Production Set-Up & Operator

Soap Creek Resources; Harlan (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Soap Creek Resources is seeking a Production Set-Up & Operator to join our manufacturing team in Iowa. The role involves setting up and operating roll mills and a variety of bar-processing equipment, inspecting materials, and supporting continuous improvement in setup times and overall quality.

You will read blueprints and work orders to complete tasks, troubleshoot pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical systems, and help maintain 5S standards on the shop floor while contributing to safe,

Qualifications

• Set up, operate, and maintain roll mills and bar-processing equipment.
• Read blueprints and work orders to complete production tasks.
• Inspect materials and finished products for quality.
• Troubleshoot pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical systems.
• Maintain 5S cleanliness and safety in the work area.
• Assist with setup improvements to reduce changeover times.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain roll mills, including standard bar and cap roll mills, C-track and cluster bar roll mills, and other bar-processing equipment.
• Set up and operate processing machines, bar-curving equipment, wire-cutting equipment, packaging machines, punch presses, and cutoff dies.
• Process standard bar products, cut materials to length, curve various bar profiles, and handle special orders.
• Operate punch presses, drill presses, milling machines, saws, sanders, wire strippers, wire cutters, and other production equipment and hand tools.
• Understand and troubleshoot pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical systems with minimal supervision.
• Complete, schedule, and recommend preventive maintenance for equipment in the assigned production area.

Skills

Machinery operation

Blueprint reading

Problem solving

Quality inspection

Safety compliance

5S/lean

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklifts

Overhead cranes

Power tools

Job description

Join a manufacturing team where hands-on problem-solving, precision, and continuous improvement are essential to success. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with production machinery, setting up equipment, troubleshooting mechanical systems, and maintaining quality standards in a manufacturing environment.

As a Production Set-Up & Operator, you will assist with machine setup, daily production, scheduling, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will operate and maintain a variety of production equipment, inspect materials and finished products, troubleshoot equipment issues, and help improve setup times, productivity, and overall quality.

Including but not limited to:

• Set up, operate, and maintain roll mills, including standard bar and cap roll mills, C-track and cluster bar roll mills, and other bar-processing equipment.
• Set up and operate processing machines, bar-curving equipment, wire-cutting equipment, packaging machines, punch presses, and cutoff dies.
• Process standard bar products, cut materials to length, curve various bar profiles, and handle special orders.
• Operate punch presses, drill presses, milling machines, saws, sanders, wire strippers, wire cutters, and other production equipment and hand tools.
• Understand and troubleshoot pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical systems with minimal supervision.
• Complete, schedule, and recommend preventive maintenance for equipment in the assigned production area.
• Set up machines to punch, cut, or otherwise process materials according to job requirements.
  Monitor machine operation for defects, malfunctions, and irregularities, and report issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Measure workpieces to verify dimensional accuracy and ensure machines are operating correctly.
• Perform minor machine maintenance, including oiling machines, dies, and workpieces.
• Remove, replace, and inspect tooling for wear; troubleshoot tooling and equipment issues with minimal supervision.
• Inspect production equipment, including roll tooling, roller stands, punch presses, and cutoff dies, for proper condition and performance.
• Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, pick lists, roll-forming charts, and written or verbal instructions to complete production tasks.
• Identify the correct parts and materials according to engineering blueprints and work-order documentation.
• Accurately count, identify, and verify parts by size, measurements, and description.
• Conduct visual and physical inspections of finished products, raw materials, and purchased materials to ensure quality standards are met.
• Detect and report improper operations, faulty equipment, defective materials, and unusual conditions to the appropriate supervisor.
• Use measuring instruments, including tape measures, dial calipers, micrometers, squares, and protractors, to verify measurements and tolerances.
• Assist other machine operators with equipment setup and the stacking, marking, packing, and transportation of finished products.
• Measure, mark, and cut boards to the required dimensions using measuring tapes and saws.
• Construct pallets, boxes, and crates using staple guns, hammers, nails, and 3/4-inch banding materials.
• Operate table saws and radial saws as needed.
• Safely operate forklifts and overhead cranes, including floor-controlled two-ton overhead cranes, to transport and position materials according to established procedures.
• Use chains, grabs, slings, and spreader bars to handle materials while preventing slipping, dropping, or damage during movement.
• Understand and follow production workflow processes throughout the assigned department.
• Maintain and sustain 5S practices within the department.

Skills and Qualifications

• Manufacturing or metal fabrication experience is beneficial.
• Knowledge of pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical systems, with the ability to identify and resolve issues.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, work orders, pick lists, technical instructions, and production documentation.
• Strong understanding of production workflow processes and procedures, with the ability to recommend improvements.
• Familiarity with roll-forming charts, machine tooling, and production equipment is beneficial.
• Ability to use measuring instruments and determine appropriate measurements and tolerances.
• Strong attention to detail when inspecting equipment, tooling, materials, and finished products.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work, manage time efficiently, complete projects on schedule, and communicate changes or progress.
• Commitment to quality, accuracy, productivity, cost-consciousness, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, adapt to changes or unexpected events, and meet established production standards.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe work environment, following safety and security procedures, reporting unsafe conditions, and using equipment and materials properly.
• Ability to operate forklifts and overhead cranes after completing the required training and certification.
• Hands-on problem solver who can troubleshoot equipment and resolve issues with minimal supervision.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent, or a combination of related education, training, and experience.
• Approximately one to three months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two to five years of roll mill or machine setup experience is preferred, but training may be provided to the right candidate.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and other technical documents.
• Must be able to follow detailed written and verbal instructions and apply common sense to resolve routine problems involving standardized procedures and a limited number of variables.
• Must demonstrate basic mathematical skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, as well as calculating rates, ratios, and percentages and interpreting bar graphs.
• Must be willing and able to successfully complete the required in-house forklift and overhead crane certification program before operating equipment. Training will be provided. Safe operation of this equipment is an essential function of the role.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing and production shop floor environment.
• Regular interaction with industrial machinery, production equipment, tooling, and materials.
• Requires adherence to established safety procedures, including lockout/tagout practices and proper material-handling techniques.
• Must maintain a clean, orderly, and safe work area while meeting production and quality standards.

Disclaimer

Please note that we are unable to provide job sponsorships, including, but not limited to, visas, corp-to-corp arrangements (C2C), or any other form of sponsorship for employment. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.