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 day shift and then transition to an overnight shift after successfully completing a probationary period, working closely with a team to maintain safe, efficient, and reliable production. The position requires strong mechanical aptitude, strict attention to safety, and comfort working at heights and around heat, noise, fumes, and heavy materials.

Responsibilities:

• Operate production machinery to draw, coil, and manufacture a variety of wire and wire products according to specifications.
• Move between different machines as needed and adapt to working on multiple production lines.
• Read, understand, and follow the production schedule to meet daily and weekly output requirements.
• Monitor machines during operation, identify irregularities or issues, and take appropriate action to maintain product quality and equipment performance.
• Work closely with co-workers, supervisors, and maintenance personnel to troubleshoot and resolve machine or material problems.
• Follow all safety procedures and regulations, including lockout/tagout and other plant safety protocols, in a highly safety-sensitive environment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area throughout the shift.
• Handle, move, and position heavy materials and wire products safely using proper manual handling techniques.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team, communicate clearly with colleagues, and support others to keep production running smoothly.
• Remain alert and aware of surroundings at all times due to exposure to heat, chemicals, moving machinery, and elevated work areas.
• Comply with union work rules, shift schedules, and overtime requirements, including potential mandatory weekend work when needed.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality to support consistent production operations.

Essential Skills:

• Experience operating industrial or manufacturing machinery in a production environment.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn and operate large, complex machines.
• Strong safety orientation and the ability to work safely in a high-heat, safety-sensitive environment around molten zinc kettles, chemicals, and moving equipment.
• Comfort working at heights and on large machines without fear of heights.
• Ability to work in environments with heat, cold, noise, fumes, and hazy air due to continuous machine operation.
• Capacity to perform physically demanding work, including standing, bending, lifting, and manual handling throughout the shift.
• Proven record of reliable attendance, supported by a reference from a previous manager specifically regarding attendance.
• Work history showing tenure of at least 23 years in a prior role.
• Ability and willingness to collaborate closely with a team and avoid working in an isolated or highly independent manner.
• Ability to read and follow production schedules and basic instructions in a manufacturing setting.
• Flexibility to train on first shift and then transition to third shift after completing a 90-day probationary period.
• Willingness to work Monday through Friday with optional weekend work that may become mandatory if there are no volunteers.
• Ability to work overtime beyond 8 hours per day as required by production needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Prior experience in general labor, general production, or wire manufacturing environments.
• Experience in operating galvanizing or similar high-heat process lines.
• Experience working in a unionized manufacturing facility.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to different machines and processes within the same facility.
• Strong teamwork mindset, with a focus on communication and mutual support.
• Comfort working on extended schedules such as 12 days on and 2 days off when assigned to specific lines.

Why Work Here?

Join a long-established, stable manufacturing organization that has operated for nearly a century and continues to grow across multiple industries. You will benefit from a direct-hire opportunity in a union environment that offers structured progression, clear work rules, and the potential for increased earnings after a successful probationary period. The workplace fosters a collaborative, team-focused atmosphere where safety is a core value and where employees support each other to succeed in a demanding but rewarding production setting.

Work Environment:

This position is based in a large industrial wire manufacturing facility producing galvanized, reinforcement, and specialty wire products for a wide range of applications. The environment includes high-heat areas near molten zinc kettles and chemical pots, and the air can be hazy due to the number of machines running continuously. Temperatures vary significantly, with hot conditions in the summer and cold conditions in the winter. Employees work around noise, fumes, moving machinery, and heavy materials and must remain aware of their surroundings at all times. Some lines operate on a 12-days-on/2-days-off schedule, while others run on five 10-hour days with weekend availability as needed. Training occurs on first shift, with eventual transition to third shift after the probationary period, and shifts may extend from 8 to 10 hours as production ramps up. The role requires standing, bending, lifting, and manual handling throughout the shift, as well as working at heights on large machinery. Safety is emphasized at all times, and employees are expected to follow all safety protocols and wear appropriate protective equipment as required by the facility.

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. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Oct 14, 2026.