Machine Operator Assistant Jobs in Merrillville, IN

Structural Tube Mill Machine Operator

Location: Gary, Indiana – Easy Highway Access! Industry: Steel Processing / Structural Tube Manufacturing Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour to start, based on experience

Schedule: Up to 12-hour shifts | Day and Night Shifts | Weekends as Needed Client: Confidential

Job Summary

A growing, full-service steel processing and manufacturing organization is seeking Structural Tube Mill Machine Operators for its Gary, Indiana facility.

This position will support the operation of a structural tube mill, with team members having the opportunity to be trained in multiple areas of the production process. Operators may initially be assigned to one primary area, with the long-term goal of becoming cross-trained across all areas of tube mill operation as their knowledge, skills, and experience develop.

The four primary areas of operation include:

1. Entry End Uncoiler / End Welder

2. Main Mill Operator

3. Cut-Off Saw Operator

4. Sizing Area / Quality Operator

Operators will also participate in preventive maintenance (PM) activities on mill equipment as needed.

Previous tube mill experience is preferred, and experience with high-frequency welding is a plus.

Areas of Operation

Entry End Uncoiler / End Welder

· Assist with loading, feeding, and positioning steel coils into the tube mill production process.

· Operate and monitor entry-end equipment and uncoiling functions.

· Support coil-end preparation and welding to maintain continuous production.

· Monitor material flow and identify operating issues that could impact production or quality.

Main Mill Operator

· Operate and monitor tube mill equipment to maintain safe, consistent, and efficient production.

· Monitor mill performance, operating conditions, and production speeds.

· Make or assist with necessary equipment adjustments to maintain product quality and operating specifications.

· Respond appropriately to production, quality, safety, or equipment issues requiring the process to be slowed or stopped

Cut-Off Saw Operator

· Operate and monitor cut-off equipment used to produce finished tube to required lengths.

· Verify proper cut lengths and monitor equipment performance throughout production.

· Assist with adjustments when necessary to maintain product specifications and production flow.

· Identify and report equipment or quality concerns.

Sizing Area / Quality Operator

· Monitor finished structural tubing for proper size, shape, and dimensional requirements.

· Make or assist with sizing adjustments to ensure established tolerances and customer specifications are met.

· Perform required quality checks and accurately document results as required.

· Identify nonconforming material and communicate quality concerns promptly.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Safely operate assigned tube mill machinery and production equipment.

· Monitor the manufacturing process to ensure consistent production, quality, and equipment performance.

· Operate equipment at established production speeds while making appropriate adjustments for safety, quality, operating conditions, or equipment concerns.

· Select, install, and monitor appropriate consumable supplies used within the production process.

· Perform required inspections and quality checks throughout production.

· Troubleshoot basic operating issues and communicate equipment concerns requiring additional maintenance or technical support.

· Participate in preventive maintenance activities on tube mill equipment as needed.

· Follow established production schedules, work instructions, specifications, and quality standards.

· Participate in required safety training and consistently follow established safe operating procedures.

· Maintain a clean and organized work area through daily housekeeping activities.

· Support continuous improvement efforts focused on safety, quality, productivity, and workplace organization.

· Work cooperatively with other members of the production and maintenance teams.

· Perform additional duties as assigned based on operational needs.

Qualifications

· Previous experience in tube mill operation, steel processing, metal manufacturing, or a related industrial environment preferred.

· Previous structural tube mill experience is highly desirable.

· Experience with high-frequency welding is a plus.

· Previous machine operation experience within a manufacturing environment preferred.

· Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn multiple areas of the tube mill operation.

· Ability to monitor equipment, identify changes in operating conditions, and make appropriate adjustments.

· Strong attention to product quality and dimensional specifications.

· Ability to follow written and verbal work instructions.

· Strong commitment to workplace safety.

· Dependable attendance and punctuality.

· Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a production team.

· Willingness and ability to become cross-trained in multiple areas of the structural tube mill operation

.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

· Ability to perform medium work, including lifting and moving up to 50 pounds.

· Ability to stand and walk continuously for all or most of the scheduled work shift.

· Ability to reach above shoulder level as required.

· Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as necessary to perform job responsibilities.

· Ability to work around industrial machinery and production equipment.

· Ability to work in a steel manufacturing environment that may include noise, temperature fluctuations, dust, and other typical industrial conditions.

· Must wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow established facility safety requirements.

Compensation

$18.00 - $25.00 per hour to start, based on applicable experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Eligible employees may have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including:

· Health insurance

· Dental insurance

· Vision insurance

· Life insurance

· Employee assistance program

· 401(k)

· 401(k) matching

· Paid time off

· Referral program

Career Development

This position provides the opportunity to develop a well-rounded understanding of structural tube mill operations. Team members may begin in one specific area of the mill and, over time, receive training and hands-on experience in additional areas with the goal of becoming cross-trained throughout the complete tube mill operation.

Candidates who are mechanically inclined, safety-focused, dependable, and interested in developing a long-term career within steel manufacturing are encouraged to apply.