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Bead Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Grinder & Bead Blaster

Whitewater, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

As a Grinder & Bead Blaster, you play a meaningful role in bringing precision-manufactured ... Additionally, Hillenbrand Inc. and our operating companies are committed to being an Equal ...

Grinder & Bead Blaster

Whitewater, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

As a Grinder & Bead Blaster, you play a meaningful role in bringing precision-manufactured ... Additionally, Hillenbrand Inc. and our operating companies are committed to being an Equal ...

Operator 1, 1st and 2nd shift

West Point, PA · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Position Summary The Operator Level 1 works in our production areas and is responsible for ... Equipment may include, but not be limited to blenders, bead mills, grinders, Programmable Logic ...

Machine Operator I

Rochester, NH

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Bead and sand blast. * Run tumblers following established procedures. * Under supervision from leads, advanced operators, engineers, and supervisors use automated and manual equipment, chemicals to ...

Machine Operator I

Portsmouth, NH

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Bead and sand blast. * Run tumblers following established procedures. * Under supervision from leads, advanced operators, engineers, and supervisors use automated and manual equipment, chemicals to ...

Machine Operator I

Portsmouth, NH

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Bead and sand blast. * Run tumblers following established procedures. * Under supervision from leads, advanced operators, engineers, and supervisors use automated and manual equipment, chemicals to ...

Machine Operator I

Newington, NH · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Bead and sand blast. * Run tumblers following established procedures. * Under supervision from leads, advanced operators, engineers, and supervisors use automated and manual equipment, chemicals to ...

Machine Operator I

Newington, NH · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Bead and sand blast. * Run tumblers following established procedures. * Under supervision from leads, advanced operators, engineers, and supervisors use automated and manual equipment, chemicals to ...

Machine Operator I

Rochester, NH · On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Bead and sand blast. * Run tumblers following established procedures. * Under supervision from leads, advanced operators, engineers, and supervisors use automated and manual equipment, chemicals to ...

Machine Operator I

Newington, NH · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Bead and sand blast. * Run tumblers following established procedures. * Under supervision from leads, advanced operators, engineers, and supervisors use automated and manual equipment, chemicals to ...

Machine Operator I, Cerakote

Exeter, NH

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Bead and sand blast. * Run tumblers following established procedures. * Under supervision from leads, advanced operators, engineers, and supervisors use automated and manual equipment, chemicals to ...

Machine Operator I, Cerakote

Exeter, NH · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Bead and sand blast. * Run tumblers following established procedures. * Under supervision from leads, advanced operators, engineers, and supervisors use automated and manual equipment, chemicals to ...

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Bead Operator information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bead Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bead Operator, you need a strong understanding of industrial machinery operation, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with production line equipment, quality control systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills help you adapt to production demands and collaborate with colleagues. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring product consistency, workplace safety, and efficient manufacturing processes.

What are some common challenges faced by Bead Operators, and how can they be overcome on the job?

Bead Operators often face challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting machine malfunctions, and meeting production quotas under time constraints. To overcome these, it’s important to develop a strong understanding of machine operation and maintenance, as well as attention to detail for quality control. Effective communication with maintenance teams and supervisors can help resolve technical issues quickly, while staying organized and following safety protocols ensures efficient workflow and minimizes downtime.

What is a Bead Operator?

A Bead Operator is a worker in the manufacturing or tire production industry responsible for operating machines that form and shape beads, which are the reinforced edges of tires. These operators ensure that the bead wires are correctly placed and securely fastened, maintaining high standards of quality and safety throughout the process. Bead Operators often monitor equipment, perform routine maintenance, and make adjustments to ensure efficient operation. Their role is crucial in ensuring the structural integrity of tires and other products that use bead wire components.

What is the difference between Bead Operator vs Bead Assembler?

