Machine Operator

Location: Winston‑Salem, NC • Requisition ID: 30257

About the role

Lincoln Electric is a high‑performance industrial machinery and technology leader helping customers manufacture and maintain vital equipment and infrastructure. The company operates 71 manufacturing and automation facilities across 20 countries and serves customers in over 160 countries.

This is an hourly, entry‑level production manufacturing position performed onsite in Winston‑Salem, NC. Relocation is not available. The work environment is not temperature controlled.

Responsibilities

• Maintain uptime on all spooling/boxing machines by loading spools and boxes, threading wire into robos, setting up and printing labels, and changing lot numbers.
• Perform changeovers, scrap recovery, and cleanup of machines and the entire area.
• Set up, operate, and maintain spooling/boxing machines following company policies and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure a quality product by verifying correct components and quality standards such as weight, wire quality, and spool quality.
• Complete necessary production paperwork correctly.
• Cover vacations and call‑ins as needed and support other departments when required.
• Operate forklifts and pallet jacks safely (forklift certification required).
• Train new employees in the spooling/boxing departments.

Key deliverables:

• Improved efficiency and effectiveness
• Schedule completion
• Prepare setup for upcoming orders
• Ensure quality product
• Organize wire tubs
• Work in a safe manner
• Excellent attendance

Key accountability metrics:

• On‑time delivery
• Scrap rate
• Improved uptime

Time allocation (approximate): Spooling/boxing operator 80%, forklift/pallet jack operator 5%, training new employees 5%, other duties 10%.

Requirements

Physical demands

• Pushing/pulling
• Lifting 25–30 lb frequently; occasionally 50–75 lb
• Reaching, pulling, raising with arms
• Bending, squatting, walking, standing
• Climbing ladders
• Twisting at waist
• Talking/hearing
• Writing and finger dexterity
• Bending/rotating wrist movements

Work environment

• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and fumes/airborne particles
• Frequent exposure to risk of electrical shock, heat, toxic or caustic chemicals, vibration, and high/precarious places
• Noise level sometimes loud

Education and experience

• Required: High school diploma or GED; or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred: Mechanical background/experience.

Qualifications

Core competencies

• Maintains a customer focus – exceptional service to internal and external customers.
• Takes ownership – continuous drive to achieve superior results and responsibility for those results.
• Is a team player – collaborates effectively to achieve common goals.
• Uses sound judgment/integrity – well‑reasoned actions representing the best interest of the business; demonstrates spooling safety through decision‑making, PPE use, and machine guards.
• Achieves quality results – flawless execution to ensure long‑term organizational success.

Key knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualities

• Language skills: Read and interpret safety rules, operating/maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; complete production paperwork; speak effectively before groups.
• Mathematical skills: Multiply, divide, add, subtract.
• Reasoning ability: Solve problems through observation and data to improve processes.
• Technical/mechanical skills: Make basic mechanical adjustments to equipment; read measurement equipment to confirm product characteristics.
• Essential functions: Must be forklift certified and able to operate forklifts and pallet jacks safely.
• Other qualities: Ability to prioritize daily workload, high sense of urgency, good attention to detail, and good attendance required.

Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) matching
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan repayment programs
• Pay progression scale to grow knowledge and pay

Schedule

Monday–Thursday, 5:00 am – 3:00 pm. Overtime may be required and can vary.