Small Mill Looper Operator

Job Highlights

Company Profile

Valmont modernizes vital infrastructure and increases agricultural productivity, sustainably and reliably. The company galvanizes steel to last a century with minimal environmental impact.

Job Profile

The company is hiring a Small Mill Looper Operator who will play a crucial role in maintaining a continuous supply of material to the tube mill to ensure uninterrupted production. The primary responsibility is to use a 30-ton crane to handle and stage heavy coils of steel, ensuring the mill stays stocked with material.

Responsible for connecting steel ends and feeding them into the mill, utilizing a mic miller and manual welder to join coil tails.

Must track coil sizes, manage staging, and ensure the material flows smoothly from the uncoiler to the mill.

Assist the mill and cutoff operators as needed, supporting efficient production and ensuring optimal mill operation.

Education Level

• Not mentioned, a High School Diploma (a plus)

Work Experience

• 1 to 3 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment
• Experience with additional welding techniques, such as stick welding, wire welding, or strip welding
• Advanced experience operating a hand-held overhead crane, particularly in a heavy manufacturing setting
• Experience in maintaining accurate inventory records and coordinating material flow with other operators and teams

License/Certification

• Ability to obtain forklift and overhead crane certification

Duties/Responsibilities

• Adjust the mill setup for different coil sizes and coordinate with the slitter material handler to ensure the proper material is available for the production run.
• Communicate with other operators, including the slitter, material handlers, and quality inspectors, to ensure a smooth flow of material and to resolve any issues that arise during the process.
• Connect steel coils by welding the ends together to ensure they can feed seamlessly into the mill for continuous operation.
• Ensure spatial awareness and attention to detail when operating the crane to avoid costly mistakes, as improper handling of coils can result in significant damage.
• Maintain quality control by ensuring that welded coils and other materials meet customer specifications, with final quality checks performed by inspectors.
• Monitor coil inventory and keep accurate records of materials used, including quantity, type, and footage, daily.
• Operate a 30-ton overhead crane to lift and position heavy coils onto the coil tree and stage them for the mill.
• Operate and maintain forming sections of the mill, ensuring consistent output of materials and addressing any mechanical or operational issues as needed.
• Perform general maintenance and clean-up of the work area, ensuring it remains safe and organized for continued operation.
• Use basic math skills to manage time, assess coil sizes, and determine how much material is running versus the size of coils in order to keep the mill stocked efficiently.
• Weld coils together using a Mic Miller 252 manual welder to ensure continuous material flow from the uncoiler to the tube mill, enabling uninterrupted production.
• Work independently with minimal supervision, referring to a work binder for standard procedures, and using trial and error to adjust the forming sections of the mill.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

• Ability to read and write legibly for accurate record-keeping and communication
• Ability to work with and adjust the mill setup for varying coil sizes
• Basic knowledge of welding techniques and operation of welding equipment, including the ability to operate a Mic Miller 252 manual welder
• Basic mathematical skills to track material usage, production rates, and coil inventory
• Demonstrates a strong passion for quality, integrity, and the drive to excel and produce exceptional results.
• Familiarity with basic mechanical principles, including troubleshooting and maintaining heavy machinery
• Proficiency in using decimals and fractions, and converting between both
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently while maintaining communication with other team members
• Strong spatial awareness to safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment in a dynamic environment

Work Environment

• Handles and monitors machinery
• May work in hot or dusty conditions
• Requires the use of safety gear
• Stands for long periods during shifts
• Works in noisy, industrial environments

Benefits/Perks

• 401 (k) retirement plan with company match
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability, including maternity leave
• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental, and vision)
• Paid time off
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs
• Work-Life Support

Employer’s Statement

Valmont is an Equal Opportunity Employer.