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Bender Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator II

Milford, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description As Machine Operator II with Safco Products, you will utilize high-quality standards and ... Fabrication equipment could include: ( eg : brake presses, fiber laser, coil presses, panel bender ...

Machine Operator I

Milford, IA · On-site

$21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description As Machine Operator I with Safco Products, you will utilize high-quality standards and ... Fabrication equipment could include: ( eg : brake presses, fiber laser, coil presses, panel bender ...

Coil Mechanic

Lake View, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Able to be a team member and take advice and instruction from senior operators * Able to properly operate a machine in the department (i.e. bender) * Setting up coils with minimal supervision. Duties ...

Coil Mechanic

Lake View, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Able to be a team member and take advice and instruction from senior operators * Able to properly operate a machine in the department (i.e. bender) * Setting up coils with minimal supervision. Duties ...

Bender Operator information

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a bender operator?

To thrive as a Bender Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience with metal fabrication processes, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with CNC or manual bending machines, blueprint reading, and quality control tools like calipers and gauges is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a commitment to workplace safety help individuals excel in this role. These abilities ensure precise, efficient production of high-quality parts while maintaining safety and meeting manufacturing standards.

What challenges do bender operators face and how can they be addressed?

Bender Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision and accuracy while working with different types of materials, interpreting complex blueprints, and handling machine malfunctions. To address these, it's important to stay attentive to detail, regularly calibrate equipment, and communicate effectively with team members and supervisors. Continuous training and familiarity with safety protocols also help operators adapt to various production requirements and resolve issues quickly.

What is the difference between Bender Operator vs Pipe Bender?

AspectBender OperatorPipe Bender
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, machinery operation certificationsSimilar certifications, often including pipe fitting and safety training
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, metal fabrication shopsConstruction sites, manufacturing facilities, pipe installation environments
Job ResponsibilitiesOperating bending machines, ensuring precise bends, inspecting finished productsShaping pipes, bending metal tubes to specifications, maintaining equipment

Both roles involve metal bending and require safety and machinery operation skills. While Bender Operators focus on operating bending machines and inspecting finished parts, Pipe Benders specialize in shaping pipes and tubes for construction or industrial use. The roles often overlap in skills and work environments, but their specific tasks differ based on the materials and end-use applications.

What is a bender operator?

Bender Operators are skilled workers who operate machines that bend metal or other materials into specific shapes and angles according to blueprints or work orders. They typically work in manufacturing or fabrication settings, ensuring that materials are formed accurately and meet quality standards. Their duties include setting up and adjusting machines, monitoring operations, inspecting finished products, and performing maintenance on equipment. Attention to detail and safety awareness are important aspects of this role.
What are popular job titles related to Bender Operator jobs in Iowa? For Bender Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bender Operator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Bender Operator jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Bender Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution.

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description
As Machine Operator II with Safco Products, you will utilize high-quality standards and solid machining techniques to ensure proper fabrication of our parts for the final product. In this role, you will be expected to operate and set up machines according to job specifications, perform quality checks and communicate issue s. Your experience and background will allow you to troubleshoot and train and guide others within your skilled areas.
This full-time position reports directly to the designated Production Supervisor and is located at Safco's manufacturing plant in Milford, IA.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Operate machine by setting up orders according to customer specifications, following order readiness process of efficiently preparing the right tools to complete the job. Fabrication equipment could include: ( eg : brake presses, fiber laser, coil presses, panel bender, CNC machines, saws, routers, etc.).
  • Perform quality checks by inspecting a first article, and articles throughout the order to identify errors, ensuring quality products along with monitoring equipment and raw materials.
  • Enter production metrics into a computer electronic system to accurately track progress of production rates, quality, maintenance, and downtime.
  • Proactively communicate issues with equipment to appropriate leaders, trouble shoot issues, and problem solve individually and as a team to maximize overall equipment efficiency and minimize downtime.
  • Train and guide others within their skilled areas.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area.
  • Follow plant safety processes and procedures outlined for the machine center.
  • Other duties, as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION , EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
  • High School diploma or GED
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety
  • Previous experience with reading a tape measure to within 1/16" measurement
  • Must be able to read prints and use inspection equipment/measuring devices
  • Previous experience with computer using skills such as typing, printing, and data entry
  • Previous experience applying math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
  • Previous experience reading and completing detailed work instructions

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
  • 3 -5 years of experience within a Metal/Wood Fabrication environment with machine experience.
  • Experience with an ERP system, a plus.
  • Experience with operational excellence or continuous improvement programs - Lean 6 Sigma, Kaizen Events

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The starting pay rate for this position is $ 23.50 per hour. The compensation posted is the anticipated pay for the position at the time of the posting. We may pay above or below posted amount based on several factors, including, but not limited to education and/or certifications, skills, experience, or work location. Some positions may qualify for additional compensation in the form of bonuses.
At LDI, we are pleased to provide employees with a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance options; paid time off; 10 paid holidays; 401(k) plus company matching and annual discretionary profit sharing; flexible spending and health savings account options; life and disability insurance; tuition assistance; wellness and mental health resources, and financial advising services. Eligibility in benefit programs is based on hours worked per week .
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job . Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to lift up-to 50 pounds
  • Must be able to work in hot, humid, and cold manufacturing environment
  • Must be able to work in crowded spaces for 4+ hours per shift
  • Must be able to bend and stoop for 7+ hours per shift
  • Must be able to stand for 6+ hours per shift
  • Must be able to walk for 6+ hours per shift
  • Must be able to reach and grasp up to 6+ hours per shift

ABOUT OUR COMPANY
Comprised of multiple companies with headquarters in New Hope, Minnesota, Liberty Diversified International (LDI) is a privately held company employing more than 1,900 individuals across our manufacturing facilities, production facilities and core business operations in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Mississippi, Texas, Arizona, Virginia, California, and Mexico. With deep roots in the corrugated box manufacturing industry, we operate in the core markets of paper, packaging, workplace products, corrugated plastics and building products.
Since 1918, our values - Caring, Innovation, Trust and Excellence - have guided our day-to-day activities. We believe that when our employees are aligned with these values, we create superior service and s olutions for our customers. The LDI family of companies includes Liberty Packaging, Liberty Paper, Liberty Plastics ( Custom Solutions and Quarrix Building Products ) and Safco.
Liberty Diversified International is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability, or any other protected class.