Operator, Assistant

Job Overview

The Operator Assistant is an entry‑level role responsible for operating the palletizer and stretch wrap on cartons and spools of wire produced on the jacket line. Duties include rewinding material into a specified length while performing spark testing and patching when necessary.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must read, write, and speak English; bilingual in Spanish is a plus
• Must be able to stand and lift heavy loads for long periods of time

• Maintain proper tundish and launder spares; rebuild, break out, casting of new sections
• Assist the casting operator with weekly and semi‑annual shutdowns, out‑of‑the‑mill tasks
• Ensure casting checklist is completed
• Assist with troubleshooting issues
• Monitor casting pit for leakage, foam, wheel, water issues, etc.
• Train on casting operation and furnace
• Certify on crane and forklift

• Operate the palletizer
• Maintain correct flow of material on conveyor system
• Perform minor maintenance on palletizer, stretch column, and conveyor
• Ensure palletizer properly stacks pallets of cartons and spools and that they are of acceptable quality before palletizing
• Run a specified package length
• Set proper spark‑tester settings
• Tag and package product correctly
• Produce a quality product according to specifications and visual check
• Perform possible painting of wire, print removal, or reprinting while rewinding
• Make a quality patch on defective material when needed
• Strip insulation off scrap wire

• Will be required to cross‑train on equipment within your identified workgroup at your facility
• Once trained in more complex jobs, may be required to fill the position in the event of absence or vacancy
• Will be required to rotate on a set frequency within your workgroup to maintain skill proficiency

• Do not release products until all quality checks have been passed
• Perform quality checks, as outlined in the process procedures for the machine, and minor maintenance when necessary
• Immediately report quality issues to the supervisor or quality manager
• Use the company’s ISO Quality System documentation to guide all daily quality activities

• Working safely is a condition of employment
• Observe Southwire safety rules and maintain good housekeeping
• Follow all safety procedures and rules
• Properly wear all required PPE
• Review and know all Job Hazard Analyses for proper job sequence and hazards associated with the jobs assigned to do
• Review and know all Safety Data Sheets for the jobs assigned to do
• Maintain all work areas to 5S standards
• Perform pre‑operation safety inspection and hazard analysis
• Follow all company environmental rules/procedures and handle all materials in a manner designed to minimize environmental impact

• Must be able to work in hot and cold environments normally found in a prefabricated building without climate control
• Physical activities include balance, climbing, fingering, grasping, hearing, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motions, standing, stooping, walking, and sitting

• 401k with Matching & Pension Plan (Eligible for Pension after 1,000 Hours Worked)
• Family and Individual Insurance Packages (Health, Life, Dental, and Vision)
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Long & Short‑Term Disability
• Supplemental Insurance Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Programs
• Advancement & Professional Growth opportunities
• More

Southwire is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.