Machine Operator

Machine Operator

The Machine Operator sets up, operates, and monitors wire drawing machinery and related equipment to produce quality rod and wire products in a manufacturing environment. This role follows a structured progression from Level 1 through Level 3, with increasing responsibility for machine setup, quality control, troubleshooting, and optimization of production performance.

Responsibilities

• Perform all assigned duties in a safe manner, following established safety procedures and guidelines.
• Perform quality checks on rod and wire using a micrometer and other inspection tools to ensure products meet specifications.
• Pull rod from inventory, transfer it to staging in the system, and then transfer it to rod payoff in the system as required.
• Accurately load rod payoffs with the appropriate material and keep rod clean at the end of production.
• Operate a forklift to move materials and equipment safely around the facility, as needed.
• Weld the assigned rod without causing breakage in the machine and clear rod tangles on any wire drawing machine.
• Properly assemble pressure/drawing dies in the holder and insert them into the die boxes on any machine according to the traveler.
• Change out carriers on any machine and properly point wire for string-up purposes, ensuring one point is used for at least three dies.
• Perform all required physical tests on the wire, record weights and tagging information, and accurately input all data into the system.
• Assist in fixing wire breaks in the machine and support troubleshooting efforts to minimize downtime.
• Develop and apply a general understanding of how to set cast and helix on the machine and how to use machine controls.
• Progress to complete knowledge of how to set cast, helix, and string a machine, and gain full proficiency in machine controls.
• Build general knowledge of the water system to aid in troubleshooting and maintaining stable operating conditions.
• Develop a good working knowledge of wire drawing methodologies, including die geometry, how heat affects wire, die drafting, and machine capabilities.
• Operate the machine at the expected utilization level, maintaining productivity and quality standards.
• Use computers and related equipment to access production information, record data, and follow travelers or work instructions.
• Utilize applicable shop equipment, including forklifts, pulling dogs, butt welders, payoffs, take-ups, and deadlock operations, as required for production.

Essential Skills

• 13 years of manufacturing experience in a similar environment.
• 13 years of machine operating experience, preferably on production or wire drawing equipment.
• 13 years of assembly experience, including mechanical assembly tasks.
• Ability to perform machine setup, machine operation, and wire feed tasks safely and accurately.
• Experience with die setting and loading machines for production runs.
• Ability to perform inspection using a micrometer and other measuring tools.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints or production travelers.
• Mechanical aptitude and hands-on skills for assembly, adjustment, and basic troubleshooting.
• Ability to operate a forklift or willingness to train onsite if not certified.
• Capability to lift between 3050 pounds as part of regular duties.
• Ability to stand for up to 12 hours at a time in a production environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for documenting results and collaborating with team members.
• Comfort using computers and related equipment to input production data and follow work instructions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience within a similar manufacturing environment.
• Experience with wire drawing processes, including die geometry, heat effects on wire, die drafting, and machine capabilities.
• Familiarity with setting cast and helix on wire drawing machines.
• General understanding of industrial water systems used in production for cooling and process control.
• Experience using shop equipment such as forklifts, pulling dogs, butt welders, payoffs, take-ups, and deadlock operations.
• Ability to perform physical tests on wire and accurately tag and weigh materials.
• Willingness to learn and progress through structured training from Level 1 to Level 3 machine operator responsibilities.

Why Work Here?

This is a family-owned organization that values long-term relationships and continuous improvement. Employees benefit from performance-based wage increases at regular evaluations, creating clear opportunities for growth. The company is actively revamping its employee benefits to enhance overall support and well-being, and it promotes a sense of community through ongoing employee engagement events.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing facility where working conditions can be dusty, hot in the summer, and cold in the winter. Machine operators work around wire drawing equipment, payoffs, take-ups, deadlock operations, butt welders, pulling dogs, and forklifts, and use computers and related equipment to manage production data. The position involves standing for up to 12 hours per shift and regularly lifting 3050 pounds. Employees should be comfortable working in an industrial environment with varying temperatures and handling materials and equipment throughout the shift.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Granite Falls, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Granite Falls,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 5, 2026.