Machine Operator

Insteel Industries, Inc; Hickman (KY); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Paid time off

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) with match

Job summary

Insteel Industries, Inc. is seeking a hands-on machine operator for our industrial manufacturing facility. You will learn to operate and troubleshoot equipment, work across two shifts, and contribute to the production of steel wire reinforcing products.

The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and accurate documentation, with on-the-job training for forklift certification and potential for overtime. High school diploma or equivalent required; manufacturing experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Manufacturing experience is a preferred but not required.
• Forklift experience preferred, but will provide certification training
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Ability to complete simple forms and understand simple written instructions
• Ability to perform simple arithmetic skills involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals
• An equivalent combination of education and work-related experience may be acceptable

Responsibilities

• Operate and learn multiple machines in a steel wire products plant.
• Practice safe work habits individually and with co-workers.
• Work effectively in a team environment.
• Adhere to PPE guidelines.
• Know basic measurement concepts (length, diameter, weights, counts).
• Document production information on tally sheets and basic computer entries.
• Assist in repair and maintenance of machines and facilities as needed.
• Understand basic mechanical processes and equipment function principles.
• Assist other operators and areas as needed.

Skills

Safety minded

Teamwork

Mechanical aptitude

Basic math skills

Attention to detail

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

Position Snapshot

We are a seeking a highly motivated, safety-minded individual who wants to work as a machine operator in an industrial manufacturing setting that operates two production shifts - 1st shift (4:45AM-3:00PM) and 2nd shift (2:45PM-1:00AM). If you enjoy being hands-on with machinery and utilizing your mechanical interests and skills in a manufacturing environment and being a part of a team, then this position is for you.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

A machine operator is commonly expected to know how his/her equipment operates and be able to identify and repair simple mechanical problems like stalls or jams. Workers hired into this position will be trained to operate various machines and learn processes related to manufacturing steel wire products. Mechanical and analytical skills are required for this job. To be successful in this role you will:

• Practice safe work habits as an individual and with co‑workers
• Work effectively in a team environment
• Adhere to guidelines related to PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Know safety equipment and be aware of machine safety procedures
• Know and understand basic mechanical processes and equipment function principles
• Conduct equipment inspections for proper operation and mechanical integrity
• Assist in the repair and maintenance of machines and facilities as required
• Document production information on tally sheets and make basic production entries into a computer
• Must understand basic mathematical principles and know measurement processes such as length, diameter, weights, and counts
• Assume duties of other operators as required and assist in other areas of the facility as needed
• 1st Shift operates 4:45AM-3PM and 2nd Shift operates 2:45PM-1AM, Monday thru Thursday with Friday reserved for scheduled overtime

Experience and Education

• Manufacturing experience is a preferred but not required
• Forklift experience preferred, but will provide certification training
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Ability to complete simple forms and understand simple written instructions
• Ability to perform simple arithmetic skills involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals
• An equivalent combination of education and work‑related experience may be acceptable

Physical Demands

Workers are frequently required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and lift or carry heavy materials—often over 50 pounds—throughout their shift. Tasks will involve operating or working near heavy machinery, using hand and power tools, and performing repetitive motions. Employees must also be able to tolerate exposure to heat, cold, loud noise, and other environmental factors such as dust, vibration, and slippery surfaces. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, and physical agility, coordination, and situational awareness are critical to performing job duties safely and effectively in our industrial setting.

Work Environment

The work environment for this position is an industrial manufacturing plant, with employees regularly exposed to physical and environmental challenges. Workers are continuously (70–100% of the time) around moving and potentially dangerous machinery and are subject to loud noise levels that require hearing protection. Frequently (30–70% of the time), they may encounter heat from both weather and industrial processes, as well as cold weather conditions. Occasionally (up to 30% of the time), the environment may include wet or humid conditions, slippery floors or ramps, vibration from equipment, exposure to outside weather, dust, electrical shock hazards, and contact with oil, grease, or solvents. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety protocols are essential in maintaining a safe and productive workspace in this industrial setting.

For your hard work, you receive:

• Competitive base pay starting at $16-18.50/hr depending on experience with increases awarded based on skill mastery
• Bonus eligibility based on organizational performance, safety, and attendance
• Paid time off including holidays and vacation
• Excellent benefits to include medical, dental, vision, company paid life/short‑term disability/long‑term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings account (HSA), 401(k) with match, company paid tele‑health, stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement assistance, and Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

These duties may be modified or changed at any time at the sole discretion of management either orally or in writing. The above statements are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

INSTEEL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to consider applicants residing in locations outside the US requiring Visa sponsorship at this time.

About the Company

Insteel Industries is the nation’s largest manufacturer of steel wire reinforcing products for concrete construction, including prestressed concrete strand and welded wire reinforcement such as engineered structural mesh and concrete pipe reinforcement. Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Mount Airy, NC, Insteel operates 11 manufacturing plants across the U.S. and has a dedicated engineering services division. As a publicly traded company, our goal is to be the supplier of choice by delivering superior value to our customers. Learn more at insteel.com/careers.

Please note that Insteel Industries will never ask applicants to purchase equipment, send money, or provide payment information at any point in the hiring process. We may request certain personal information only after an official offer has been extended and the background check and drug screen have been successfully completed. If you receive a request for sensitive information or payment before these steps, it is not from our company. To protect yourself, please report any suspicious activity to our HR team by calling us at [phone].