Laser Machine Operator

ABOUT THE COMPANY: 

Sierra Circuits is a Silicon Valley-based leader in printed circuit board manufacturing and assembly, specializing in high-quality, quick-turn and complex prototypes. With over 35 years of experience, Sierra provides a seamless, end-to-end PCB solution—from design and fabrication to assembly and testing—all under one roof at its state-of-the-art facilities in Sunnyvale, California. Sierra Circuits is committed to supporting engineers and designers through extensive educational resources. The company offers free online tools such as the Stackup Designer, Impedance Calculator, Material Selector, and BOM and DFM Checkers, along with technical blogs, webinars, design guides, and its SierraConnect community forum. Sierra Circuit serves all industries including aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, and telecommunications, building PCBs to the highest industry standards, and keeping innovation at the forefront of everything we do.

SUMMARY OF JOB FUNCTION: 

The Laser Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining the laser stencil cutting system to produce high-precision SMT stencils in-house. This role involves interpreting design files, managing material flow, and ensuring accurate and timely delivery of stencils to production. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, excellent attention to detail, and experience in laser machining or a similar precision environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

•  Load and operate the in-house laser stencil cutting machine according to job specifications.
• Interpret Gerber files and convert them to machine-ready formats using appropriate CAM software.
• Set up laser parameters including power, speed, and focus for optimal stencil quality.
• Inspect completed stencils for dimensional accuracy, burrs, and quality of cut per internal standards.
• Clean, label, and prepare stencils for hand-off to stencil handling or SMT.
• Perform preventative maintenance on the laser system, including lens cleaning, filter replacement, and system calibration.
• Maintain material inventory (e.g., stainless steel sheets, frames) and request replenishment as needed.
• Document production activities and inspection results in accordance with internal traceability requirements.
• Work closely with engineering and quality teams to ensure stencil design and output meet customer and process needs.
• Ensure safe operation of equipment and follow all safety and ESD protocols.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical training or certification in laser machining or CNC preferred.
• 1+ year of experience operating a laser cutter, CNC machine, or similar equipment in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with SMT stencils, Gerber files, and basic PCB design concepts is a plus.
• Proficient with computers; experience using CAD/CAM software is beneficial.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to lift and handle metal sheets and frames safely (up to [insert weight, e.g., 25 lbs]).
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, detail-oriented production setting. 
• Fluent in English.

SALARY: $41,000 to $58,000 Annually

MUST be a US Personnel 

ENVIRONMENT: 

•  Climate-controlled manufacturing area with exposure to laser equipment and fine particulates.
• Must use PPE, including safety glasses and gloves as required.
• Regular standing, bending, and lifting throughout the shift.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

 The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee must frequently stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The ability to lift 20 lbs., open filing cabinets, and bend, stand, or climb on step ladders as necessary.

What We Offer

• Competitive Benefits Package – Medical (HMO & PPO), Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Basic Life & AD&D, and Voluntary Benefits 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan 
• Wellness Benefits – Gym/Fitness Membership Reimbursement 
• Paid Time Off – Vacation, Sick Time, and Paid Holidays