AspectBead OperatorBead Assembler
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require technical trainingHigh school diploma; basic mechanical skills often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing floor, operating machineryAssembly line, working with small parts and tools
Employer & IndustryJewelry manufacturing, bead production facilitiesJewelry or craft manufacturing companies
Job FocusOperating machines to produce beadsAssembling beads into finished products

The main difference between a Bead Operator and a Bead Assembler lies in their roles. Bead Operators focus on running machinery to produce beads, requiring technical skills and machine operation knowledge. Bead Assemblers, on the other hand, work on assembling beads into jewelry or craft items, emphasizing manual dexterity and assembly skills. Both roles are essential in the bead manufacturing industry but serve different functions within the production process.

More about Bead Operator jobs
Infographic showing various Bead Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Grinder & Bead Blaster

Grinder & Bead Blaster

Hillenbrand

Whitewater, WI • On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Hillenbrand rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 415 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

As a Grinder & Bead Blaster, you play a meaningful role in bringing precision-manufactured components to life through high-quality surface finishing. Based in Whitewater, Wisconsin, at Coperion, a Hillenbrand company, you contribute to products that support essential industrial processes around the world. We design and manufacture advanced processing equipment and systems that help customers operate more efficiently and sustainably. This is an opportunity to build a long-term manufacturing career while learning proven methods, working safely, and taking pride in workmanship that makes a visible difference.
Schedule: 1st shift Monday-Thursday 6 am - 3 pm & Friday 6 am - Noon
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • You prepare parts and products using bead blasting and surface preparation methods to meet defined appearance and quality standards.
  • You operate grinders, deburring tools, and approved hand tools to remove burrs, weld spatter, oxidation, and surface imperfections.
  • You load, unload, and position parts using fixtures, carts, hoists, or other material-handling aids as trained.
  • You follow standard work instructions, routers, and safety procedures to ensure consistent, repeatable results.
  • You visually inspect finished surfaces, identify nonconforming conditions, and escalate issues through established processes.
  • You support equipment care and housekeeping by cleaning work areas and performing routine checks.
  • You contribute to a safe, organized, and efficient production environment through disciplined execution and teamwork.

TEAM:
  • You work alongside manufacturing associates, leads, and support partners who value collaboration, respect, and shared accountability. Your contributions help the team deliver reliable products to customers while strengthening Coperion's and Hillenbrand's operational performance and long-term growth.

THE EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES NEEDED:
  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Approximately six months or more of experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
  • The ability to follow written work instructions, quality requirements, and safety procedures with attention to detail.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn grinding, deburring, and bead blasting equipment and techniques.
  • The ability to recognize visible surface defects and communicate concerns clearly and promptly.
  • Comfort performing repetitive, hands-on tasks while meeting quality and productivity expectations.
  • The ability to work safely in a manufacturing setting with noise, dust, and required personal protective equipment.
  • A collaborative mindset, reliability, and openness to coaching and continuous improvement.

Who we are:
Coperion (www.coperion.com) is a global industry and technology leader in process technology serving a variety of end markets, including plastics, plastics recycling, food, pet food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemical, battery, and mineral industries. Every day, our teams of experts create individual, high-quality process technologies and systems optimized for the best end products, highest efficiency, and sustainability. Coperion is a business unit of Hillenbrand.
Hillenbrand (www.hillenbrand.com) is a global industrial company that provides highly engineered, mission-critical processing equipment and solutions to customers in over 100 countries around the world. Our portfolio is composed of leading industrial brands that serve large, attractive end markets, including durable plastics, food, and recycling. Guided by our Purpose - Shape What Matters For Tomorrow™ - we pursue excellence, collaboration, and innovation to consistently shape solutions that best serve our associates, customers, communities, and other stakeholders.
EEO: The policy of Hillenbrand Inc. is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status. Additionally, Hillenbrand Inc. and our operating companies are committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us at recruitingaccommodations@hillenbrand.com . In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying. At Hillenbrand, everyone is welcome to apply and "Shape What Matters for Tomorrow".