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Expander Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tate continues to grow and expand, operating multiple manufacturing and commercial sites across the US, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We are excited about our fresh, dynamic, and ...

Laser Operator

Glasgow, KY · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Tate continues to grow and expand, operating multiple manufacturing and commercial sites across the US, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We are excited about our fresh, dynamic, and ...

Tate continues to grow and expand, operating multiple manufacturing and commercial sites across the US, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We are excited about our fresh, dynamic, and ...

Laser Operator

Glasgow, KY · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Tate continues to grow and expand, operating multiple manufacturing and commercial sites across the US, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We are excited about our fresh, dynamic, and ...

As an Expander you will prepare and expand cores to size as specified and prepare for shipping ... Family owned and operated. * Security of work for an established, growing company that serves a ...

As an Expander you will prepare and expand cores to size as specified and prepare for shipping ... Family owned and operated. * Security of work for an established, growing company that serves a ...

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Tate continues to grow and expand, operating multiple manufacturing and commercial sites across the US, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We are excited about our fresh, dynamic, and ...

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Expander Operator information

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$10

$20

$29

How much do expander operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for expander operator in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Expander Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with experience in a manufacturing environment. Familiarity with expander machines, measurement tools like calipers and micrometers, and adherence to safety protocols are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and a focus on teamwork help operators excel in identifying and resolving equipment issues. These skills and qualities are crucial to maintaining production efficiency, ensuring product quality, and promoting a safe work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Expander Operators and how can they be addressed?

Expander Operators often face challenges such as maintaining precise control over machine parameters to ensure product quality, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and keeping up with production targets in a fast-paced environment. Effective communication with maintenance and quality assurance teams is crucial for quickly resolving issues and minimizing downtime. Staying proactive with routine equipment checks and participating in ongoing training can help operators stay updated on best practices and new technologies, leading to fewer operational disruptions and more efficient workflows.

What are Expander Operators?

Expander Operators are skilled technicians responsible for operating and maintaining expander machines, which are commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, power generation, and manufacturing. These machines are designed to increase the pressure or decrease the temperature of gases through expansion, playing a crucial role in processes like gas liquefaction, refrigeration, and cryogenics. Expander Operators monitor equipment, perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the systems. Their work helps maintain optimal production levels and ensures compliance with safety and quality standards.

What is the difference between Expander Operator vs Drilling Operator?

AspectExpander OperatorDrilling Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, specialized trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, technical training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, pipeline facilitiesOil rigs, drilling sites
Industry UsageGas processing, pipeline expansionOil and gas exploration, drilling operations
Common Search/ComparisonExpander Operator vs Drilling Operator

The main difference between an Expander Operator and a Drilling Operator lies in their work environments and functions. Expander Operators focus on pipeline expansion and gas processing, working mainly in manufacturing or pipeline facilities. Drilling Operators are involved in oil and gas exploration, working on drilling rigs. Both roles require technical skills and safety training, but their daily tasks and industry settings differ significantly.

More about Expander Operator jobs
Aluminum Expand & Trim Operator CG5

Aluminum Expand & Trim Operator CG5

Hexcel Corporation

Casa Grande, AZ • On-site

$27.31/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Hexcel rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

With our strong investment in research and development and our culture of continuous improvement, Hexcel is the industry leader in the manufacturing of advance composite materials, including carbon fiber, woven reinforcements, resins, prepregs, honeycombs and additive manufactured parts. We invite you to join the Hexcel team at various manufacturing sites, sales offices and R&D centers around the globe. Become a part of the "strength within."
Hexcel is currently seeking an Aluminum Expand & Trim Operator for our Casa Grande, AZ, USA location. Start rate: $25.00 Per Hour during the New Hire Orientation Period - normally 90 calendar days, then increases to $27.31 Per Hour. This position is on Swing shift (3:00PM to 11:00PM, Monday - Friday + O/T as required) and pays a $1.75 per hour shift premium.
The selected individual will be responsible for but not limited to the following obligations:
  • Performs operations to nail, belt, expand, flatten/stress relief, and trim aluminum core details to customer-defined dimensions. Operates a variety of custom expanding equipment, large band saws with moving tables, large power shear, hot glue applicators, powered lift equipment and a Programmable Logic Controlled oven. Performs any MRP transactions as required.
  • Performs set-ups, first part checks and any specific nailing, belting, expanding, trimming and when necessary stress relief of Aluminum core slices to meet customer requirements.
  • Uses a tape measure, a dial caliper, 6" rule and micrometer. Uses visual inspections and sales order review specification list to ensure product meets customer specifications, especially length, width, thickness, and cell count (cells per inch).
  • Uses a computer and calculator to compute and enter data for MRP transactions.
  • Enters proper temperature and timing on heat stress oven to assure optimum flatness of core.
  • Transports product by hand, powered lift, and manually powered cart.

Qualifications:
  • High School diploma or general education degree (GED) or equivalent.
  • Minimum of one year experience required preferably in manufacturing. Minimum of 6 months manufacturing experience in the Hexcel Casa Grande facility may substitute in lieu of one year experience. Previous Hexcel experience preferred.
  • Must be proficient in use of tape measure and ruler.
  • Basic working knowledge of computer data entry function preferred.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Must be able to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Eligible candidate must be a: U.S. citizen, U.S. national, person lawfully admitted for permanent residence, temporary resident under sections 210(a) or 245(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, person admitted in refugee status, or person granted asylum. Hexcel (NYSE: HXL) is a global leader in advanced composites technology, a leading producer of carbon fiber, and the world leader in honeycomb manufacturing for the commercial aerospace industry.
Hexcel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected class.

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