The Roberts Company
Fort Collins, CO
Pay: $20-$22/hr
Shift: fulltime
[Board company: Ritchey Manufacturing] **LASER OPERATOR / PRODUCTION GRAPHICS TECHNICIAN** **Full Time \| Ritchey Livestock ID** **WHO WE ARE** We believe farmers and ranchers are the unsung heroes of our world. They work tirelessly to feed a planet of some 8 billion people, rewarded with neither fortune nor fame, not even a thank you sir/ma’am. At Ritchey Livestock ID, we manufacture identification products that help producers manage their livestock every single day. It may seem like a small thing — a tag, a mark, a number — but to the rancher relying on it, details matter. A crooked layout matters. An unreadable mark matters. A missed order matters. That’s why we exist. Ritchey is a small company with high standards, deep agricultural roots, and a belief that craftsmanship still matters. We build products that Never Fade and strive every day to create the kind of customer experience people remember. **THE ROLE** We are hiring an experienced Laser Operator / Production Graphics Technician to help produce high\-quality engraved livestock identification products using commercial laser engraving equipment. This role combines: * precision machine operation, * production workflow, * and basic graphics/layout preparation. This is not a pure graphic design role. This is a hands\-on production position for someone who enjoys operating equipment, solving technical problems, maintaining quality standards, and producing clean, accurate work every day. The right person for this role understands that laser engraving is both technical and visual. Machine settings matter. Material behavior matters. Alignment matters. Details matter. Prior commercial laser engraving experience is required for this role. **WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE** You may thrive in this role if you are someone who: * notices visual inconsistencies quickly * takes pride in clean, accurate work * enjoys operating precision equipment * likes balancing technical process with craftsmanship * stays calm and focused under production deadlines * naturally checks your own work before handing it off * respects machinery and keeps equipment running properly * values consistency more than shortcuts This role is often a strong fit for people with backgrounds involving: * laser engraving * sign shops * print production * trophy or awards production * CNC or router operation * fabrication * production graphics * maker spaces or technical craftsmanship The best people in this role are steady, detail\-oriented, visually disciplined, **and dependable**. **THE HATS YOU’LL WEAR** **Laser Craftsman \-** Operate and maintain commercial laser engraving equipment to produce clean, accurate, durable engraved products with precision and consistency. **Production Graphics Builder \-** Prepare and refine layouts, templates, and production files using CorelDRAW and similar software to turn customer ideas into engraving\-ready work. **Quality Guardian \-** Catch alignment issues, spacing problems, engraving inconsistencies, and production defects before products ever leave the building. **Production Rhythm Teammate \-** Help keep jobs moving smoothly through production by staying organized, communicating clearly, and balancing speed with accuracy. **Equipment Steward \-** Protect and maintain valuable production equipment through proper setup, cleaning, operation, and troubleshooting. **RESPONSIBILITIES** * Set up and operate commercial laser engraving equipment * Adjust machine settings for material type, engraving depth, clarity, and alignment * Prepare and modify production\-ready artwork and engraving templates * Use CorelDRAW and related software to support engraving workflow * Inspect finished products for accuracy and quality * Maintain organized production flow across multiple engraving jobs * Perform basic machine cleaning, maintenance, and troubleshooting * Monitor material quality and engraving consistency * Communicate production issues or delays clearly and quickly * Maintain a clean, safe, organized workstation **WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR** **Required** * Prior commercial laser engraving experience * Experience operating production equipment in a manufacturing or production environment * Strong attention to detail and visual accuracy * Ability to stay organized while managing multiple jobs * Basic troubleshooting and mechanical problem\-solving skills * Experience with CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, or similar graphics software * Strong reliability and attendance * Ability to work independently while maintaining quality standards **Preferred** * Experience with Epilog laser systems * Production graphics or sign shop experience * Manufacturing experience * Experience working with detailed customer specifications * Basic understanding of materials and engraving behavior **WHY SOME PEOPLE LOVE THIS ROLE** Some people enjoy creating things with their hands. Others enjoy mastering equipment and process. The right person for this role enjo