Machine Operator T4 1st Shift

The North America team is currently looking for a Machine Operator on 1st shift to join our Taylorville, IL facility. This position will work 2nd or 3rd shift as needed.

The Machine Operator is responsible for operating mesh-welding equipment to produce welded wire mesh panels or assemblies that meet precise specifications for strength, durability, and consistency. The Operator must follow detailed instructions to ensure the accuracy of each product. They must inspect parts for any defects or inconsistencies and adjust as needed. The Operator must also monitor the machines to ensure they are running smoothly and efficiently. They must have a good understanding of the equipment and be able to troubleshoot any issues that arise. The Operator must be able to read and understand technical documents, follow safety guidelines, and maintain accurate records of production. This position is also required to run equipment in other areas as needed.

Your Impact

• Operate automated and semi-automated mesh-welding machines to produce welded mesh used in company products.
• Set and adjust weld parameters, wire spacing, voltage, and line speed to align with production requirements.
• Load, feed, and align wire coils or precut wire into equipment.
• Monitor machine performance and ensure consistent weld quality throughout production cycles.
• Perform inspections of completed mesh products to verify weld integrity, spacing accuracy, and dimensional conformity.
• Document and communicate quality findings according to company standards.
• Use measuring tools to confirm product meets engineering drawings.
• Conduct routine machine upkeep, including cleaning, lubrication, and electrode replacement.
• Diagnose and correct basic operational issues such as misfeeds, wire jams, or weld inconsistencies.
• Report significant equipment concerns to maintenance or supervisory personnel promptly.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area to 5S Standards.
• Implement all aspects of Grain & Protein Technologies Lean and Quality Management systems.
• Comply with all safety rules, policies, and procedures.

Your Experience and Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience in welding, fabrication, and machine operation.
• Ability to read technical drawings and measurement tools.
• Physical ability to lift, push, pull up to 50 pounds, and stand or move for extended periods.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with industrial equipment.
• Ability to read, write and use basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).
• Ability to operate overhead cranes and forklift.
• Ability to communicate effectively with peers, managers and across departments and shifts.

Your Compensation and Benefits

• Expected total compensation for this role will be $21.80 to $26.97 per hour depending upon job related knowledge, experience, and skills.
• Up to 5% gainshare potential.
• Benefits include the ability to elect health care and wellness plans, dental and vision plans, 401(k) Savings Plan with company match, paid holidays, paid time off, health savings and flexible spending accounts, reimbursement for continuing education, life insurance, and other supplemental insurance plans. 

Your Workplace

You will work onsite at our Taylorville, IL facility.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works with and near large machinery and equipment daily. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. The employee is exposed to a variety of extreme conditions including temperatures ranging from 40°F to 105°F.

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential job functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or craw and frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands or arms. The employee must be able to stand for up to twelve hours per day. The employee must continuously lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The employee must wear personal protective equipment (i.e. eye protection, hearing protection, safety shoes, gloves, sleeves, etc.)

We value inclusion and recognize the innovation a diverse workforce delivers to our farmers. Through our recruitment efforts, we are committed to building a team that includes a variety of experiences, backgrounds, cultures and perspectives.

Join us as we bring agriculture into the future and apply now

Grain & Protein Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

Grain & Protein Technologies is a leading global designer, manufacturer, and marketer of reliable, durable, and innovative equipment solutions for grain, seed, poultry, egg, and swine production. Generating $1.1 billion in annual revenue, the Company serves farmers and agribusiness managers in over 100 countries and currently operates 19 manufacturing facilities across 5 continents, employing more than 3600 people.

The Company goes to market with its strong portfolio of industry leading brands – GSI, Cumberland, AP, Tecno,  Cimbria, Aerotech, Reventa, and Euroemme. With its Company Purpose of "Feeding the World Better", Grain & Protein Technologies emphasizes advancing smart technologies and offering innovative technical solutions to make farmers and agribusiness managers more productive and profitable in a sustainable way.