Machine Operator

Machine Operator

This role operates large industrial machinery to draw, coil, and produce various types of wire and wire products in a high-heat, safety-sensitive manufacturing environment. You will train on first shift and, after successfully completing a probationary period, transition to third shift. The position requires strong teamwork, mechanical aptitude, and a consistent focus on safety while working around molten materials, chemicals, and heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate machinery to draw, coil, and produce a variety of wire and wire products according to production requirements.
• Read, understand, and follow the production schedule to meet daily and weekly output goals.
• Work closely with co-workers, supervisors, and maintenance personnel to troubleshoot and resolve issues with machines or materials.
• Monitor machine performance and product quality, and promptly report any irregularities or safety concerns.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with facility standards.
• Follow all safety regulations, procedures, and guidelines, including the use of required personal protective equipment.
• Handle heavy materials and components safely, including standing, bending, lifting, and manual handling throughout the shift.
• Adapt to working on different machines as needed, supporting other production lines when required.
• Remain alert and aware of surroundings at all times, particularly around molten zinc kettles, chemicals, moving machinery, and heights.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a team, supporting co-workers to maintain smooth and efficient production operations.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in general labor or general production within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on machine operation experience or strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to learn complex equipment.
• Strong safety orientation and demonstrated commitment to following safety procedures in a high-risk environment.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, supported by a positive attendance record with previous employers.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and willingness to collaborate closely with others rather than working independently.
• Comfort working at heights and ability to perform job duties without fear of heights.
• Ability to work in a high-heat environment near molten zinc kettles without heat sensitivity.
• Physical ability to stand, bend, lift, and perform manual handling tasks for the duration of the shift.
• Ability to work a 12-days-on/2-days-off schedule and transition from first shift training to third shift after the probationary period.
• Work history showing tenure of approximately 23 years or more in recent roles, demonstrating stability and commitment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in wire manufacturing, metal processing, or similar heavy industrial environments.
• Experience operating large, complex production machinery or working on galvanizing lines.
• Comfort working in environments with noise, fumes, and continuously running equipment.
• Positive manager or supervisor reference from a previous employer specifically regarding attendance and reliability.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to different machines, processes, and production lines as needed.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with team members, supervisors, and maintenance staff.

Why Work Here?

You will join a long-established, stable manufacturer with nearly a century of industry presence and a strong reputation in its field. The organization offers direct-hire employment, a union environment, and a supportive atmosphere where safety and teamwork are top priorities. Employees benefit from working with experienced colleagues, learning specialized industrial processes, and building a long-term career with opportunities to grow skills on advanced production equipment.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large industrial wire manufacturing facility that produces galvanized, reinforcement, and specialty wire for a wide range of applications, including agriculture, construction, transportation, communications, and industrial uses. The environment includes high-heat areas near molten zinc kettles and chemical pots, and the air can be hazy due to multiple machines running continuously. Conditions are hot in the summer and cold in the winter, with exposure to noise, fumes, moving machinery, and heavy materials. Safety is critical, and you must remain aware of your surroundings at all times and use appropriate protective equipment. The machinery is large and elevated, so you must be comfortable working at heights and moving around substantial equipment. The schedule follows a 12-days-on/2-days-off pattern, with training on first shift (7:00 a.m.3:30 p.m.) and eventual transition to third shift (11:00 p.m.7:30 a.m.), and other lines in the facility may operate on extended weekday schedules with some weekend availability requirements. The culture emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, and adherence to strict safety practices in a demanding but supportive production setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Kent, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $47840.00 - $47840.00/yr.

Davis Wire is the largest wire manufacturer in the western United States, and their products are used in a wide variety of fields, including agriculture, construction, transportation, communications and industrial applications. The foundations of their business are galvanized and reinforcement wire, though they also produce an assortment of specialty wires to fit almost any need.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Kent, WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 2026.