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Wire Rod Mill Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sterling Steel Company produces over 500,000 tons of wire rod annually. Customers have various uses ... Monitor electrical processes that affect operation of Rod Mill and quality of product

Production Operator

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

... wire rod, wire, reinforcement bars and threaded rods, with the expressed goal of satisfying the ... Could be placed on Overhead Crane, Heat Treat, Primary Mill, Forklift, Finish Operations.

Production Operator

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

... wire rod, wire, reinforcement bars and threaded rods, with the expressed goal of satisfying the ... Could be placed on Overhead Crane, Heat Treat, Primary Mill, Forklift, Finish Operations.

... wire rod, wire, reinforcement bars and threaded rods, with the expressed goal of satisfying the ... Determines whether to use floor-stock or mill production in consideration of factors such as: lead ...

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Wire Rod Mill information

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$5

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How much do wire rod mill jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for wire rod mill in the United States is $14.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by operators in a Wire Rod Mill, and how can they be effectively managed?

Operators in a Wire Rod Mill often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, managing equipment downtime, and ensuring adherence to strict safety protocols. These challenges can be effectively managed by staying vigilant with regular equipment inspections, promptly addressing any mechanical issues, and following standard operating procedures. Collaboration with maintenance and quality assurance teams is essential for troubleshooting and continuous improvement. Additionally, ongoing training and open communication within the team help operators stay updated on best practices and technological advancements in the field.

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

To thrive as a Wire Rod Mill Operator, you need a solid understanding of metallurgy, mechanical systems, and industrial safety, often supported by a technical diploma or relevant manufacturing experience. Familiarity with mill control systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and quality assurance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills for ensuring smooth mill operations. These competencies are crucial to maximize production efficiency, maintain workplace safety, and deliver high-quality wire rod products.

What is a wire rod mill?

A wire rod mill is an industrial facility where steel is heated, rolled, and formed into long, thin rods known as wire rods. These wire rods are typically used as raw materials for producing various wire products, nails, springs, and reinforcement for construction. The process involves several stages, including reheating, rolling, cooling, and coiling, to achieve precise diameters and mechanical properties. Modern wire rod mills use advanced automation and quality control systems to ensure consistent product quality.

What is the difference between Wire Rod Mill vs Steel Mill Worker?

AspectWire Rod MillSteel Mill Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentOperate machinery in wire rod production lines, often in manufacturing plantsWork in steel production facilities, handling various steel products
Industry UsageSpecialized in producing wire rods used in construction, automotive, and manufacturingInvolved in overall steel production, including casting, rolling, and finishing

The main difference is that a Wire Rod Mill focuses on producing wire rods through specialized rolling processes, while a Steel Mill Worker may be involved in broader steel manufacturing activities. Both roles require safety awareness and technical skills, but the Wire Rod Mill role is more specialized in wire rod production.

Electronics Supervisor

Electronics Supervisor

Leggett & Platt

Sterling, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Leggett & Platt rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 46 rated furniture manufacturers


Job description

Sterling Steel Company produces over 500,000 tons of wire rod annually. Customers have various uses for this rod, including Leggett & Platt making bed springs, which they invented.
Leggett & Platt purchased a portion of Northwestern Steel and Wire and reopening it as Sterling Steel Company in 2002. Leggett is not only the owner of SSC, they are also one of the largest customers.
It is the mission of Sterling Steel Company to be the Safest and Lowest Cost provider of Quality Steel.
We are committed to conform to all established requirements and expectations of our customers and to a philosophy of Continuous Quality Improvement.
Meeting these goals requires teamwork, dedication, and ongoing training from all our 275+ employees.
Leggett & Platt's overall mission is a commitment to enhance lives - by delivering quality products, offering empowering and rewarding careers, and doing our part in bringing about a better future.
Leggett & Platt's inventive heritage and leadership in the residential products industry span more than 130 years. As The Components People, we are the leading supplier of a wide range of products and components for all areas of life, including mattress springs and carpet cushion, as well as bedding machinery and erosion-control products.
From aerospace tubing and fabricated assemblies to flooring underlayment and carpet cushion, Leggett & Platt has divisions that design, manufacture, and sell a variety of products. Our reliable product development and launch capability, coupled with our global footprint, make us a trusted partner for customers in the aerospace, hydraulic cylinders, flooring, textile, and geo components industries.
Learn more about the history of Leggett: https://leggett.com/history
Bedding
The world leader in bedding technology.
Leggett & Platt has been the driving force in bedding components technology since inventing the bedspring in 1885. Now, we own more mattress industry patents than anyone in the world.
Springs, foam, adjustable beds, machinery - our Bedding businesses design, produce, and supply innovative sleep solutions that help you rest comfortably.
Learn more about Bedding Components: L&P Bedding Group
Sterling Steel, a Leggett & Platt Company is searching for an Electronics Supervisor within our Rod Mill Electricalteam in Sterling, IL to help support our bedding business. Did you know we have been revolutionizing the sleep industry since 1883? That's right! In fact, we hold the original patent on a spiral steel coil bed spring, filed way back in 1885. Since then, we have been an industry leader in guaranteeing you get the best sleep possible. If you join our team, your work will ensure people across the world have a little more comfort in their lives.
As an Electronics Supervisor you will have the opportunity to safely produce high quality products. Your contributions will have a direct impact on the business by providing leadership and direction to the Sterling Steel Electrical Department. The team you will be working with is collaborative and innovative, and values challenging work and diversity of thought.
So, what will you be doing as an Electronics Supervisor?
  • Monitor electrical processes that affect operation of Rod Mill and quality of product
  • Troubleshoot to find cause of electrical problems (equipment, electrical, motors, PLC...) and implement solution for correction to decrease the amount of down time
  • Take readings and predict source of problems
  • Manage drives program for backup and restore
  • Receive calls during 'non work hours' to assist with trouble shooting; return to mill if needed
  • Oversee Electrical Supervisor & department
  • Fill in for Electrical Supervisor as needed
  • Assist Rod Mill General Supervisor & General Manager as directed
  • Educate employees on what we do as well as how and why we do it
  • Provide ongoing training & coaching of current and electrical end employees
  • Document employee performance issues & administer discipline
  • Participate in Union employee grievance procedures if needed
  • Report operational issues to General Manager & Roller in a timely manner
  • Share information with other Maintenance and Production Supervisors/Managers
  • Complete required reports
  • Assist in initial creation and ongoing evaluation of SSC Electrical Apprenticeship
  • Provide training to
  • Audit and update SJPs
  • Verify that all SJPs and Safety processes are followed
  • Enforce SSC Work Rules and Policies consistently
  • Champion and participate in ECO, QMS & Continuous Improvement initiatives
  • Comply with and enforce all SSC Safety rules
  • Participate in training from HR, Rod Manager, Safety, and Leggett & Platt
  • All other duties as assigned

