Laser and Break Press Operators

Job Summary
We are seeking experienced Laser and Brake Press Operators for a direct hire opportunity in Santa Ana, CA. This full-time role is ideal for skilled metal fabrication professionals who can operate fiber laser equipment, read blueprints, maintain quality standards, and support production goals in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This position offers steady work, competitive hourly pay, and the opportunity to join a team-oriented production environment where accuracy, reliability, and craftsmanship are valued. Candidates with lead experience will have the opportunity to support operators, assign work, troubleshoot machine issues, and help maintain a safe, clean, and productive shop floor.

Key Responsibilities
- Operate Amada and Bystronic fiber laser machines, including programming machines as required.
- Review work orders, samples, drawings, blueprints, and verbal instructions to produce accurate metal parts.
- Lead and support laser machine operators by assigning work and helping resolve production issues.
- Monitor part quality throughout production and identify parts requiring inspection as part of the quality control process.
- Load automatic feeders, update travelers, and enter required job information into systems.
- Troubleshoot machine malfunctions and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Compensation and Benefits
- Pay: $26.00 to $32.00 per hour.
- Job Type: Direct hire, full-time hourly, non-exempt.
- Location: Santa Ana, CA.
- 1st Shift: Monday through Friday, 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM, with overtime and Saturdays as needed.
- 2nd Shift: Monday through Friday, 1:00 PM to 10:30 PM, with overtime and Saturdays as needed.
- Benefits: Not specified.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans

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For temporary assignments lasting 13 weeks or longer, AppleOne is pleased to offer major medical, dental, vision, 401k and any statutory sick pay where required.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact your staffing representative who will reach out to our HR team.

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We also consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements, including, if applicable, the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, including, if applicable, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For Los Angeles, CA applicants: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Additional Skills

Required Qualifications and Skills
- Operate fiber laser, punch, and brake press equipment in a metal fabrication production environment.
- Lead machine operators, assign work, and support daily production priorities.
- Interpret blueprints, drawings, work orders, and production instructions accurately.
- Maintain quality standards through inspection, measurement, troubleshooting, and process communication.

- 3 to 5 years of relevant metal fabrication, laser machine, punch press, or brake press experience.
- 3 or more years of lead experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
- Experience operating Amada and Bystronic fiber laser machines.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and technical instructions.
- Experience using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, dial indicators, and depth gauges.
- Experience with ERP systems and production documentation.
- Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and quality-focused work habits.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to explain processes and problems clearly.
- Conflict resolution skills and the ability to support team productivity.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Ability to lift up to 40 to 50 pounds as needed and perform physical tasks including standing, bending, kneeling, squatting, pushing, carrying, and walking.
- Reliable attendance and availability to work overtime, weekends, and Saturdays as needed, sometimes on short notice.
- Experience in high-volume and low-volume production environments.

Preferred Qualifications
- Prior leadership or management experience in a metal fabrication or manufacturing setting.
- Experience training or mentoring machine operators.
- Strong understanding of quality workmanship standards related to laser cutting and fabricated metal parts.
- Ability to troubleshoot production issues quickly while maintaining safety, quality, and schedule requirements.