Metal Forming & Ring Press Operator

Thompson Pipe Group; Sale Creek (TN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision

401(k) match

Paid holidays

Training & development

Employee discounts

Real career opportunity

Job summary

Thompson Pipe Group in Bakewell, TN is seeking a Machine Operator to support precision steel ring production. You will clock in at 6:00 a.m., run a 10‑hour day (Mon–Thu), set up the ring press, and operate the overhead crane while moving materials along the line.

Ideal candidates have forklift certification, the ability to pass crane training, basic mechanical skills, and a safety‑first mindset. Expect occasional overtime and lifting up to 75 lbs.

Qualifications

• Must pass forklift safety course.
• Must demonstrate safe operation of overhead crane.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort with industrial machinery.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate ring presses and tooling to meet size/thickness specs.
• Cut, weld prep, and dress components as required.
• Load/unload production line; move materials with forklift.
• Perform pre-operation inspections and monitor equipment for issues.
• Maintain organized, damage‑free station and assist with minor repairs/changeovers.

Skills

Forklift operation

Overhead crane operation

Machine operation

Mechanical aptitude

Safety‑first mindset

Job description

Make Precision Steel Rings That Power North America’s Infrastructure

Job Type: Full-time | Pay: $17.00+ DOE | Shift: 1st, Monday–Thursday, 6:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

A Day in the Life

You clock in at 6:00 a.m., review the day’s build plan from your supervisor, and set up the ring press for the first run—changing tooling and dialing in settings for size and thickness. You’ll be the primary overhead crane operator for the steel liner area, moving material safely and precisely. Throughout the day you:

• Cut/shear metal to spec, tack strips with a welder, and roll them to true roundness.
• Operate grinders to dress welds and run the flash welder and trimmer.
• Use presses to expand or contract rings to exact tolerances, checking measurements and making machine adjustments.
• Load and unload the production line, move products via forklift, and complete pre-operation inspections.
• Keep your station organized and damage‑free while performing minor repairs or changeovers as needed.

What You Bring

• Safety-first mindset; respectful, dependable, and trustworthy.
• Ability to pass a forklift safety course and demonstrate safe operation.
• Ability to pass practical and written overhead crane training.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and familiarity with industrial machinery.
• Flexibility for non-standard hours, with strong housekeeping and problem‑solving skills.
• Comfort lifting and moving up to 75 lbs.

Experience (Preferred)

• 2+ years as a Machine Operator
• 2+ years in Manufacturing
• 2+ years operating a Forklift

Schedule

• 10-hour, Day shift
• Monday to Thursday
• Overtime and weekend availability as needed
• Day Shift availability

About Thompson Pipe Group

Thompson Pipe Group is a privately held, family‑run team of engineers, contractors, and manufacturers headquartered in Rialto, California. We’ve grown from modest beginnings into one of North America’s most comprehensive providers of drainage, sanitary, pressure, and trenchless pipe solutions, with multiple manufacturing locations across the U.S. Learn more at www.thompsonpipegroup.com.

Benefits

• Top-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Life and Supplemental Life insurance
• Company‑matched 401(k)
• Paid Holidays
• Fun events and a supportive team culture
• Training and Development
• Employee Discounts
• Real Career Opportunity

Location

Work Location: 550 Industrial Blvd., Bakewell, TN 37304

EOE/AA – M/F/Vet/Disability