Machine Operator

Insteel Industries; Mount Airy (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base pay

Bonus eligibility

Paid time off including holidays

Extensive benefits package

Job summary

Insteel Industries, based in Mount Airy, NC, is seeking a Machine Operator to operate designated machinery and perform quality checks in a heavy manufacturing setting. The role requires reading work orders, following safety procedures, and assisting with equipment maintenance as needed.

Candidates should be able to lift and move materials, work with hand tools, and adapt to shift rotations, including potential overtime or weekend hours.

Qualifications

• Experience operating manufacturing or production machinery
• Ability to follow safety procedures and OSHA guidelines
• Ability to read and follow work orders, production instructions, and safety manuals
• Basic mechanical and troubleshooting skills
• Experience using hand tools and measuring equipment
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks for extended periods
• Ability to lift, move, and handle materials safely
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Dependable attendance and punctuality
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to meet production goals and deadlines
• Experience maintaining a clean and organized work area
• Willingness to work different shifts, overtime, or weekends when required

Responsibilities

• Operate designated machinery to facility standards and production specifications
• Perform necessary operator quality checks according to ASTM standards
• Conduct equipment inspections for proper operation and mechanical integrity
• Assist in the repair and maintenance of machines and facilities as required
• Use computer systems to track and document daily production activity
• Assist other operators as needed
• Practice safe work habits to reduce risk to as low as reasonably achievable, including PPE adherence
• Work effectively within a team environment

Skills

Manufacturing machinery operation

Safety procedures

Reading work orders

Mechanical troubleshooting

Hand tools usage

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Measuring equipment

Job description

Machine Operator

Position Snapshot

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 eventually operate various machines and learn processes related to manufacturing steel wire products.

Shift Availability

• Day Shift : 2-2-3-rotation 7am - 7pm
  • One week work Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and following week work Wednesday, Thursday.
• Night Shift
  • One week will work Monday - Thursday, 7pm to 7am and following week will work Monday - Wednesday, 7pm - 7am.
  • Will be training on a day shift 2-2-3-rotation from 7am - 7pm
• Weekend Night Shift
  • Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from 7pmto 7am
    • Will work 36 hours, but be paid for 40 hours as long as all scheduled hours are worked
  • Will be training on 2-2-3-day shift rotations from 7am - 7pm

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

An individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.

• Operate designated machinery to facility standards and production specifications
• Perform necessary operator quality checks according to ASTM standards
• Conduct equipment inspections for proper operation and mechanical integrity
• Assist in the repair and maintenance of machines and facilities as required
• Use computer systems to track and document daily production activity
• Assist other operators as needed
• Practice safe work habits to reduce risk to as low as reasonably achievable. Including adhering to strict PPE guidelines and learning safety standards for the facility and equipment.
• Work effectively within a team environment

Supervisory Requirements

None.

Professional Qualifications

• Experience operating manufacturing or production machinery
• Ability to follow safety procedures and OSHA guidelines
• Ability to read and follow work orders, production instructions, and safety manuals
• Basic mechanical and troubleshooting skills
• Experience using hand tools and measuring equipment
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks for extended periods
• Ability to lift, move, and handle materials safely
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Dependable attendance and punctuality
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to meet production goals and deadlines
• Experience maintaining a clean and organized work area
• Willingness to work different shifts, overtime, or weekends when required

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Ability to complete simple forms and understand simple written instructions
• Knows and understands basic mechanical processes and equipment function principles.
• Understands basic mathematical principles and has the ability to perform simple arithmetic skills involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals

Physical Demands

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The physical demands in a heavy manufacturing environment are significantly more strenuous and require a high level of physical fitness and stamina. Workers are frequently required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and lift or carry heavy materials—often over 50 pounds—throughout their shift. Tasks may 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 an industrial setting.

Work Environment

The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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
• Bonus eligibility based on organizational performance.
• 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.

Fraud Prevention Notice:

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].