2nd Shift Machine Operator I

Safco Products; Milford (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus $2,500

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company matching

Profit sharing

Flexible spending accounts

Life and disability insurance

Tuition assistance

Wellness resources

Job summary

Safco Products is seeking a skilled Machine Operator II for our Milford, IA plant on 2nd shift. You will set up and operate fabrication equipment, perform quality checks, and monitor production metrics. The role emphasizes teamwork, training peers, and maintaining safety and efficiency on the line.

The ideal candidate has 2–4 years in metal/wood fabrication, can read prints, and is comfortable with data entry and basic math. Overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years in metal/wood fabrication with machine experience
• Able to read a tape measure to 1/16"
• Reads prints and uses inspection equipment
• Proficient with data entry and general computing
• Able to perform basic math operations
• Willing to work overtime, weekends and holidays

Responsibilities

• Operate and set up machines per customer specs and job orders
• Perform first article and in-process quality checks
• Enter production metrics into the system to track progress
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and guide others as needed
• Train and mentor team members in skilled areas
• Maintain a clean, organized work area
• Follow safety procedures and plant policies
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Production experience

Tape measure reading

Print reading

Data entry

Mathematical skills

Overtime availability

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

JDE/Oracle

Job description

Description

$2,500 Sign-On Bonus Available!

For offers extended on or after July 1, 2026.

Earn $1,000 after 90 days and $1,500 after 180 days of successful employment.

Are you an experienced machine operator looking for a stable career with a growing company?

As Machine Operator II with Safco Products, you will utilize high-quality standards and solid machining techniques to ensure proper fabrication of our parts for the final product. In this role, you will be expected to operate and set up machines according to job specifications, perform quality checks and communicate issues. Your experience and background will allow you to troubleshoot and train and guide others within your skilled areas.

This full-time position reports to the designated Production Supervisor and is located at Safco's manufacturing plant in Milford, IA. As part of our newly established 2nd Shift operation, you'll have the opportunity to join a growing team and help support increased production demand while contributing to the success of a new shift.

2nd Shift Hours: Monday - Thursday 3:30pm - 1:30am. Overtime may be required on Fridays based on business needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate machine by setting up orders according to customer specifications, following order readiness process of efficiently preparing the right tools to complete the job. Fabrication equipment could include: (eg: brake presses, laser, coil presses, panel bender, CNC machines, saws, routers, etc.).
• Perform quality checks by inspecting a first article, and articles throughout the order to identify errors, ensuring quality product along with monitoring equipment and raw materials.
• Enter production metrics into a computer electronic system to accurately track progress of production rates, quality, maintenance, and downtime.
• Proactively communicate issues with equipment to appropriate leaders, trouble shoot issues, and problem solve individually and as a team to maximize overall equipment efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Train and guide others within their skilled areas.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Follow plant safety processes and procedures outlined for the machine center.
• Other duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• High School diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited institution.
• 2-4 years of experience within a Metal/Wood Fabrication environment with machine experience.
• Previous experience with reading a tape measure to within 1/16\" measurement.
• Must be able to read prints and use inspection equipment/measuring devices.
• Previous experience with computer using skills such as typing, printing, and data entry.
• Previous experience applying math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Previous experience reading and completing detailed work instructions.
• Must be available to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Prior work experience with JDE/Oracle in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Experience in a high variety, low to mid-volume manufacturing environment a plus.
• Experience with operational excellence or continuous improvement programs - Lean 6 Sigma, Kaizen Events

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The starting pay rate for this position is $23.50per hour plus hourly shift differential pay of $3.00 per hour.The compensation posted is the anticipated pay for the position at the time of the posting. We may pay above or below posted amount based on several factors, including, but not limited to education and/or certifications, skills, experience, or work location.Some positions may qualify for additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

At LDI, we are pleased to provide employees with a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance options; paid time off; 10 paid holidays; 401(k) plus company matching and annual discretionary profit sharing; flexible spending and health savings account options; life and disability insurance; tuition assistance; wellness and mental health resources, and financial advising services.Eligibility in benefit programs is based on hours worked per week.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to lift up-to 50 pounds
• Must be able to work in hot, humid, and cold manufacturing environment
• Must be able to work in crowded spaces for 6+ hours per shift
• Must be able to bend and stoop for 9+ hours per shift
• Must be able to stand for 8+ hours per shift
• Must be able to walk for 8+ hours per shift
• Must be able to reach and grasp up to 8+ hours per shift

about our company:

Comprised of multiple companies with headquarters in New Hope, Minnesota,Liberty Diversified International (LDI)is a privately held company employing more than 1,900 individuals across our manufacturing facilities, production facilities and core business operations in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Mississippi, Texas, Arizona, California, and Mexico. With deep roots in the corrugated box manufacturing industry, we operate in the core markets of paper, packaging, workplace products, corrugated plastics and building products.

Since 1918, our values - Caring, Innovation, Trust and Excellence - have guided our day-to-day activities. We believe that when our employees are aligned with these values, we create superior solutions and service for our customers. The LDI family of companies includesLiberty Packaging, Liberty Paper, Liberty Plastics (Custom SolutionsandQuarrix Building Products) and Safco.

Liberty Diversified International is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability, or any other protected class.