Rolling Machine Operator

Accelera; Rocky Mount (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelera is seeking a Rolling Mill Operator to manage setup and operation of steel rolling machinery. You will shape metal into plates, rolls, or bends, temper or reduce thickness, and ensure finished products meet strict quality standards.

Responsibilities include loading materials, inspecting dimensions, and adjusting machine controls. Candidates should be organized, safety-conscious, and capable of teamwork in a heavy manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; vocational/technical training advantageous.
• At least 1 year of industrial machine operation experience with ability to read diagrams/blueprints.
• Proficiency with hand tools and precision measurement instruments (calipers, micrometers, gauges).

Responsibilities

• Oversee machine cycles and mill performance to ensure output meets specifications.
• Load steel coils, plates, or slabs into equipment for rolling processes.
• Inspect materials and finished products to verify quality and thickness tolerances.
• Set up and secure mandrels, guides, and rolls per production orders.
• Adjust controls to regulate mill speed for shaping and tempering material.
• Transport materials to production zones using forklifts or cranes.
• Maintain equipment and perform routine lubrication and cleaning per safety protocols.
• Support cross-training and staff development as needed.

Skills

Heavy machinery

Thermal processes

Quality control

Industrial tools

Teamwork

Problem solving

Communication

Forklift license

Computer basics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Vocational/technical manufacturing training

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

Forklift/Overhead crane operation

Job description

As a Rolling Mill Operator, your primary objective is to manage the setup and operation of machinery dedicated to steel rolling. You will be responsible for shaping metal into specific plates, rolls, or bends, while also handling tasks like tempering, flattening, or gauge reduction. By overseeing this heavy equipment, you ensure that raw metal blocks are effectively converted into finished or semi-finished structural components that meet rigorous quality and thickness standards.

Core Responsibilities

• Oversee machine cycles and mill performance to identify potential jams and guarantee that all output adheres to established specifications.
• Help maintain a smooth production flow by loading steel coils, plates, or slabs into the equipment for the rolling process.
• Conduct thorough inspections and measurements of both raw materials and final products to verify they meet all necessary requirements.
• Review mill schedules, blueprints, and rolling orders to accurately position and secure mandrels, guides, and rolls for specific production sequences.
• Adjust machine controls and observe indicators to regulate mill speed, which helps shape the steel, temper the metal, or reduce material thickness.
• Support the team by transporting materials to production zones or containers using manual effort, overhead cranes, hoists, or forklifts.
• Utilize precision tools like calipers, micrometers, and gauges to verify that rolled products align perfectly with structural blueprints and thickness tolerances.
• Help minimize waste and prevent defects such as cracking or warping by monitoring temperature, speed, and pressure gauges to make necessary real-time adjustments.
• Carry out routine preventative maintenance, including lubrication and cleaning, while replacing worn rollers and strictly adhering to safety protocols like lockout/tagout.
• Participate in cross-training initiatives for various area machines as directed by management.
• Assist in the development of the team by training other staff members when requested by supervisors.
• Contribute to a safe and efficient workplace by maintaining equipment and the facility in accordance with 5S standards and safety regulations.
• Complete additional tasks and related duties as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications and Background

• A high school diploma or GED is generally required, with vocational or technical manufacturing training being highly advantageous.
• At least one year of experience in industrial machine operation, including the ability to interpret technical diagrams, work specifications, or blueprints.
• Demonstrated proficiency in using standard hand tools and precision measurement instruments such as micrometers, gauges, and calipers.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of heavy machinery operation, thermal manufacturing processes, and quality control techniques to maximize production efficiency.
• Comprehensive knowledge regarding the design, maintenance, repair, and application of various industrial tools and machines.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team to reach organizational goals.
• Capacity to analyze complex issues, review relevant data, and implement effective solutions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, combined with strong organizational and coordination abilities.
• Preference for candidates possessing a valid forklift license.
• Basic proficiency in computer operations.

Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to stand for extended periods exceeding five hours per day, with frequent walking, bending, or stooping for up to 2.5 hours daily. You must be capable of frequently pushing or pulling weights up to 75 pounds. The role demands rapid reaction times to visual or auditory signals, as well as steady hand-arm coordination for precise movements. You will need to demonstrate manual dexterity to grasp and assemble objects, along with the ability to coordinate multiple limbs simultaneously. Sustained core strength is necessary to support the body during repetitive tasks. Furthermore, you must be able to utilize hearing protection, communicate clearly, and maintain the physical stamina required for shifts of eight hours or longer.

Additional Information

This summary is intended to outline the general nature of the work and does not represent an exhaustive list of every task or responsibility. Duties may be updated periodically to reflect changing business needs, and both essential and marginal functions remain subject to modification.