Mill Set Up Operator

Zekelman Industries; Plymouth (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus Plan

Profit‑Sharing Opportunities

401(k) with Company Match

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

Tuition Assistance Program

Paid Vacation & Holidays

Employee Loyalty Awards

Career Growth Opportunities

Job summary

Zekelman Industries in Plymouth, MI is seeking a motivated Machine Operator to set up and run high-speed production equipment with robotic elements for precise steel fabrication. You will report to the Plant Manager and help ensure safe, efficient, high-quality output while maximizing equipment performance and minimizing downtime.

The role is ideal for hands-on manufacturing enthusiasts with strong mechanical aptitude, thriving in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Manufacturing/industrial experience preferred.
• Ability to read/write English and maintain production records.
• Familiarity with measurement tools and basic math.

Responsibilities

• Observe all safety procedures and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) requirements while operating equipment.
• Perform advanced setup and calibration of production equipment to meet quality and production specifications.
• Inspect materials for quality issues before, during, and after production.
• Record and report quality deficiencies to the Supervisor and/or Quality Department.
• Maintain equipment tooling and tools required for production.
• Troubleshoot equipment and quality issues while minimizing scrap and production delays.
• Perform housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Complete production reports, changeover documentation, and scrap reports accurately.
• Assist the Maintenance team with equipment repairs and preventive maintenance activities.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Lead and promote safe work practices in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.
• Maintain regular, full-time, predictable onsite attendance.

Skills

English literacy

Math skills

Measuring devices use

Forklift operation

Mechanical troubleshooting

Detail oriented

Communication

Teamwork

Safety mindset

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Tape measures

Micrometers

Calipers

Forklifts

Job description

You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday.
Zekelman is a family of companies — 100% domestic manufacturers — with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.
We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.
Come build a career you believe in.

About The Role

As a Machine Operator, you will play a key role in setting up and operating high-speed production equipment with robotic elements to form or cut steel to precise dimensions and specifications. Reporting to the Plant Manager, you will help ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production while maximizing equipment performance and minimizing downtime.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands‑on manufacturing, has strong mechanical aptitude, and thrives in a fast‑paced industrial environment.

What You'll Do

• Observe all safety procedures and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) requirements while operating equipment.
• Perform advanced setup and calibration of production equipment to meet quality and production specifications.
• Inspect materials for quality issues before, during, and after production.
• Record and report quality deficiencies to the Supervisor and/or Quality Department.
• Maintain equipment tooling and tools required for production.
• Troubleshoot equipment and quality issues while minimizing scrap and production delays.
• Perform housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Complete production reports, changeover documentation, and scrap reports accurately.
• Assist the Maintenance team with equipment repairs and preventive maintenance activities.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Lead and promote safe work practices in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.
• Maintain regular, full-time, predictable onsite attendance.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Manufacturing or related industrial experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Ability to read and write English and maintain accurate production records and logs.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, decimals, and fractions.
• Experience using measuring devices such as tape measures, micrometers, and calipers.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts, cranes, and other production equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot production issues.
• Detail‑oriented with the ability to work independently.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement.

Physical Abilities

• Ability to move objects and use abdominal and lower back muscles throughout the shift without fatigue.
• Constant movement requiring manual dexterity, coordination, and stamina.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, climb, bend, stoop, push, and pull throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to stand for 10–12 hours per shift.
• Ability to perform work in a manufacturing and industrial environment.
• Ability to meet additional physical requirements as needed for the position.

What You'll Get

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low‑cost, high‑quality medical and dental coverage. Additional benefits include:

• Competitive Compensation
• Bonus Plan & Profit‑Sharing Opportunities
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• Employee Loyalty Awards
• Career Growth Opportunities

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low‑cost, high‑quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.

M/F/D/V

We are Zekelman Industries.

We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers.

We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.