Looper Operator

About the role

28800 Ida St Valley Nebraska 68064-8016

A Brief Summary of This Position

The Looper Operator plays 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. The operator is responsible for connecting steel ends and feeding them into the mill, utilizing a mic miller and manual welder to join coil tails.

Time management and basic math skills are essential as the Looper Operator must track coil sizes, manage staging, and ensure the material flows smoothly from the uncoiler to the mill. The role also includes assisting the mill and cutoff operators as needed, supporting efficient production and ensuring optimal mill operation.

Essential Functions

• 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.
• Operate a 30-ton overhead crane to lift and position heavy coils onto the coil tree and stage them for the mill.
• Connect steel coils by welding the ends together to ensure they can feed seamlessly into the mill for continuous operation.
• 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.
• Monitor coil inventory and keep accurate records of materials used, including quantity, type, and footage, on a daily basis.
• 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.
• 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.
• Operate and maintain forming sections of the mill, ensuring consistent output of materials and addressing any mechanical or operational issues as needed.
• 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.
• Perform general maintenance and clean-up of the work area, ensuring it remains safe and organized for continued operation.
• Maintain quality control by ensuring that welded coils and other materials meet customer specifications, with final quality checks performed by inspectors.
• 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.

Required Qualifications of Every Candidate

• 1 to 3 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment
• Basic knowledge of welding techniques and operation of welding equipment, including the ability to operate a mic miller 252 manual welder
• Ability to read and write legibly for accurate record-keeping and communication
• Proficiency in using decimals and fractions, and converting between both
• Ability to obtain forklift and overhead crane certification
• Strong spatial awareness to safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment in a dynamic environment
• Basic mathematical skills to track material usage, production rates, and coil inventory
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently while maintaining communication with other team members
• Demonstrates a strong passion for quality, integrity, and the drive to excel and produce exceptional results.

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications

• 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
• Familiarity with basic mechanical principles, including troubleshooting and maintaining heavy machinery
• Ability to work with and adjust the mill setup for varying coil sizes
• Experience in maintaining accurate inventory records and coordinating material flow with other operators and teams

Benefits

Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family's overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
• Work Life Support
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more