Machine Operator

Southeast Culvert; Winder (GA); On-site; USD 22,041 - 33,062; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Culvert, Inc. is seeking a Machine Operator – Plastic to support end-to-end plastic pipe production processes at our Georgia site.

You will lead downstream activities, perform quality checks, and assist with equipment maintenance and changeovers to ensure smooth production. Qualified candidates will have forklift certification, familiarity with shop drawings, and a commitment to teamwork and safety.

Qualifications

• Experience in plastic pipe production environment preferred.
• Ability to perform quality checks and identify defects.
• Ability to read and interpret shop drawings and BOMs.
• Willingness to train others and cross-train on downstream duties.

Responsibilities

• Lead the downstream production process (cutting, gasketing, haul off).
• Proactively engage operator and maintenance teams for planned and reactive maintenance.
• Support timely changeovers for all diameters with minimal downtime.
• Perform quality control monitoring and document results.
• Maintain and inspect forklifts and production equipment.
• Fill out paperwork and perform basic quality checks.

Skills

Forklift certification

Quality control monitoring

Reading shop drawings

Machinery maintenance basics

Team assistance/teammate support

Tools

Forklift

Job description

At Southeast Culvert Inc., we desire to operate on the biblical principle of being intentional about doing Good. Our success is grounded in doing Good for our customers, employees, suppliers, and to the company itself by striving to live out our core values.Southeast Culvert, Inc., was founded on the promise to provide a quality drainage product at a reasonable price, when and where needed. This remains the core principle of how we run the business. Since it was established in 1981, Southeast Culvert, Inc., set out to be the company of choice when it comes to storm drainage product supplies. Our dedication to our customers and our quality of service has made Southeast Culvert, Inc., the largest single site capacity culvert plant in the United States. We offer stormwater solutions for all needs. At Southeast Culvert, Inc., we strive to have a positive impact, not just with our employees and customers but with the surrounding community. We are active members of many organizations including PPI, NCSPA and ASCE. In 2025, Southeast Culvert Inc., was selected as mid sized Engineering Employer of the Month. We make contributions to many charitable organizations including schools, fire departments, churches and the Shriners Children Hospitals. Our mission at Southeast Culvert, Inc., is to build lasting relationships to better serve our customers and our community.Role Title: Machine Operator – PlasticMISSION:To support the end to end plastic pipe production process of all sizes and industry specifications that meets all quality standards in a timely and efficient manner.Roles / Objectives:Lead the downstream production process (cutting, gasketing, & haul off)Proactively engage the operator and maintenance team for planned and reactive maintenance of production equipmentSupport timely changeover of all diameters of pipe with minimal downtime, supporting the operator to diagnose root cause issuesPerform quality control monitoringDevelop working knowledge of operator responsibilities and machine performance to support the production processMaintain facility housekeepingCertified in the performance of all non operator functionsCompetencies:Takes quick action to help teammatesAbility to learn and master downstream activities and proceduresAbility to cross train new downstream personnelBe able to operate a forkliftMaintain and inspect forklifts for proper working conditionsAbility to learn and master machinery and basic maintenance needsAbility to gain a good understanding and measurement of industry materials and specsAbility to learn to read and use shop drawingsAn enjoyment of working with machinery and toolsEnjoyment of helping others and building trusting relationshipsFamiliarity with and ability to use bill of material productsProactive in surfacing problems and supporting resolutionAbility and willingness to document production processes & proceduresPractice good housekeeping procedures across plantLevel I Expectations:Ability to perform all downstream duties (clean cuts, ream in and out, gasket, wrap, tape, number, date, and sign)Knowledge of quality defectsForklift certificationAbility to identify quality defects such as blowouts, delamination, and other common visual issuesFill out paperwork, perform Mic and carbon burnPerform emergency stop and clean stop on all 4 linesPerform basic quality checksTake care of scrap and change out regrind boxesLoad color into siloLevel II Expectations:Proficient in all Level I dutiesStart and stop all 4 linesKnowledge of advanced quality issuesStart and stop grinderAble to perform entire rail car pumping process and scrap pumping processGeneral knowledge of material feed system and ability to handle alarmsAbility to identify and troubleshoot advanced quality issues such as bow adjustments, out of spec wall thicknesses, and inner wall issues like drag lines and orange peelAbility to perform mold block removal and installation / downstream changeoverAbility to operate big lift truck and haul off and stack pipeAble to train new employees on Level I dutiesLoad and unload trucks using the ramp for gasket and color ordersReplenish production lines downstream with materials from the warehouseManage warehouse inventoryLevel III Expectations:Proficient at all Level 2 dutiesAbility to troubleshoot and document minor extruder process issuesAbility to troubleshoot and document minor process program issuesAdvanced knowledge of the material feed systemAble to fix minor mechanical issuesAbility to perform quality lab testing processesAbility to train on all production processes