Mill Specialist

Compensation: $28.26 per hour

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m

A Brief Summary of This Position 

The Mill Specialist is a versatile role focused on keeping the tube mill running efficiently and producing high-quality products. This position requires adaptability and a broad knowledge of all roles in the department, as you may need to step in to cover various positions when others are unavailable. Additionally, the Mill Specialist supports the team by assisting with equipment upkeep, training newer employees, and responding to needs across the mill. It's a dynamic and hands-on position where no two days are the same, requiring strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to teamwork.  

Essential Functions: 

• Operate one of three continuous running steel tube mills, producing tubing in a variety of different sizes, shapes, and gauges. 

• Ensure the production of quality tubing at efficient speeds, including tubing for agricultural, mechanical, structural, and exhaust stack applications. 

• Inspect and identify substandard products caused by issues such as poor steel, welds, or forms to prevent customer service problems.  

• Select and install proper weld rolls, fin passes, impeders, scarfers, and any other tooling required to produce superior tubing.  

• Adjust guide rolls, side rolls, forming rolls, driver rolls, and weld head rolls for consistent, high-quality output. 

• Fine-tune mill setups after changeovers and identify the correct fin pass required for precise tube formation. 

• Operate various tools and equipment including overhead cranes, 20,000 lb. CY forklift, uncoiler, coil car, looper, tube mills, welders, cutting torches, plasma cutter, grinders, tape measures, micrometers, OD and PI tape, Metco zinc spraying guns (including gas/oxygen), dial indicators, dial calipers and radius gauges, seam annealer unit and non-destructive test equipment. 

• Set up and operate multiple flying cutoff systems to minimize burrs, scarf, and material waste while maximizing production speeds. 

• Maintain accurate records of customer orders, coil usage, and production details, including prime and random footage.  

• Adjust pull thru drive section and all Turksheads to ensure tubing meets tolerance specifications for ovality and straightness. 

• Stage equipment efficiently to support upcoming setups and changeovers. 

•  Perform routine maintenance, such as changing filters, adjusting equipment, and addressing minor repairs to keep the mill running efficiently. 

• Prioritize tasks effectively when covering multiple roles or addressing equipment malfunctions to ensure continuous mill operation. 

• Monitor and maintain the cooling pit to ensure optimal performance and safety. 

• Train and mentor newer employees while performing operational duties, often managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously. 

•  Interact with other departments including engineering, maintenance, sales, shipping, and quality assurance, to coordinate production needs, address equipment issues, and resolve quality concerns.   

• Follow all safety protocols while operating hazardous equipment, including torches, plasma cutters, and heavy machinery. 

Required Qualifications of Every Candidate (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) 

• 6 to 7 years of relevant work experience in a manufacturing or production environment. 

• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience performing basic industrial maintenance, including troubleshooting, routine repairs, and preventative maintenance on production equipment 

• Ability to read and write legibly, with basic math skills, including whole numbers, fractions, and metric conversions. 

• Proven ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings accurately. 

• Effective communication skills to train team members and coordinate activities for efficient operations. 

• Working knowledge of welding principles to assess tubing quality through crush, flare, and reverse bend tests. 

• High attention to detail to uphold quality and safety standards. 

• Commitment to integrity, excellence, and continuous improvement in performance and results. 

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications 

• Prior experience in one or more of the following roles: Mill Operator, Cutoff Operator, Looper Operator, or Inspector. 

• In-depth knowledge of high-frequency welding principles and tube mill roll design. 

• Skilled in OD and ID scarfing techniques to ensure consistent, high-quality output. 

• Advanced proficiency with tube mill systems and equipment, including overhead cranes, 20,000 lb. CY forklifts, uncoilers, coil cars, loopers, welders, cutting torches, plasma cutters, grinders, measuring instruments (e.g., micrometers, PI tape, OD tape), Metco zinc spray guns, seam annealers, and NDT equipment. 

• Ability to operate and adjust hydraulic and drive systems on tube mills with precision