1

Wire Machine Operator Jobs in Whitewater, WI (NOW HIRING)

With more than 90 large-platform industrial-grade 3D printing machines and a national footprint ... Wire EDM Operator. * Must have set up experience. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Esprit ...

CNC Machinist - 1st Shift

Hartland, WI ยท On-site

$20 - $32/hr

... machine operators to ensure timely and accurate production support across a variety of machines including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis vertical and horizontal CNC mills, Wire EDM, Sinker EDM, and surface ...

Exhibits knowledge of electro-mechanical systems, machine repair and operation * Must Pass "Senior Operator Qualification" * Ability to work with limited supervision Preferred Qualifications * 7+ ...

If you have experience setting up and operating coiling equipment and enjoy solving production ... Set up and operate spring coiling and/or wire forming machines * Produce compression, extension ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Wire Machine Operator information

See Whitewater, WI salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do wire machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for wire machine operator in Whitewater, WI is $17.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Wire Machine Operator vs Cable Assembler?

AspectWire Machine OperatorCable Assembler
CredentialsHigh school diploma, some certifications in machinery operationHigh school diploma, basic electrical knowledge
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, machine operation areasAssembly lines, electronics manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageManufacturing of wires, cables, electrical componentsAssembling cables, wiring harnesses, electronic components

Wire Machine Operators and Cable Assemblers both work in manufacturing environments related to electrical components. While Wire Machine Operators focus on operating machinery to produce wires and cables, Cable Assemblers typically assemble finished cable products. Both roles require attention to detail and some technical knowledge, but their specific tasks and equipment differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wire Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wire Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with wire drawing machines, calipers, micrometers, and possibly CNC controls is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, reliability, and effective communication help operators excel in this precise manufacturing environment. These skills and qualities ensure safety, product quality, and efficient workflow in wire production operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Wire Machine Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Wire Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining machine efficiency, ensuring product quality, and minimizing downtime due to mechanical issues. Staying attentive to detail is crucial, as even minor errors can lead to defects or wasted materials. To address these challenges, operators typically perform regular equipment checks, follow safety protocols, and collaborate closely with maintenance teams to promptly resolve technical problems. Continuous learning about new machine technologies and participating in training programs can also help operators stay effective and advance in their careers.

What is a Wire Machine Operator?

A Wire Machine Operator is a skilled worker responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines that draw, extrude, or shape metal wire. They monitor the machinery to ensure it produces wire to specified dimensions and quality standards, make adjustments as needed, and perform routine maintenance. Wire Machine Operators also inspect finished products for defects and ensure that safety protocols are followed throughout the production process. This role is essential in manufacturing industries that supply wire for construction, electronics, and automotive applications.

Machine Operator Apprentice - 3rd Shift (Coils)-Waukesha,Wisconsin

Eaton Aerospace

Rochester, WI โ€ข On-site

$24.45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Eaton's ES AMER ESS division is currently seeking a Machine Operator Apprentice - 3rd Shift (Coils) to join our team on Badger Drive in Waukesha, WI!
The hourly rate for this position is $24.45 + $2.50 shift differential per hour + $2.50 per hour shift premium.
The core hours are 11 pm - 7 am. Overtime may exceed these hours and be mandatory at times.
Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
This position is offering a sign-on bonus of $3,000* paid in two installments, less applicable withholding.
*Bonus terms:
  • Bonuses are being offered for a limited time only. Applications must be submitted on or after January 1st, 2026 to qualify.
  • Bonuses are only applicable to specific job types and shifts; additional terms and conditions may apply.
  • Associates must be employed at the time of the payout.

Why work at Eaton? Below are a few of the outstanding benefits we offer:
  • Health benefits and vacation time - available to use on day one of your employment!
  • Paid holidays - up to 12!
  • Weekly pay
  • Shift premiums - $2.50/hr for off shifts & Opportunities for overtime.
  • Career progression opportunities to cross-train in different departments and increase compensation.
  • Retirement benefits, Paid Parental Leave, Educational Assistance Program, Wellness Reimbursement, and more!

What you'll do:
The Coil Winder Machine Operator Apprentice will set-up and operate winding machines to produce coils of various size to specifications called for on winding sheets, winding diagrams, and order pouches. Coil conductor configurations include strip, round, and rectangular wire, in various combinations. The training apprenticeship program will include classroom technical training, welding and brazing training at WCTC, use of HoloLens virtual reality smart glasses, and on the job training.
In this function you will:
  • Read and interpret winding specification documents.
  • Find the coil number, quantity, and revision, and also record the coil number on the coil and on labor recording paperwork.
  • Install and adjust appropriate devices as needed onto the coil winding machine in order to meet window sizing specifications.
  • Load strip, conductor, and insulating paper to dereeling mechanisms on the machine.
  • Measure materials, make adjustments to the machine to accommodate materials, and verify proper alignment.
  • Place and adjust the coil form as specified.
  • Apply pack out as needed per specification, repeated on each section of the coil.
  • Fold, insulate, and tape-weld pre-cut leads to strip stock of coil body.
  • Operate a crimping tool to crimp wire to static shielding.
  • Complete two-week welding and brazing training at WCTC

Qualifications:
Required (Basic) Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 6 months of experience OR education in manufacturing, military, or a related field
  • Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc.
  • No relocation is being offered for this role. All candidates considered must live within 50 miles of the Waukesha, WI facility. Active Duty Military Service member candidates are exempt from the geographical area limitation.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or GED (General Education Degree) from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum of one (1) year of manufacturing experience or military technical training.
  • Minimum of six (6) months prior coil winding experience.

Skills:
  • Ability to interpret prints, quality specifications, and applicable instructions for safety, maintenance, operating, and engineering.
  • Ability to work overtime when required.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 LBS; bend, twist, grab, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, use both hands to lift and lower materials, and perform all other essential duties with or without reasonable accommodations.

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.
You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.
We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.