Entry Level Machine Operator Jobs in Lakeland, FL

SUMMARY

Performs investment casting operations for turbine components in accordance with approved engineering practices and work instructions. Operates casting equipment, prepares molds, performs metal pours, and completes required documentation. This is an entrylevel role designed to build technical casting skills through structured training, close supervision, and handson experience in a foundry environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Other duties may be assigned.)

• Read and follow engineering practices, work instructions, and process specifications for each work order.
• Prepare casting areas by gathering materials, tools, and supplies required for each pour.
• Load and unload preheat ovens; verify and record oven temperatures.
• Confirm correct alloy selection per job requirements prior to pouring.
• Load preheated molds into rollover equipment or vacuum chambers to initiate the casting process.
• Operate air ladles, rollover melting equipment, and related tools under supervision.
• Monitor pours and remove molds after metal has been poured; place molds in designated areas.
• Apply hot tops to molds as required.
• Complete all required production, quality, and safety documentation accurately and timely.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with 5S and safety standards.
• Inspect personal protective equipment (PPE) for proper condition and wear PPE as required at all times.
• Participate in safety briefings, training activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior manufacturing, foundry, or industrial experience preferred but not required.
• Entrylevel candidates will receive onthejob training.

Language Skills

• Ability to read and understand safety rules, operating instructions, and work procedures.
• Ability to complete simple forms, logs, and production records.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to perform basic arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers and decimals.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to recognize basic process deviations and report issues to supervision.
• Ability to work methodically and safely in a structured production environment.

ENTRYLEVEL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Willingness and ability to learn investment casting processes and equipment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort working with tools and machinery.
• Strong safety awareness and ability to follow safety procedures consistently.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fastpaced manufacturing environment.
• Dependability, punctuality, and willingness to accept coaching and feedback.
• Ability to maintain focus and attention to detail while performing repetitive or critical tasks.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and quality requirements.
• Capacity to multitask and adapt to changing priorities under supervision.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to be trained to operate a forklift or other materialhandling equipment.
• Familiarity with basic hand tools is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

• Regularly required to stand and walk.
• Frequently required to use hands to handle tools, controls, and materials.
• Occasionally required to reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, or climb.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; occasionally up to 100 pounds.
• Requires close, distance, peripheral, and depth vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular exposure to extreme heat and industrial equipment.
• Frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, and airborne particles.
• Occasional exposure to high or precarious locations, humidity, vibration, and wet conditions.
• Noise level is typically moderate.