Overhead Crane Operator

Do you want to be a part of a team that aspires to improve the quality of life for others? Are you interested in efficient manufacturing processes that promote sustainability? Do you feel a sense of accomplishment in a job well done? At Carpenter Co., we challenge our employees to learn from and inspire on another - all levels of the company collaborate, communicate and constantly improve to achieve shared success. If that sounds like an environment in which you will thrive, Carpenter Co. could be a great fit for you!

Carpenter Co. has an immediate opening for a Crane Operator in our Slabroom Department on 1st shift [5am to 1pm] at our Elkhart, Indiana foam manufacturing plant. This position is responsible for the safe operation of the overhead crane and coordinating the movement of foam slabs as required by production demands. The hourly pay rate for this position is $25.61 - $26.68.

Carpenter Co employees are committed to working hard to ensure production goals are met while maintaining operations excellence. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain daily communication with Quality Control, Department Manager, Carpet Cushion Manager and other employees in the department to make sure that all products being manufactured will meet the requirements and specifications of the customer. This position will also required the safe operation of a forklift.

Additional Responsibilities of the Crane Operator:

• Must be capable of/willing to learn how to operate multiple types of cranes safely and effectively.
• Reads daily pour/chop schedules to determine and maintain adequate slab space for each.
• Creates the necessary clean space in the ware house to properly stage slabs of foam.
• Must use time efficiently to load multiple lines and remove foam from the CBFL line, without causing damage to the foam using an overhead crane.
• Back-Stacks foam according to Carpenter Company rules and stacks slabs in compliance with Carpenter Company Stacking Policy.
• Maintains frequent communication with the CBFL operator to maintain a constant supply feeding the line.
• Inspects crane daily and maintains the inspection log.
• Maintains value of order where needed.
• Other duties as assigned by a Lead, a Supervisor, or a Manager.
• A certification is required for crane operation.
• Ability to learn all Slabroom processes (CBFL production movements, chop line, gluing and etc. )
• Must be able to stand/walk for 8+ hours in varying temperature environment as well as use all necessary PPE/
• Must be able to communicate effectively (read, write and understand English)

Skills/Requirements:

• High School education or GED required.
• Prior overhead crane experience preferred.
• Some computer experience.
• Basic reading and writing skills and be able to use simple math.
• Read and interpret a tape measure.
• 1 year of manufacturing experience preferred.
• The ability to stand/walk 8+ hours during the shift on flat surfaces and up and down stairs/steps.

Carpenter Co is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or other legally protected characteristic.

Carpenter Co. conducts pre-employment drug testing on all applicants that receive and accept a written offer of employment.


Normal work schedule is 5am to 1pm. Overtime will be scheduled if needed, for production needs. This position is also required to help fill in during time off of other department crane operators.

Important Notes

Carpenter Co offers a comprehensive benefits package including excellent health insurance, generous profit sharing plan, and much more. We offer long-term career opportunities for our employees in a stable industry and clean working environment. We also offer tuition reimbursement to our employees after 1 year of service. Out Elkhart Branch employees average over 10 years of service with the company, and we'd like for you to join us! To learn more, check us out at

Equal Opportunity Employer


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.