Machine Operator

You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday.

Zekelman is a family of companies – 100% domestic manufacturers – with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi‑family housing development.

We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.

Come build a career you believe in.

As a Machine Operator at Wheatland Tube, a division of Zekelman Industries, you will play a key role in ensuring the safe and continuous operation of machinery at our Blytheville, AR facility. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a hands‑on, fast‑paced environment, enjoys problem‑solving, and is dedicated to maintaining quality standards throughout the manufacturing process.

• Ensures safe and continuous operation of all machinery, reporting unsafe conditions.
• Monitors and controls aspects of the mill manufacturing process, including loading coils, operating equipment, and conducting quality control checks.
• Maintains equipment in proper operating condition, performing preventive maintenance as needed.
• Performs size, gauge, grade, and shape changes on the production line for assigned tube and pipe mill.
• Inspects tooling condition and communicates reconditioning needs at the end of each rolling.
• Troubleshoots equipment and quality issues, collaborating with crew and supervision to ensure product quality.
• Assists maintenance with preventive maintenance tasks, including mill adjustments, fluid checks, and minor repairs.
• Directs and assists with mill changeovers to ensure smooth transitions.
• Ensures that quality requirements are met and communicated effectively to the mill crew.
• Maintains offline requirements for quick‑change operations.
• Calibrates micrometers at the start of shifts and during changeovers.
• Completes production records, paperwork, and inventory requirements.
• Follows company safety policies and regulatory agency guidelines.
• Keeps the work area clean and orderly.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Previous mill operation or machine operator experience strongly preferred.
• Tube Mill Manufacturing Experience Strongly Preferred.
• Excellent mathematical skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, decimals, and fractions).
• Strong problem‑solving abilities, including diagnosing equipment and quality issues.
• Good communication skills in both written and verbal English, with the ability to listen, speak, and interpret documents effectively.
• Basic computer skills for accessing work orders and key requirements.
• Familiarity with measuring devices (e.g., tape measures, micrometers, calipers) preferred.
• Ability to work overtime and odd hours when emergencies arise.
• Regular, full‑time, predictable onsite attendance as per the posted schedule is essential.

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low‑cost, high‑quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, loyalty awards, and much more:

• Competitive Compensation
• Bonus Plan & Profit‑Sharing Opportunities
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• Employee Loyalty Awards

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low‑cost, high‑quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.

M/F/D/V

We are Zekelman Industries.

We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers.

We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.