Machine Operator

Machine Operator

This role operates large industrial machinery to draw, coil, and produce a variety of wire and wire products in a high-heat, safety-sensitive manufacturing environment. You will train on an initial shift and then transition to a designated shift after a probationary period, working closely with teammates, supervisors, and maintenance staff to keep production running efficiently and safely. The position requires comfort working around heights, molten zinc kettles, chemicals, and continuously running equipment, as well as a strong commitment to teamwork, safety, and reliable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Operate machinery to draw, coil, and produce various types of wire and wire products according to production requirements.
• Monitor machine performance and product quality, making adjustments as needed to maintain specifications and throughput.
• Work closely with co-workers, supervisors, and maintenance personnel to troubleshoot and resolve issues with machines or materials.
• Read, understand, and follow the production schedule to meet daily and weekly output targets.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to support safe and efficient operations.
• Follow all safety regulations, procedures, and lockout/tagout practices in a high-safety-sensitive environment.
• Move between different machines and production lines as needed to support plant operations.
• Handle heavy materials and components safely, including lifting, bending, and manual handling throughout the shift.
• Remain aware of surroundings at all times due to exposure to heat, chemicals, moving machinery, and other industrial hazards.
• Collaborate closely with team members, contributing to a cooperative, team-focused work environment rather than working independently.

Essential Skills

• Experience in general labor or general production within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Previous machine operation experience, preferably with large or complex industrial equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn and understand how machinery and production lines operate.
• Strong safety orientation and the ability to consistently follow safety procedures in a high-safety-sensitive environment.
• Reliable attendance, with a positive reference from a previous manager specifically regarding attendance.
• Tenure of 23 years minimum in the most recent job, demonstrating stability and commitment.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and preference for collaborative work rather than independent work.
• Comfort working at heights and the ability to perform tasks on or around large machines and elevated areas.
• No sensitivity to heat and the ability to work near molten zinc kettles and in a high-heat environment.
• Ability to work in conditions with noise, fumes, moving machinery, and heavy materials.
• Physical ability to stand, bend, lift, and perform manual handling tasks for the duration of the shift.
• Willingness and ability to work different shifts, including training on 1st shift and transitioning to 3rd shift after the probationary period.
• Flexibility to work overtime beyond 8 hours per day in accordance with union contract requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in wire manufacturing, metal processing, or galvanizing operations.
• Experience working in unionized manufacturing environments.
• Comfort working with large-scale galvanizing or similar high-temperature industrial processes.
• Ability to adapt to rotating or extended schedules, including 12-days-on/2-days-off patterns and weekend availability when needed.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with co-workers, supervisors, and maintenance staff.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a clean and orderly work area in a heavy industrial setting.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a long-established, stable manufacturing organization with nearly a century of industry presence and a strong union environment. The company offers a direct-hire opportunity, providing job security, structured progression, and a clear path for wage increases after the probationary period. Team members experience a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere where collaboration, safety, and mutual respect are core values, and where hard work, reliability, and tenure are recognized and appreciated.

Work Environment

The facility is a large wire manufacturing operation producing galvanized, reinforcement, and specialty wire used in agriculture, construction, transportation, communications, and industrial applications. The environment includes high-heat areas near molten zinc kettles and chemical pots, with large machines that require comfort with heights and continuous movement. The air can be hazy due to multiple machines running, and temperatures vary significantly, being hot in the summer and cold in the winter. This is a high-safety-sensitive workplace with exposure to noise, fumes, moving machinery, and heavy materials, requiring constant situational awareness. Schedules may include MondayFriday work with optional weekend shifts that can become mandatory, as well as 12-days-on/2-days-off patterns. Shifts commonly run 8 hours initially and can extend to 10 hours or more, with typical shift options such as 1st shift (7:00am3:30pm), 2nd shift (3:00pm11:30pm), and 3rd shift (11:00pm7:30am). The culture emphasizes strict adherence to safety protocols, teamwork, and consistent attendance, with union guidelines governing overtime and scheduling.

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 Aug 7, 2026.