Plate Roll Operator

POSITION SUMMARY

The Plate Roll Operator sets up and operates a 3-roll hydraulic plate roll to form steel plate into cylinders, cones, shells, curved segments, and related fabricated components in accordance with engineering drawings, work orders, and dimensional specifications. This is a skilled trade position requiring direct, hands-on experience operating plate rolling equipment. Candidates without prior plate roll operating experience will not meet the minimum qualifications for this role.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up and operate a 3-roll hydraulic plate roll to form plate to the specified radius, diameter, profile, and dimensional tolerance per drawing requirements.
• Select rolling sequence, roll pressure, and pass progression based on material type, plate thickness, and required bend radius. Account for material springback and make compensating adjustments to achieve final dimensions.
• Pre-bend plate ends as required to eliminate flat spots prior to and during forming.
• Read and interpret fabrication drawings, shop prints, work orders, and material specifications. Translate drawing requirements into machine setup parameters.
• Inspect rolled parts during and after forming using tape measures, radius gauges, squares, and templates. Verify dimensional conformance to drawing requirements and escalate non-conforming conditions to supervision or Quality Control.
• Identify and communicate defects including flat spots, out-of-round conditions, surface damage, or dimensional non-conformance.
• Safely load, position, and unload heavy plate and formed parts using overhead cranes, hoists, lifting clamps, chains, magnets, and rigging equipment. Operate forklifts as required.
• Perform pre-shift equipment inspections, support preventive maintenance tasks as directed, and report mechanical or hydraulic deficiencies promptly.
• Follow all lockout/tagout procedures, machine guarding requirements, PPE requirements, and shop safety policies without exception.
• Clock in with other trades to ensure rolled parts meet downstream fabrication requirements. Document production quantities, job numbers, and quality records as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct hands-on experience operating plate rolling equipment in a metal fabrication, manufacturing, tank, vessel, structural, or heavy equipment environment. Experience on any plate roll type (3-roll, 4-roll, hydraulic, mechanical, or CNC) is acceptable.
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, shop prints, and work orders and translate requirements into machine setup.
• Working knowledge of metal forming behavior including springback, plate thickness effects, radius control, and forming sequence.
• Experience safely handling heavy plate using overhead cranes, hoists, and rigging equipment.
• Ability to measure and inspect rolled components using standard layout and measuring tools.
• Consistent compliance with lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and PPE requirements.
• Ability to work independently after receiving instructions and communicate proactively with supervision.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and direct work experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience rolling cylinders, cones, shells, pressure vessel components, or structural rolled sections.
• Experience with heavy-wall or thick plate (1" and above), stainless, aluminum, or specialty materials.
• Forklift certification or overhead crane / rigging certification.
• Fitting, layout, welding, grinding, or general heavy fabrication experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Stand and walk on the shop floor for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted; heavier loads must be handled using approved lifting equipment.
• Work in proximity to heavy machinery, large steel components, overhead crane activity, noise, dust, heat, and changing shop floor conditions.
• Wear and maintain all required PPE, including safety glasses, steel-toe boots, gloves, and hearing protection.