Operator (1st Shift - Panels)

About the Role

Join us as an Operator supporting manufacturing operations by operating production equipment, handling materials, and ensuring products meet specifications, quality requirements, and safety standards. This role involves equipment setup, routine inspections, material movement, and documentation while maintaining a clean and organized work area. You’ll cross-train across multiple production areas to support operational flexibility and deliver “Right. On Time. Every Time.” products and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Follow all plant safety procedures and wear required PPE; help maintain safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Set up and operate production equipment such as panel lines, purlin machines, slitter/recoil systems, standing seam lines, Alpha equipment, and seamer tables.
• Perform material handling tasks including loading coils, moving raw materials, catching/stacking finished goods, and operating hoists, cranes, and forklifts.
• Carry out role-specific duties (e.g., panel operating, purlin production, trim/wrap driving, hardware and accessories assembly, coil receiving, Alpha operations).
• Inspect products visually and dimensionally using tape measures, calipers, and other measuring tools.
• Read and follow engineering drawings, job packets, and work instructions to ensure accurate production.
• Report equipment issues promptly and support basic troubleshooting.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including completing end-of-shift housekeeping.
• Train new hires on equipment, procedures, safety, and quality standards.
• Ensure Quality Control is performed at each work center based on QC standards, RMA corrective actions, and internal/external customer feedback.
• Cross-train and assist in multiple production areas as business needs require.
• Perform other duties and activities related to the department to support overall operations.

Key Measures of Success

• Operate assigned machinery and handle materials safely and efficiently while meeting daily production and quality targets.
• Demonstrate flexibility by cross-training and successfully performing in multiple equipment areas or roles.
• Collaborate effectively with Employee Owners and supervisors to maintain workflow and resolve issues quickly.
• Produce accurate, defect-free parts that meet specifications and customer expectations.
• Identify and communicate opportunities for process improvements that enhance safety, workflow, or equipment utilization.
• Understand cost control and what financially impacts the team.
• Accurately use measuring tools and perform required mathematical calculations.
• Show consistent progress in learning new equipment and operational skills.
• Consistently exhibit the company’s values of “Own It. Can Do. Act in Love.”

Requirements

• Minimum Required (Internal):
  • Current Flexibility Test taken
  • Observation Test
  • Transfer policy requirements
• Preferred (External):
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • One (1) year of experience operating production equipment, preferably in a manufacturing environment
  • Experience using hoists, cranes, and forklifts
  • Completion of a technical or vocational training program in manufacturing, machining, or related field
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement processes

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a manufacturing environment with routine use of standard and/or specialized equipment. The role involves active tasks, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and occasional lifting of materials or tools weighing up to 55 pounds. The environment may be loud, non-temperature-controlled, and exposed to outdoor weather conditions. Employees frequently interact with machinery, moving objects, and vehicles. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required by site policy.

• Regular activities: standing, walking, and tasks requiring fine motor skills (e.g., reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping, kneeling, crouching, twisting, bending)
• Occasional activities: sitting, climbing, crawling, and lifting items weighing up to 55 lbs.
• Environmental notes: exposure to noise, temperature variations, machinery, moving objects, and outdoor weather conditions

Reasonable accommodation is available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Travel

This position may require up to 5% travel, depending on business needs. Travel may include visits to company locations, client sites, training, or industry events.

Benefits

• ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) – each employee receives an allocation of stock every year
• 401K Match
• Education assistance – up to $5,250 each year
• Profit-Sharing bonus
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Holiday pay and Vacation pay
• Employee Assistance Program providing confidential emotional support, work/lifestyle support, legal guidance, financial resources, and digital support
• Care Guides to help navigate the complex healthcare system
• Life insurance – 1.5x annual salary (100% employer paid)
• Wellness Program – earn up to $1,200 annually when enrolling in a medical plan
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (Long-Term Disability 100% employer paid)
• Performance-based merit increases
• SHINE program – Employee Financial Assistance and Dependent Scholarships