Wire Chopper Operator

General Position Summary & Responsibilities

The Wire Chopper Operator is responsible for operating wire chopping and non-ferrous processing equipment to safely and efficiently convert insulated wire and related materials into clean, market-ready metal products. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and adherence to Radius Recycling’s Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards.

• Maintain a safe work environment for employees, customers, and visitors.
• Use applicable personal protective equipment (PPE) as required in safety sensitive areas and when performing safety sensitive tasks.
• Operate wire chopping equipment, conveyors, granulators, shredders, and separation systems to process insulated wire and non-ferrous materials.
• Monitor material flow, equipment performance, and product quality; make adjustments as needed to maintain optimal throughput.
• Load and unload materials using forklifts, skid steers, or other mobile equipment.
• Identify and remove contaminants to ensure clean, high-quality output.
• Cook with team members to ensure smooth production flow and safe material handling.
• Conduct pre-shift inspections of wire chopping equipment and mobile equipment.
• Identify and report equipment deficiencies, unusual noises, or malfunctions immediately.
• Perform basic maintenance tasks such as clearing jams, cleaning screens, and lubricating components as directed.
• Maintain clean work areas to reduce contamination and improve equipment performance.
• Inspect processed non-ferrous output for purity, size, and consistency.
• Adjust machine settings to maintain product quality standards.
• Document production data, quality checks, and downtime events.
• Support Internal Control process which includes understanding, communicating, and complying with defined internal controls as well as suggesting and making modifications to the policies, procedures, and controls to better match the business.
• Communicate upward problems in operations, noncompliance with the code of conduct, or other policy violations or illegal actions.

Essential Functions

• Environmental and Health & Safety (H&S): Strictly adhere to all Radius Recycling HSE policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Operational Performance & Best Business Practices: Operate wire chopping equipment, conveyors, granulators, shredders, and separation systems to process insulated wire and non-ferrous materials.
• Equipment & Maintenance: Conduct pre-shift inspections of wire chopping equipment and mobile equipment.
• Quality Control: Inspect processed non-ferrous output for purity, size, and consistency.
• Special Projects: Perform special projects or additional duties as assigned.

Job Conditions

• Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, dust, fumes, and moving equipment, with PPE required at all times, including safety shoes, hearing protection, respirators, and face shields.
• Workload may fluctuate, and employees may be required to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Physical Activities Required To Perform Essential Functions: Requires the ability to stand, walk on uneven ground, climb equipment, and operate machinery for extended periods, as well as lift up to 50 pounds occasionally. Frequent reaching, grasping, twisting, and use of hand and foot controls, along with the visual acuity necessary to monitor equipment and inspect materials.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Experience in metals recycling, manufacturing, or industrial equipment operation preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot basic equipment issues.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate forklifts, skid steers, and related mobile equipment.