Machine Operator (1657)

Southeast Culvert, Inc.; Winder, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Culvert, Inc. in Winder, GA is seeking an entry-level Machine Operator - Plastic to support end-to-end plastic pipe production. The role focuses on downstream operations, quality checks, and adhering to production schedules.

You will work with the maintenance team on planned and reactive tasks, learn to read shop drawings, operate forklifts, and documentation of processes to ensure safe, efficient manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read and interpret shop drawings.
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain.
• Ability to learn downstream production duties.
• Strong teamwork and proactive problem solving.
• Attention to safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead downstream production processes including cutting and gasketing.
• Coordinate with maintenance for planned and reactive maintenance.
• Ensure timely changeovers with minimal downtime.
• Perform quality control monitoring.
• Document production processes and procedures.
• Meet Level I expectations: operate lines, perform quality checks, forklift duties.
• Advance to Level II: manage multiple lines and troubleshoot basic quality issues.
• Aim for Level III: master process controls and document procedures.

Skills

Teamwork

Forklift

Shop drawings

Machinery maintenance

Quality awareness

Problem solving

Safety conscious

Tools

Forklift

Job description

Job Details

Level: Entry

Job Location: SEC - GA - Winder, GA 30680

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: None

Job Shift: Day Shift

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 - Plastic

MISSION

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 equipment
• Support timely changeover of all diameters of pipe with minimal downtime, supporting the operator to diagnose root cause issues
• Perform quality control monitoring
• Develop working knowledge of operator responsibilities and machine performance to support the production process
• Maintain facility housekeeping
• Certified in the performance of all non operator functions

Qualifications Competencies

• Takes quick action to help teammates
• Ability to learn and master downstream activities and procedures
• Ability to cross train new downstream personnel
• Be able to operate a forklift
• Maintain and inspect forklifts for proper working conditions
• Ability to learn and master machinery and basic maintenance needs
• Ability to gain a good understanding and measurement of industry materials and specs
• Ability to learn to read and use shop drawings
• An enjoyment of working with machinery and tools
• Enjoyment of helping others and building trusting relationships
• Familiarity with and ability to use bill of material products
• Proactive in surfacing problems and supporting resolution
• Ability and willingness to document production processes & procedures
• Practice good housekeeping procedures across plant

Level I Expectations

• Ability to perform all downstream duties (clean cuts, ream in and out, gasket, wrap, tape, number, date, and sign)
• Knowledge of quality defects
• Forklift certification
• Ability to identify quality defects such as blowouts, delamination, and other common visual issues
• Fill out paperwork, perform Mic and carbon burn
• Perform emergency stop and clean stop on all 4 lines
• Perform basic quality checks
• Take care of scrap and change out regrind boxes
• Load color into silo

Level II Expectations

• Proficient in all Level I duties
• Start and stop all 4 lines
• Knowledge of advanced quality issues
• Start and stop grinder
• Able to perform entire rail car pumping process and scrap pumping process
• General knowledge of material feed system and ability to handle alarms
• Ability 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 peel
• Ability to perform mold block removal and installation / downstream changeover
• Ability to operate big lift truck and haul off and stack pipe
• Able to train new employees on Level I duties
• Load and unload trucks using the ramp for gasket and color orders
• Replenish production lines downstream with materials from the warehouse
• Manage warehouse inventory

Level III Expectations

• Proficient at all Level 2 duties
• Ability to troubleshoot and document minor extruder process issues
• Ability to troubleshoot and document minor process program issues
• Advanced knowledge of the material feed system
• Able to fix minor mechanical issues
• Ability to perform quality lab testing processes
• Ability to train on all production processes