Plate Roll Operator

Apex Geotech Solutions unites OCI LLC, GMS Piling Products, and DrillTools Inc. under one name to deliver the industry's most experienced, comprehensive solutions in Deep Foundation Drilling. We design, manufacture, and supply tooling across the foundation industry - micropile casing, threaded reinforcing bar, small- and large-diameter drilling tools and accessories - backed by U.S.-based manufacturing, advanced fabrication and machining, and a longstanding reputation for quality, reliability, and responsive service.

Locations Wilkes-Barre, PA; Brookville, PA; Kilgore, TX; Houston, TX

Why join us

• Industry leader with a proven track record and market-leading capabilities.
• Stability and growth from the combined strength of three legacy companies and expanding U.S.-based manufacturing.
• Competitive pay and benefits designed to attract and retain top talent.
• Career growth across engineering, fabrication, operations, and field support with opportunities to advance as the company scales.
• Comprehensive support including hands-on training, technical resources, and a collaborative team focused on long-term project success.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Plate Roll Operator sets up and operates a 3-roll hydraulic plate roll to form steel plate into cylinders, cones, shells, curved segments, and related fabricated components in accordance with engineering drawings, work orders, and dimensional specifications. This is a skilled trade position requiring direct, hands-on experience operating plate rolling equipment. Candidates without prior plate roll operating experience will not meet the minimum qualifications for this role.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up and operate a 3-roll hydraulic plate roll to form plate to the specified radius, diameter, profile, and dimensional tolerance per drawing requirements.
• Select rolling sequence, roll pressure, and pass progression based on material type, plate thickness, and required bend radius. Account for material springback and make compensating adjustments to achieve final dimensions.
• Pre-bend plate ends as required to eliminate flat spots prior to and during forming.
• Read and interpret fabrication drawings, shop prints, work orders, and material specifications. Translate drawing requirements into machine setup parameters.
• Inspect rolled parts during and after forming using tape measures, radius gauges, squares, and templates. Verify dimensional conformance to drawing requirements and escalate non-conforming conditions to supervision or Quality Control.
• Identify and communicate defects including flat spots, out-of-round conditions, surface damage, or dimensional non-conformance.
• Safely load, position, and unload heavy plate and formed parts using overhead cranes, hoists, lifting clamps, chains, magnets, and rigging equipment. Operate forklifts as required.
• Perform pre-shift equipment inspections, support preventive maintenance tasks as directed, and report mechanical or hydraulic deficiencies promptly.
• Follow all lockout/tagout procedures, machine guarding requirements, PPE requirements, and shop safety policies without exception.
• Coordinate with welders, fitters, quality inspectors, and supervisors to ensure rolled parts meet downstream fabrication requirements. Document production quantities, job numbers, and quality records as required.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct hands-on experience operating plate rolling equipment in a metal fabrication, manufacturing, tank, vessel, structural, or heavy equipment environment. Experience on any plate roll type (3-roll, 4-roll, hydraulic, mechanical, or CNC) is acceptable.
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, shop prints, and work orders and translate requirements into machine setup.
• Working knowledge of metal forming behavior including springback, plate thickness effects, radius control, and forming sequence.
• Experience safely handling heavy plate using overhead cranes, hoists, and rigging equipment.
• Ability to measure and inspect rolled components using standard layout and measuring tools.
• Consistent compliance with lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and PPE requirements.
• Ability to work independently after receiving instructions and communicate proactively with supervision.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and direct work experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience rolling cylinders, cones, shells, pressure vessel components, or structural rolled sections.
• Experience with heavy-wall or thick plate (1" and above), stainless, aluminum, or specialty materials.
• Forklift certification or overhead crane / rigging certification.
• Fitting, layout, welding, grinding, or general heavy fabrication experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Stand and walk on the shop floor for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted; heavier loads must be handled using approved lifting equipment.
• Work in proximity to heavy machinery, large steel components, overhead crane activity, noise, dust, heat, and changing shop floor conditions.
• Wear and maintain all required PPE, including safety glasses, steel-toe boots, gloves, and hearing protection.