Wash Bay Operator

Job Title: Wash Bay Operator

Location: Columbus, NE 68601

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM (40 hours/week) – occasional overtime as needed

Job Summary Duo Lift, a leading manufacturer of agricultural and industrial trailers, is seeking a detail-oriented and safety-focused Wash Bay Operator to clean and pre-treat trailer frames, components, and assemblies in our industrial wash bay system. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with high-pressure washing or parts cleaning, thrives in a production environment, and is committed to delivering contaminant-free surfaces for downstream painting or coating processes.

Key Responsibilities

Wash Bay Operation

• Safely operate manual or automated wash bay systems (high-pressure spray, chemical pre-treatment, phosphate stages) to remove dirt, oil, grease, weld residue, and scale from large metal parts.
• Load/unload parts using overhead cranes, forklifts, or manual positioning; mask/plug areas as needed.
• Perform daily start-up, system checks, and basic maintenance on pumps, nozzles, filters, and chemical delivery systems.

Preparation & Treatment

• Monitor and adjust chemical concentrations, temperature, pressure, and cycle times for consistent cleaning results.
• Perform titrations or tests on wash solutions and replenish chemicals as required.
• Inspect parts post-wash for cleanliness and report any issues affecting quality.

Safety & Quality

• Conduct daily safety checks (ventilation, chemical handling, emergency showers, PPE fit).
• Verify surface cleanliness using water-break tests, visual inspection, or other quality methods.
• Complete quality checklists and report non-conformances immediately.
• Follow all OSHA, EPA, lockout/tagout, and PPE requirements (including respirator certification).

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Clean tanks, strainers, and nozzles; change filters and manage waste/water treatment.
• Clear faults, identify recurring issues, and communicate spare-parts needs.
• Keep wash bay area clean, organized, and free of hazards.

Workflow & Communication

• Coordinate part flow with Welding, Pre-Assembly, and Production Leads.
• Stage fixtures, chemicals, and supplies for upcoming jobs.
• Suggest process improvements and participate in new part prove-outs.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience

• 1+ years operating industrial wash bays, parts washers, or pre-treatment systems (preferably in manufacturing or coating prep).
• Hands-on experience with high-pressure washing, chemical handling, and surface preparation.
• Ability to read work instructions and process specifications.
• Solid mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with hand tools, cranes/forklifts, and precision inspection.

Preferred Experience

• Multi-stage phosphate or pre-treatment systems.
• Chemical titration/testing or environmental compliance knowledge.
• Strong background in manufacturing cleaning processes.
• Forklift or overhead crane certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, reach, climb, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working in wet, chemical environments with high-pressure equipment.
• Must wear required PPE which may include respirator, safety glasses, hearing protection, rubber boots, and steel-toe boots.

Drug Screening

• Must pass pre-employment drug screening.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Vacation and holiday pay
• Supplemental insurance options
• Consistent weekday schedule

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Industrial Wash Bay: 1 year (Required)
• Forklift: 1 year (Preferred)
• Crane: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• English (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Columbus, NE Required)

Work Location: In person