Experienced Laser Machine Operator – £15 Per HourOverview
Topgear Plates is seeking an experienced and reliable Laser Machine Operator to join our production team.
This position involves operating laser cutting machinery to manufacture precise acrylic components and finished products. The successful candidate must already have practical experience using laser cutting equipment and be capable of working independently in a busy production environment.
This is not a trainee or entry-level position. Applications from candidates without relevant laser machine operating experience will not be considered.
Pay
- Starting pay: £15.00 per hour
- The hourly rate may be reviewed and increased after 6-12 months of joining, depending on performance, reliability, productivity and the ability to manage the role independently
- Optional overtime may be available
- Additional hours and flexibility may occasionally be required during busy periods
Working Schedule
- Full-time position
- Five working days per week, Monday to Saturday
- Working hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday is a required working day due to business demand
- One day off during the week will be agreed during the trial period
Experience Requirements
Applicants must have previous hands-on experience operating laser cutting machinery in a manufacturing, production or workshop environment.
You should already be confident in:
- Setting up and operating laser cutting machines
- Preparing and positioning acrylic materials correctly
- Adjusting machine settings to achieve accurate and consistent results
- Monitoring machine performance during production
- Identifying and resolving basic machine or production issues
- Inspecting finished products for accuracy, quality and defects
- Completing routine machine cleaning and basic maintenance
- Working independently without constant supervision
Candidates who require full training in how to operate a laser cutting machine are not suitable for this position.
Familiarisation Period
The successful candidate will receive approximately one week of familiarisation to learn:
- Our product range and stock
- Our production processes
- Our specific machine setup and workflow
- Our quality standards
- Order requirements and internal procedures
This period is intended to familiarise an experienced operator with our business. It is not a full laser machine training programme.
After the familiarisation period, the operator will be expected to confidently manage their workload, operate the machinery and complete production tasks independently.
Key Responsibilities
- Set up and operate laser cutting machinery according to production requirements
- Cut acrylic materials accurately and efficiently
- Select and adjust appropriate machine settings for different materials and products
- Prepare, position and load acrylic sheets correctly
- Monitor production to maintain consistent quality and output
- Carry out routine cleaning, maintenance and basic troubleshooting
- Identify machine faults, production issues or material defects
- Inspect completed products for accuracy, finish and compliance with specifications
- Use hand tools and workshop equipment for finishing, assembly and product preparation
- Assemble and prepare products when required
- Manage production priorities and meet strict order deadlines
- Accurately record production information and report any discrepancies
- Maintain a clean, organised and safe working area
- Follow all health and safety procedures
- Assist with general shop duties and serve customers when required
- Contribute practical ideas for improving products, designs and production processes
Skills and ExperienceEssential
- Previous professional experience operating laser cutting machinery
- Experience working with acrylic or similar materials
- Ability to set up and operate machinery independently
- Strong understanding of production quality control
- Ability to carry out basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work accurately with measurements and specifications
- Familiarity with hand tools and workshop equipment
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet deadlines
- Clear communication skills
- Reliable attendance and good timekeeping
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Desirable
- Previous experience producing acrylic products
- Experience in a number plate, signage, printing or custom manufacturing environment
- Experience with product assembly and finishing
- Basic customer service or shop experience
- Creative mindset and the ability to contribute ideas for new products
Trial Period
The position includes a three-month trial period.
During this period, performance will be assessed based on:
- Ability to operate the machinery independently
- Quality and accuracy of completed work
- Productivity and ability to meet deadlines
- Reliability, attendance and timekeeping
- Care of machinery, materials and equipment
- Ability to follow instructions and production procedures
- Overall suitability for the role
Successful completion of the trial period will be required for continued permanent employment.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be an experienced, detail-oriented and proactive laser machine operator who can quickly become familiar with our products and take responsibility for day-to-day production.
You must be confident working without constant supervision, managing deadlines and maintaining consistently high standards. Reliability is particularly important because production deadlines are critical to our business.
Additional Information
- Immediate start available
- One week of product and process familiarisation provided
- Full laser machine operator training is not provided
- Opportunities for pay progression based on performance
- Supportive and hands-on working environment
- Opportunities to contribute to the development of new products
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £15.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
