Machine Operator

Sunward Steel Buildings; North Dakota; On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life & AD&D

Long-Term Disability

401(k) Retirement Program

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Sunward Steel Buildings in Jamestown, ND is seeking a skilled Machine Operator to set up and run fabrication equipment that produces custom steel components. You will calibrate presses, roll formers, shears and punches, ensuring products meet exact specifications and tolerances.

This role requires 1+ years of manufacturing experience, the ability to read blueprints, and familiarity with calipers and tape measures.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience setting up and operating machinery in manufacturing or fabrication environments.
• Ability to read and interpret shop drawings, blueprints, and work orders.
• Working knowledge of measuring tools such as tape measures, calipers, and squares.
• Mechanically inclined with a systematic approach to troubleshooting and machine operation.
• Press brake, roll former, shear, or punch experience is a strong plus; forklift certification or steel fabrication background is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set up, install, and calibrate manufacturing equipment at the start of each run per job orders and specs.
• Operate press brakes, roll formers, shears, punches to produce components within tolerances.
• Monitor machine performance and adjust settings to maintain quality and output.
• Perform changeovers between production runs to minimize downtime.
• Conduct first-article and in-process quality checks with measurement tools.
• Identify and isolate non-conforming parts and report defects to supervision.
• Perform routine operator maintenance including cleaning and lubrication.
• Support production floor to meet customer deadlines; overtime as needed.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Measuring tools

Troubleshooting

Machinery operation

Team player

Tools

Press brakes

Roll formers

Shears

Punches

Job description

Job Description

Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates. Eligible relocation expenses may be reimbursed in accordance with company policy and applicable funding guidelines.

The Opportunity

We are hiring a Machine Operator to join our Jamestown manufacturing team. You will set up, calibrate, and run the fabrication machinery that produces custom steel building components - press brakes, roll formers, shears, punches, and similar equipment. This is a hands-on role where your precision and consistency directly impact product quality and on-time delivery. If you are mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, and take ownership of your machine and your output, this is built for you.

Starting pay is based on your experience - operators with press brake, roll former, or structural fabrication backgrounds can expect placement well above the entry rate.

What You Will Do

• Set up, install, and calibrate manufacturing equipment at the start of each run following job orders and technical specifications
• Operate press brakes, roll formers, shears, punches, or similar fabrication equipment to produce steel components to required dimensions and tolerances
• Monitor machine performance continuously, adjusting settings to maintain output quality and prevent defects
• Perform changeovers between production runs efficiently to minimize downtime
• Conduct first-article and in-process quality checks using tape measures, calipers, and other measuring instruments
• Identify and isolate non-conforming parts; document and report defects to the supervisor
• Perform routine operator-level maintenance including cleaning, lubrication, and minor adjustments
• Support the production floor as needed to help meet customer deadlines - overtime as needed during peak periods

What We Are Looking For

• 1+ years of experience setting up and operating machinery in a manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial environment
• Ability to read and interpret shop drawings, blueprints, work orders, and basic technical documentation
• Working knowledge of standard measuring tools including tape measures, calipers, and squares
• Mechanically inclined with a systematic approach to troubleshooting and machine operation
• Press brake, roll former, shear, or punch experience is a strong plus - as is forklift certification or steel/fabrication industry background

Why Work at Sunward Steel Buildings

Sunward Steel Buildings has been a trusted name in pre-engineered metal buildings for decades, and that reputation is built on the people behind it. As a family-owned company, we operate with a long-term mindset not only for our customers but for the team members who make it all possible.

You’ll find a culture grounded in trust, accountability, and genuine care for the people who show up every day. Whether you work on the shop floor or in the office, your contributions matter here, and your voice is heard.

We are proud to offer stable, full-time employment and a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our commitment to taking care of our team. Sunward covers between 72%-82% of benefit premiums depending on your coverage tier, so quality coverage stays accessible for you and your family.

Benefits Include:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Group Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) Retirement Program
• Voluntary Supplemental Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) - 128 hours annually
• Eight (8) Paid Holidays per year

Career Growth

Machine Operators who demonstrate strong production performance, quality consciousness, and reliability have a clear path toward various roles as Sunward grows. We invest in our manufacturing team and promote from within.

Sunward Steel Buildings is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screening. Must be authorized to work in the United States.