Straddle Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Combi-Lift / Straddle Carrier Operator

Location: McGregor, Texas
Department: Operations / Production
Reports To: Production Supervisor / Operations Leadership

Join Fidelity Manufacturing During an Exciting Period of Growth!

As we open our new Texas plant, we are seeking a Lead Combi-Lift / Straddle Carrier Operator to support the movement, staging, and transportation of tanks, enclosures, and fabricated components throughout our manufacturing operation while helping establish material handling standards for the facility.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced heavy equipment operator who enjoys taking ownership, developing best practices, and helping train others. In addition to safely operating Combi-Lift and Straddle Carrier equipment, this position will serve as the facility's subject matter expert for equipment operation, rigging practices, and load-handling procedures.

As our Texas operation grows, this role will play a critical part in developing future operators, supporting training initiatives, and helping establish the standardized work practices that drive safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Employee Perks

As a team member at Fidelity Manufacturing, you'll enjoy:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Paid Holidays and Sick Time
• Career Advancement and Bonus Opportunities
• Fun Events!
• Paid Vacation Days
• 401(k)
• Learning and Development Opportunities

About Us

FIDELITY MANUFACTURING is part of the Backup Power Generation industry. We design and build backup power packages, including tanks and enclosures, for healthcare, industrial, and technology-driven customers that require uninterrupted power at all times. Our operations are driven by safety, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement to support critical customer applications.

As we continue to grow, our new Texas facility will play a critical role in expanding our manufacturing capabilities and supporting customer demand across North America. We are looking for individuals who want to help build something exceptional while growing their careers alongside our organization.

Job Summary

The Lead Combi-Lift / Straddle Carrier Operator is responsible for safely preparing, lifting, transporting, staging, and positioning tanks, enclosures, raw materials, and finished products throughout the manufacturing facility and yard operations. This position serves as the primary operator and technical resource for specialized material handling equipment while ensuring compliance with company safety standards, quality requirements, and operational procedures.

The ideal candidate will possess strong experience operating heavy industrial lifting equipment, understanding rigging principles, and safely maneuvering oversized loads in active manufacturing environments. Experience with overhead cranes, forklifts, and load securement practices is highly desirable.

In addition to equipment operation responsibilities, this role will help establish training programs, develop standardized work practices, and provide hands-on coaching for future operators as the Texas facility continues to expand.

Essential Job Functions

Equipment Operation & Material Movement

• Operate Combi-Lift, Straddle Carrier, and related material handling equipment safely and efficiently.
• Transport tanks, enclosures, fabricated assemblies, raw materials, and finished products throughout the facility.
• Load, unload, position, and relocate oversized structures while maintaining proper load control.
• Support production schedules through timely movement and staging of materials.
• Ensure proper load securing and weight distribution to prevent shifting or instability during transport.
• Conduct pre-shift inspections and safety checks of assigned equipment.
• Monitor equipment performance and report operational concerns promptly.
• Maintain organized and safe staging, storage, and work areas.

Rigging & Load Handling

• Assist with rigging operations associated with oversized loads and fabricated assemblies.
• Verify load stability, balance, securement, and travel path prior to movement.
• Work closely with crane operators, spotters, supervisors, and production personnel during lifting activities.
• Inspect rigging equipment and lifting accessories before use.
• Follow all approved lifting, rigging, and load-handling procedures.
• Maintain constant awareness of suspended loads, pinch points, and movement zones.
• Support safe and efficient material flow throughout production operations.

Training & Workforce Development

• Serve as the facility's primary trainer and subject matter expert for Combi-Lift and Straddle Carrier operations.
• Assist in developing and maintaining operator training programs and qualification processes.
• Provide hands-on training, coaching, and mentoring to new operators and team members.
• Evaluate employee progress and competency in equipment operation and load-handling procedures.
• Ensure training activities align with company safety standards and operational requirements.
• Assist in creating, revising, and maintaining work instructions, training materials, and standard operating procedures.
• Observe operators and provide coaching to reinforce safe and consistent work practices.
• Support onboarding and continuous development initiatives for future equipment operators.

Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain strict adherence to OSHA regulations, company safety requirements, and established procedures.
• Participate in safety meetings, drills, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Report equipment malfunctions, hazards, near misses, and incidents promptly.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and safety awareness.
• Participate in root cause investigations and problem-solving activities when required.
• Recommend improvements to equipment operation, training systems, and material handling processes.
• Support ISO, OSHA, and company compliance initiatives as required.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license.
• Minimum 2 years of experience operating heavy equipment, industrial lifting equipment, or material handling equipment.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, fabrication, industrial, construction, or heavy equipment environment.
• Strong understanding of load-handling procedures and workplace safety practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively and provide coaching to employees.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong situational awareness and ability to identify workplace hazards.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Background check and pre-employment drug screening required.

Highly Preferred

• Previous Combi-Lift operating experience.
• Previous Straddle Carrier operating experience.
• Experience with rigging and oversized load movement.
• Experience operating overhead cranes.
• Forklift certification and operating experience.
• Experience training, mentoring, or coaching employees.
• Experience creating or maintaining work instructions and training documentation.
• Manufacturing or metal fabrication industry experience.

Preferred

• Formal training or certification related to Combi-Lift, Straddle Carrier, forklift, crane, or related equipment.
• Experience supporting startup operations, facility expansions, or new plant launches.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles.
• Experience participating in root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
• Experience supporting employee onboarding and training programs.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a mixed outdoor and manufacturing environment involving exposure to heat, cold, rain, wind, direct sunlight, elevated noise levels, dust, fumes, airborne particles, hydraulic equipment, and industrial byproducts within OSHA-permissible limits.

Operators regularly work around large steel tanks, enclosures, rigging equipment, overhead cranes, forklifts, and moving production traffic. Tasks are frequently performed on concrete yards, gravel surfaces, uneven terrain, ramps, and other active work areas where oversized loads are staged or transported.

Situational awareness is critical, as employees must remain alert to surrounding equipment traffic, suspended loads, rigging activities, and active production operations. Required PPE must be worn at all times, including steel-toe footwear and other task-specific protective equipment. All safety procedures and operational protocols must be followed.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands listed are representative of those required to successfully perform this job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or maneuver materials and rigging components weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, or sit for extended periods on indoor and outdoor surfaces.
• Ability to navigate ramps, inclines, stairs, ladders, platforms, and uneven terrain while maintaining balance.
• Ability to reach, bend, crouch, stoop, kneel, and perform repetitive motions associated with rigging and material handling activities.
• Ability to operate heavy industrial equipment requiring precise hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and fine motor control.
• Ability to work safely around moving machinery, suspended loads, and active production operations.
• Visual acuity sufficient to judge distances, monitor clearances, inspect equipment, and safely operate machinery.
• Ability to tolerate prolonged exposure to outdoor working conditions and varying weather conditions.

Why Join Fidelity?

This is more than a material handling position. It's an opportunity to help build the foundation of Fidelity Manufacturing's newest facility while serving as the site's lead resource for specialized lifting equipment and operator development.

As one of the early members of the Texas team, you'll have the opportunity to establish training standards, develop future operators, influence safe work practices, and play a key role in supporting the continued growth of our manufacturing operation.

If you are an experienced equipment operator who enjoys mentoring others, leading by example, and working in a hands-on manufacturing environment, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply Now

All applicants must apply online through Indeed or the company's official job posting platform. Qualified candidates will be contacted for a pre-screen interview.

Fidelity Manufacturing
www.FidelityMfg.com