Slitter Machine Operator

2938 - Midsouth Talent Inc; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A slitter operator is a skilled manufacturing professional who sets up, operates, and maintains machinery that cuts or converts large master rolls into smaller, narrower rolls or specific sheets. This role is common in paper, packaging, metal, plastic, textile, and printing industries.

In Memphis, TN, this full-time position requires reading work orders, adjusting blades, monitoring web tension, and performing quality checks with precision measuring tools.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED (plus technical or mechanical training).
• Ability to read blueprints/work orders, understand basic math, and use precision measuring instruments.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret work orders, production schedules, and CAD specs; mount master rolls and set blades for precise width.
• Thread material through rollers, adjust speed and tension to prevent tearing or misalignment.
• Inspect finished rolls or coils for width accuracy and surface quality using calipers and micrometers.
• Load/unload heavy coils with cranes or forklifts; label and stage finished goods.
• Perform routine maintenance, blade changes, and diagnose issues like dull blades or tracking errors.
• Record production data and log system entries for traceability.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Measuring tools

Math skills

Machine operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Tape measures

Job description

A slitter operator is a skilled manufacturing professional who sets up, operates, and maintains machinery that cuts or converts large master rolls (jumbo rolls or metal coils) into smaller, narrower rolls or specific sheets. This role is common in paper, flexible packaging, metal processing, plastic, textile, and printing industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Machine Setup: Read and interpret work orders, production schedules, and CAD/technical specs. Mount master rolls and position blades, knives, or scoring wheels to exact width tolerances (often within fractions of a millimeter).
• Operation & Tension Control: Thread material through rollers, configure machine speed, and manage web tension to prevent tearing, wrinkling, or uneven edges.
• Quality Control: Inspect finished slit rolls or metal coils for width accuracy, edge quality, surface defects, and proper winding using precision tools like calipers, micrometers, and tape measures.
• Material Handling & Packaging: Load and unload heavy coils or rolls using overhead cranes or forklifts, band finished goods, and stage packaging materials.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform routine machine upkeep, lubrication, knife changes, and quick diagnostics when issues like dull blades or tracking errors arise.
• Documentation: Record production data, material scrap levels, label finished rolls, and log computer or system entries.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED (plus technical or mechanical training).
• Technical & Math Skills: Ability to read blueprints/work orders, understand basic math, and use precision measuring instruments.