Laser / Turret Programmer

Company Overview:

Equipto Electronicis in Aurora, IL, a subsidiary of the Jonathan Group ,is a leading manufacturer of metal packaging products for the electronics industry. We design and manufacture a wide variety of standard equipment enclosures, from full-size cabinets to sub-racks, at our facility in Aurora, Illinois. Special customer needs are fulfilled by modifications to standard designs or by custom enclosures.

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Laser / Turret experienced Amada Programmer, to join our dynamic manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for programming and optimizing laser cutting and turret punch operations to ensure precise, efficient production of complex metal components. Your expertise will drive quality improvements and support our commitment to excellence in precision machining and fabrication.

Equipto is seeking an experienced Laser and Turret Programmer to support our custom manufacturing operations in Aurora, Illinois. This position is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing programs for fabrication equipment used in the production of custom sheet-metal components and assemblies.

The Laser and Turret Programmer will work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and machine operators to translate engineering drawings and production requirements into accurate and efficient machine programs. The position will play an important role in improving material utilization, reducing setup and processing time, troubleshooting production issues, and ensuring parts are manufactured accurately and efficiently.

This is a hands-on manufacturing support position suited for someone with practical experience programming Amada equipment in a sheet-metal fabrication environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Create, modify, and maintain programs for sheet-metal fabrication equipment based on engineering drawings, specifications, and production requirements.
• Develop efficient machine programs and nesting layouts to maximize material utilization and minimize scrap.
• Support programming for Equipto's Amada fabrication processes, including punch/press equipment and other applicable Amada machinery.
• Make programming adjustments based on material type, thickness, tooling, part geometry, and production requirements.
• Work directly with machine operators to troubleshoot programming, setup, tooling, and part-quality issues.
• Assist with first-piece runs and verify that programmed parts meet drawing and dimensional requirements before full production.
• Modify existing programs when engineering revisions, customer requirements, or manufacturing conditions change.
• Maintain accurate program files, revisions, and associated manufacturing documentation.
• Coordinate with Engineering to identify potential manufacturability concerns and recommend changes that improve production efficiency.
• Partner with Production and Quality to investigate dimensional discrepancies, repeat defects, excessive scrap, or other programming-related issues.
• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle time, setup time, material waste, and unnecessary machine operations.
• Support new-product introduction and prototype work by developing programs for new or revised components.
• Assist operators and production employees with technical questions related to machine programs, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
• Follow established safety procedures and ensure programs and processes support safe machine operation.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

Required

• Previous experience programming fabrication equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience programming sheet-metal parts for production.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, dimensions, and tolerances.
• Working knowledge of sheet-metal fabrication processes and manufacturing principles.
• Understanding of tooling, material thickness, part geometry, nesting, and material utilization.
• Ability to troubleshoot programming and production issues in collaboration with machine operators.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate program revisions and documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Engineering, Production, Quality, and machine operators.
• Comfortable working in a custom, high-mix manufacturing environment where priorities and production requirements may change.

Preferred

• Experience with Amada programming software such as AP100, VPSS, Dr.ABE, or other Amada programming platforms.
• Experience programming Amada punch, laser, press brake, or combination equipment.
• Experience with automated or robotic/cobot fabrication equipment.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software.
• Experience with custom metal enclosures, cabinets, or similar sheet-metal products.
• Experience working in a low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing routings.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Successful candidates should have strong mechanical and spatial reasoning, practical knowledge of sheet-metal fabrication, and the ability to translate engineering requirements into reliable production programs. The position requires someone who can balance part quality, machine capability, material utilization, and production efficiency while working collaboratively with both Engineering and employees on the manufacturing floor.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

This position operates primarily in a manufacturing environment and requires regular interaction with production equipment and employees on the manufacturing floor. The employee must be able to safely navigate an active manufacturing environment, use required PPE, and spend portions of the workday standing, walking, and working near fabrication equipment.

Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to precision engineering excellence! We value innovation, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement—if you’re passionate about CNC programming and metal fabrication technology, we want to hear from you! We offer a Gold Standard benefit package and top wages.

Pay: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person