To be successful in this role, you'll need:
  • 5+ years heavy industrial electrical & electronics experience
  • 2-5 years leadership experience
  • Able to learn the sequence of operations for equipment and understand sensors, motors, valves, gearboxes, etc. in detail
  • Knowledge of energy points
  • Understand properties of physics
  • Basic understanding of process control, machine control and hydraulics
  • Read/Cross reference/modify electrical and P&ID and basic layout prints
  • Strong comprehension of AC and DC electricity
  • Able to follow distribution layouts and understand why sources of power are controlled in panels as they are
  • Understand voltages from high voltage yard to plant floor
  • Understand discrete and analog designs
  • Apply understanding of schematics' symbols and logic in problem resolution
  • Understand AC and DC motor designs, starters, fusing, overloads, drive and dynamic braking
  • Working knowledge of drives as source of controls power including wired connections, interfacing relays, IO, Power and communication connections
  • Understand communication control without wired connections and be able to connect to drives that use communication for controls.
  • Drives software
  • Knowledge of basic structure of OS, ES, HMI servers, HMI clients, backing up servers and downloading HMI Servers
  • Understand PLC Hardware configuration and communication from point to point
  • Know how to access addressing of the hardware
  • Average to advanced computer skills including use of Microsoft Office, accessing files on network drives, writing/sending/receiving emails
  • Understand licensing of installed software

Physical Demands:
  • Able to work in extreme temperatures (hot & cold) while wearing required PPE
  • Mobility to move to any area of assigned location (Rod Mill and/or Melt Shop)
  • Strength and stamina to remain on feet for majority of 12-hour shifts
  • Walk up and down stairs safely
  • Lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
  • Communicate effectively in verbally and in writing in person, over phone/radio, via email
  • Dexterity to type on keyboard
  • Dexterity to operate necessary tools/machinery
  • Ability to effectively read, write, understand, and otherwise communicate in English

Tool/Machines/Equipment Used:
  • Computer and other office machinery
  • Electrical tools, meters and related instruments
  • Basic hand tools

QMS Requirements
  • Know and follow Company Quality Policy & Mission Statement
  • Initiate action to prevent the occurrence of any nonconformity related to product, process, and the system.
  • Identify and record any problems relating to the product, process and the quality system.
  • Initiate, recommend or provide solutions through designated channels.
  • Verify the implementation of solutions.
  • Control further processing, delivery or installation of nonconforming product until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.

Things we consider a plus:
  • Degree in industrial technology/Electronics/Electrical or related field
  • Knowledge of Siemens software

What to Do Next
Now that you've had a chance to learn more about us, what are you waiting for?! Apply today and allow us the opportunity to learn more about you and the value you can bring to our team. Once you apply, be sure to create a profile, and sign up for job alerts, so you can be the first to know when new opportunities become available.
Our Values
Our values speak to our shared beliefs and describe how we approach working together.
  • Put People First reflects our commitment to safety and care of each other, learning and development, and creating an inclusive environment of mutual respect, empathy and belonging.
  • Do the Right Thing focuses us on acting with honesty and integrity, delivering the results the right way, taking pride in our work, and speaking the truth - good or bad.
  • Do Great Work...Together occurs when we engage without hierarchy, collaborate as a team, embrace challenges, and work for the good of all of us.
  • Take Ownership and Raise the Bar demonstrates our responsibility to add value and make a difference, challenge the status quo and biases to make things better, foster innovative and creative solutions to drive impact, and explore new perspectives and embrace change.

Our Commitment to You
We're actively taking steps to make sure our culture is inclusive and that our processes and practices promote equity for all. Leggett & Platt is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veteran status, and more. Join us!
We welcome and encourage applications if you meet the minimum qualifications. Even if you do not meet the preferred qualifications, we'd love the opportunity to consider you.
Equal Employment Opportunity/Veteran/Disability Employer
For more information about how we handle your personal data in connection with our recruiting processes, please refer to the Recruiting Privacy Notice on the "Privacy Notice" tab located at http://privacy.leggett.com

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