Job Description

This entry-level machine operator role focuses on learning all aspects of a pipe fabrication operation, with an emphasis on cutting, threading, and flanging ductile iron pipe for water treatment plants and related projects. You will primarily operate a large lathe machine to process large pipes used in underground water infrastructure for major customers and new builds. The position is ideal for a mechanically inclined individual who wants to develop hands-on skills with specialized equipment in a small, collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate a large lathe machine to perform cutting, threading, and flanging on ductile iron pipe used in water treatment and related projects.
• Follow established procedures to run machine cycles, including button-operated controls, to ensure accurate and consistent pipe fabrication.
• Assist with general labor tasks in the pipe fabrication shop, including material handling and basic preparation of pipes and fittings.
• Use hand and power tools to support fabrication activities and complete assigned tasks safely and efficiently.
• Read and follow basic blueprints or schematics, when required, to ensure pipes and fittings meet specified dimensions and tolerances.
• Support the production of fabricated pipe and fittings that integrate with PVC, polyethylene, ductile iron pipe, fire hydrants, valves, and water meters.
• Learn and apply proper setup, adjustment, and basic maintenance practices for the lathe and other shop equipment under supervision.
• Handle and move heavy materials, including lifting up to 75 pounds on a daily basis, while following safe lifting techniques.
• Learn to operate an overhead crane and forklift to move large pipes and materials safely within the shop.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, recognizing that the environment includes various machines and piping.
• Follow all safety policies, including the use of required personal protective equipment and adherence to shop safety guidelines.
• Collaborate with a small team of coworkers to meet production goals and support timely delivery of fabricated products.
• Develop familiarity with field service-related products and components, such as taps, line stops, and valve insertions, to better understand end-use applications.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and a strong interest in working with lathes and other fabrication equipment.
• Ability and willingness to learn operation of a large lathe machine and other shop machinery through on-the-job training.
• Capability to perform heavy lifting up to 75 pounds on a daily basis.
• Comfort working in a hands-on, industrial shop environment with multiple machines and piping.
• Basic experience or familiarity with hand tools and power tools.
• Ability to learn overhead crane operation for moving large pipes and materials.
• Ability to learn forklift operation to safely handle and transport materials within the shop.
• Reliability and motivation to work a consistent 1st shift schedule with occasional overtime.
• Attention to safety procedures and willingness to wear required protective equipment, including steel-toe footwear.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience running a manual lathe is a plus but not required.
• Knowledge of the water or wastewater industry is a plus.
• Any plumbing Exposure to reading blueprints or schematics is a nice-to-have.
• Familiarity with tolerances and precision measurements is a plus.

Work Environment

You will work in a small fabrication shop with approximately 6–8 employees on-site and a broader network of around 42–52 employees across the Midwest. The environment includes multiple machines, piping, and fabrication equipment, and it can be dirty at times due to the nature of pipe cutting, threading, and flanging. The position operates on a 1st shift schedule, with typical weekly overtime of about 5–10 hours. You will work around large pipes and heavy materials, using equipment such as a large lathe, overhead crane, and forklift once trained. Steel-toe footwear is required, and you must wear jeans or long pants at all times as part of the shop dress code. The setting emphasizes safety, teamwork, and hands-on learning with specialized pipe fabrication equipment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bettendorf, IA.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job class