Saw Operator

About the role

Expander, a Business Unit of Nord-Lock Group, is seeking an experienced saw operator for its operation in DeWitt for 1st shift. We produce custom pivot solutions to customers across North and South America on a produce-to-order basis. This dynamic manufacturing environment is growing and is looking to hire collaborative co-workers who will help grow the company to a new level of production. Will work independently and as part of a team, at times with limited supervision. We are located in DeWitt, Iowa in a heated and air-conditioned facility with well-maintained equipment.

Primary objective

The primary objective of this position is to accurately maintain raw material inventory, verify material traceability, and prepare material for production orders through safe and efficient saw operation. General duties include receiving, handling, storing, identifying, and cutting off various steel materials as specified while maintaining compliance with Expander Americas, Inc, safety procedures, and production requirements.

Responsibilities

• Saw Operation & Material Preparation: Review production orders, engineering drawings, and NAV24 work order information to ensure all specifications are accurate and complete prior to cutting material.
• Verify that the required part length shown on the engineering drawing matches the material length specified in the NAV24 production order. Report any discrepancies to Engineering or Quality before processing material.
• Verify that the material selected matches the KA code, material grade, dimensions, and other requirements specified on the engineering drawing and production order.
• Verify that the material certification and material grade match the material being processed prior to cutting.
• Verify that printed part labels match the material certification, heat number, lot number, engineering drawing, and production order requirements before releasing material to downstream operations.
• Maintain complete material traceability throughout the cutting process by ensuring all labels remain legible and associated with the correct material.
• Utilize the approved cutting calculator to verify required cut lengths and optimize material utilization while maintaining required production quantities per calculator work instructions.
• Select and load the appropriate saw program based on material grade, diameter, and production requirements per work instructions.
• Select the appropriate saw blade for the material grade, size, and application to maximize cutting performance and blade life per saw work instructions.
• Perform first-piece verification and periodic dimensional checks during production runs to ensure compliance with drawing requirements.
• Set up, operate, and monitor saw equipment to ensure accurate cuts that meet quality and dimensional requirements.
• Remove burrs, chips, cutting residue, coolant, and excess oil from material before staging for the next operation.
• Properly identify, label, and stage cut material for downstream production processes.
• Operate the saw in accordance with all posted work instructions, operating procedures, safety requirements, and training guidelines located at the saw workstation.
• Material Handling & Inventory Control: Safely unload incoming raw material deliveries using a forklift and verify material received against packing slips and purchase orders.
• Utilize overhead crane systems to organize raw material inventory and safely load material into saw equipment.
• Store and organize raw material in designated locations to maintain inventory accuracy, traceability, and safe material flow.
• Maintain full material traceability by documenting heat numbers, lot numbers, material certifications, and inventory transactions in NAV24 as required.
• Ensure remnant material is properly identified, labeled, and returned to the designated inventory location.
• Verify inventory transactions are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ensure completed production orders are assigned to the correct material cart number and placed in the designated staging location for the next machine operation.
• Verify completed orders are located in the proper machine-number staging area to support efficient workflow and material control.
• Perform all material handling activities in accordance with company safety procedures and OSHA requirements.
• Equipment & Tooling: Perform daily inspections of saw equipment, forklifts, cranes, and associated material handling equipment.
• Report equipment issues promptly and assist in scheduling repairs or maintenance as required.
• Monitor saw blade condition and maintained accurate records of blade usage to support cost control and cutting efficiency.
• Maintain all saw guards, safety devices, and equipment controls in proper working conditions and report any deficiencies immediately.
• Notify supervision when tooling, supplies, blades, labels, or other consumables require replenishment.

Requirements

• Minimum of High School Diploma or equivalent
• A minimum of 1 years' experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Must be able to read, understand and follow engineering drawings
• Strong people skills with the ability to communicate and develop relationships
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, including diligence and multi-tasking
• Requires excellent written and oral communication skills
• Previous experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a plus
• Proficient computer skills such as emailing, record keeping, and MRP software
• Must have the ability to work independently in a demanding environment and be willing to learn and improve in all skill areas

Eligibility requirements

• Willing and able to work a 4/10's schedule. Monday-Thursday 5:30 AM-4:00PM
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the work shift
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials, equipment, and components on a consistent basis
• Ability to safely lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance
• Ability to perform repetitive bending, reaching, twisting, and grasping motions as required by job duties
• Ability to work scheduled shifts of up to 10 hours in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to safely operate material handling equipment, including forklifts and overhead cranes, following appropriate training and certification requirements
• Ability to work in an industrial environment with exposure to moving machinery, noise, steel materials, cutting fluids, and varying temperatures

Benefits

• Collaborative, innovative culture that encourages creativity and idea-sharing to solve challenges and drive growth
• Opportunities for development with access to resources, training opportunities, and an encouraging environment that promotes personal and professional growth
• Modern and spacious facility in the Greater Pittsburgh Area
• Health benefits, PTO, company holidays, 401(k) with company match, Paid Parental Leave, and so much more