride in finding, training, and keeping personnel that produce top quality products. We have accomplished this by promoting a positive work environment that allows our employees to grow and become skilled at multiple tasks and work centers.
Job Title: Laser Cutting Machine Operator
What we are looking for:
We are looking for a Laser Cutting Machine Operator to join us in our new Social Circle facility. This person will be working alongside other operators cutting metal parts for our customers. They will interact with the engineering, other fabrication departments, and QC teams to produce top quality products for our customers.
Since this position is key to our success, we are looking for someone that is motivated, positive and excited about making an impact and helping us all succeed.
Primary Duties:
· Identify and load sheets of material using forklift or overhead crane
· Setup, load program, and operate laser to cut parts
· Adjust machine and cutting conditions as needed to obtain optimal edge quality
· Make basic laser program changes (moving & adding parts, adding cut lines, etc..).
· Perform basic inspection of completed parts for accuracy and quality
· Unload, count, deburr/de-tab, separate and stack parts as needed
· Follow programs, travelers, and specifications to ensure parts are correct
· Record work completed and communicate any issues encountered during cutting
· Troubleshoot and resolve basic cutting alarms/errors as needed
· Deliver final parts and paperwork to the next process’s work area (deburr, forming, welding, QC)
· Conduct routine maintenance and checks to help maintain laser’s performance (nozzle change, lens cleaning, empty trays, etc..).
· Adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries. Use protective gear and maintain a clean, organized workspace.
· Conduct cleanup of work area at the end of each day
· Collaborate with team members and team lead to meet production goals and deadlines
· Willingness to cross-train and perform other tasks in addition to the primary assigned position when needed.
Required Qualifications:
● Ability to stand for entire shift, bend, squat, twist, and move freely.
● Ability to lift, flip, and maneuver up to 50 lbs repeatedly.
● Ability to lift, flip, and maneuver up to 75 lbs with assistance.
● Must be able to perform assigned job duties throughout the entirety of the scheduled shift.
● Must be able to safely push, pull, and reach overhead as required to perform essential job functions.
● Must be able to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination to safely complete the essential functions of the position.
● Read a tape measure to 1/32", and work with a protractor, angle gauge, and calipers.
● Ability to work with minimal supervision.
● Mechanical aptitude to change tooling, read/set machine parameters, and identify equipment faults.
● Ability to read and interpret shop travelers and bend drawings detailing angle, dimension, and bend sequence.
● Attention to detail and commitment to first-pass quality — able to identify a non-conforming part before passing to the next operation.
● Ability to follow written SOPs and verbal instructions precisely and consistently.
● Basic math skills for counting, measuring, and verifying part quantities against travelers.
● Meets expectations for attendance and punctuality.
Ideal Qualifications:
Prior experience operating a CNC laser cutting system.
Familiarity with CAD/CAM nesting software.
Overhead crane or forklift certification.
Demonstrated experience operating production machinery in a manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with ERP or shop traveler-based production tracking.
OSHA 10 certification or equivalent safety training.
· 2+ years of laser cutting machine experience
· Prior working knowledge in custom parts shop
· Previous working experience with Amada lasers equipment
· Proven ability to communicate with engineers and manufacturing
To be a great fit for this role:
· Enjoys a fast-paced positive environment with different challenges daily
· Positive and motivated attitude
· Desire to make a difference and grow personally and professionally
· Self-starter
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $16.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
