Spooling Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Heraeus, the German based technology group is a leading international family-owned company formed in 1851. We create high-quality solutions for our customers by combining material expertise with technological know-how. Our ideas are focused on themes such as environment, energy, health, mobility, and industrial applications. In 2015 Heraeus generated revenues without precious metals of 1.9 bn and a total revenue of 12.9 bn. in more than 100 subsidiaries in 38 countries we offer our worldwide 12,500 employees the freedom to develop and promote their own ideas. We call it: Open Space. For Open Minds.

Your primary responsibiliites are to supports the manufacture of precious metal gauze products by operating specialized weaving, knitting, spooling, annealing, and fabrication equipment. Ensures products are manufactured in accordance with customer specifications, quality standards, inventory control requirements, and Environmental, Health & Safety expectations. Contributes to production efficiency, product quality, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement activities.

Your Role and Responsibilities:

• Gauze Manufacturing Operations
  • Operate and monitor production equipment used in wire annealing, spooling, beaming, weaving, knitting, gauze finishing, and fabrication processes.
  • Perform wire preparation, beaming operations, machine setup activities, gauze production, and fabrication of finished systems according to customer and production specifications.
  • Support fabrication and assembly activities required to produce finished gauze systems for customer delivery.
• Equipment Operation & Process Control
  • Safely operate weaving machines, knitting machines, spooling systems, and associated production equipment while maintaining process consistency and product quality.
  • Monitor equipment performance and identify process deviations, equipment abnormalities, or quality concerns requiring corrective action or escalation.
  • Support equipment readiness through routine inspections, housekeeping, and operational care.
• Product Quality & Customer Specifications
  • Ensure products are manufactured according to engineering requirements, customer specifications, and established operating procedures.
  • Inspect materials and finished products throughout the manufacturing process to verify conformance to quality requirements.
  • Maintain production records and documentation supporting product traceability and quality system requirements.
• Inventory & Material Accountability
  • Perform inventory cycle counts and contribute to inventory accuracy activities.
  • Maintain accountability for precious metal-containing materials used throughout the manufacturing process.
  • Ensure proper material handling, identification, storage, and movement procedures are followed.
• Training & Continuous Improvement
  • Assist with training and onboarding of new employees in gauze manufacturing processes and equipment operation.
  • Share technical knowledge and best practices to support workforce development and operational consistency.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and waste reduction.

What is required for this role: 

• Communication & Decision-making Power:
  • Communicate production status, quality concerns, material issues, and equipment observations to supervisors and team members.
  • Exercise judgment when identifying process deviations, equipment concerns, inventory discrepancies, and quality issues requiring escalation.
  • Support coordination of manufacturing activities while maintaining adherence to established procedures.
• Innovation & Complexity:
  • Operate specialized manufacturing equipment producing high-value precious metal gauze products.
  • Apply mechanical aptitude and process knowledge to troubleshoot routine production issues.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements, waste reduction, quality enhancement, and increased manufacturing efficiency.
  • Support implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and best manufacturing practices.

• Education
  • High School Diploma required.
• Experience
  • Manufacturing, textile fabrication, wire processing, metal fabrication, or industrial production experience preferred.
  • Experience operating production machinery, weaving systems, knitting equipment, or related manufacturing equipment preferred.