Line Operator - Metal Finishing

Pioneer Metal Finishing; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Next-Day Pay

Quarterly Incentive Program

Paid company holidays

Shift Differentials for 2nd and 3rd</n

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness Program

On-the-Job Training

Employee Recognition and Rewards

Fun Recognition Events

Job summary

Pioneer Metal Finishing is a leading surface engineering company in North America, actively hiring a Manufacturing Line Operator on first shift. You will help manage chemical finishing baths, coordinate with the team, and ensure quality through precise process control.

This role is entry-level friendly, with opportunities for quarterly bonuses, same-day pay options, and advancement as you gain experience. Join a team-focused workplace that values safety and reliability.

Qualifications

• Entry-level candidates welcome; no prior manufacturing experience required.
• Experience with chemical processing or plating is a plus.
• Ability to read and understand work orders and safety instructions.

Responsibilities

• As a Line Operator, inspect loads prior to pickup for identification, tooling, security, heights, and depth location.
• Coordinate loads with Team Lead/Supervisor to utilize open tank time efficiently.
• Process aluminum parts between chemical finishing tanks according to precise specifications.
• Run multiple lines and maintain consistency across shifts through clear communication.
• Document run sheets with temperatures, voltages, and other process data.

Skills

Read work orders

Safety conscious

English communication

Teamwork

Strong work ethic

Tools

Rectifiers

Pumps

Cranes

Job description

Manufacturing Line Operator Opportunity - URGENT HIRING

Quarterly Bonus Incentive + Performance/Pay Review after 90 days + Same Day Pay

1st shift - 800 AM - 400 PM

Monday-Friday & Occasional Saturdays as needed*

Pioneer Metal Finishing is the leading surface engineering company in North America. For over 75 years, we’ve delivered consistent, quality metal finishing solutions for mission-critical applications. Our advanced surface modification technologies and scalable execution improve the performance of mission-critical products and enhance brand value for companies in the healthcare, aerospace, automotive, and industrial markets. We encourage you to learn more about opportunities with Pioneer Metal Finishing and join our team today!

The Line Operator coordinates the proper process baths and materials needed to produce the highest quality product for our customers. Works closely with Production Supervisor, Team Leads, Line Operators and Quality on coordinating priorities to maximize tank efficiency while meeting or exceeding required production schedules. Oversees process line activity to ensure highest quality end product. Responsible for training material handlers and new line operators. Position is safety sensitive.

As a Line Operator, you will

• Responsible for having the loads inspected prior to picking them up for identification, tooling, security, heights, and depth location.
• Coordinates all loads with Team Lead/Shift Supervisor to utilize all open tank time efficiently.
• Responsible for making sure there is a program prior to processing loads. If not, contact Team Lead/Supervisor immediately.
• Process raw aluminum parts / loads between chemical finishing tanks as assigned using precise specifications and proper communication between process techs, supervisors, leads, and other line operators.
• Ability to run multiple lines in facilities where that is applicable.
• Strives to produce consistency from load to load and shift to shift by means of communication and teamwork.
• Responsible for ensuring product is processed to the program and acceptable per the required standards/specification.
• Identifies and escalates issues with product in the raw state. Notify the supervisor of problems such as excessive oil, deep and blind holes, areas that may air pocket, corrosion, galvanic, etc. In addition, must be ablet o recommend process adjustments to meet end product specifications.
• Participates in tank maintenance activities.
• Rejects any loads that do not meet standard processing requirements.
• Monitors pH and solution levels in all tanks that require it. Monitor tanks and make adds as required by daily checklists and procedures. Advise lab if non-conforming tanks are found. Change tank filters when required.
• Displays good communication and ability to interact effectively with others.
• Responds to alarms and follows applicable protocol. Monitor proper functioning of waste treatment system if applicable.
• Understands how to operate standard equipment such as rectifiers, pumps, and cranes. Understands setup calibrations and basic trouble shooting for equipment including data tracks and controllers.
• Responsible for documenting and maintaining accurate information on run sheets such as correct temperatures, loads, voltages, etc.
• Provides proper shift handoff and strive to maintain consistency between shifts.
• Keeps all work areas and equipment clean, safe, and orderly.
• Responsible for cleaning the contact pads on the work bars and tanks to ensure full electrical contact through the loads.
• Responsible for immediately reporting any equipment problems to via designated procedure.
• Escalates any issues or ideas for tooling and improvement via facility pro
• Monitors pH and solution levels in all tanks that require it. Monitor tanks and make adds as required by daily checklists and procedures. Advise lab if non-conforming tanks are found. Change tank filters when required.
• Displays good communication and ability to interact effectively with others.
• Responds to alarms and follows applicable protocol. Monitor proper functioning of waste treatment system if applicable.
• Understands how to operate standard equipment such as rectifiers, pumps, and cranes. Understands setup calibrations and basic trouble shooting for equipment including data tracks and controllers.
• Responsible for documenting and maintaining accurate information on run sheets such as correct temperatures, loads, voltages, etc.
• Keeps all work areas and equipment clean, safe, and orderly.
• Responsible for cleaning the contact pads on the work bars and tanks to ensure full electrical contact through the loads.
• Responsible for immediately reporting any equipment problems to via designated procedure.

What to Expect on the Job

• Sharp parts, sharp tooling, heavy carts, occasional hot and cold temperature and humidity levels, heat from ovens, moderate noise levels, limited hand and air tool use, compressed air (must use hearing protection).
• Must be able to lift 30-50 lbs. unassisted.
• Must be able to differentiate between color variances.
• Potential splash exposure near process lines.
• Various chemicals used in process.

What we're Looking For

• Entry-level candidates welcome — no prior manufacturing experience required
• Prior experience working with chemical processing or plating experience (higher wage offered with this experience)
• Ability to read and understand work orders and safety instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively in English
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude

At Pioneer, safety is always our number one priority - you'll be provided with all the necessary personal protective equipment to keep you safe and healthy. We also offer reimbursement programs for things like safety shoes, prescription safety glasses, and educational opportunities!

We offer the following benefits to All Employees immediately upon hire

• Next-Day Pay Don’t wait for payday; access your daily pay the next day!
• Quarterly Incentive Program Paid based on hours worked and business results
• Paid company holidays
• Shift Differentials for 2nd and 3rd shift
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• On-the-Job Training and Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Recognition and Rewards Program
• Fun Recognition Events and more!

Full-Time Employees (30 + hours per week) may participate in the following benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (Eligibility begins on the 1stof the month, following your start date)
• Paid Time Off 80 Hours earned in your first year
• Access to Garner Incentive or a Health Savings Account up to $3,000 annually
• 401(k) plan with a company match of up to 2% of bi-weekly contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Company-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Additional benefits for employee purchase life insurance, critical illness, voluntary accident, and accidental death & dismemberment
• LiveHealth Online, virtual doctor visits