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Pioneer Metal Finishing

Metal surface finishing for corrosion resistance

Manufacturing Operator

Machine & Process OperationPosted on Nov 13
Full-timeSouth Bend, IN, USANo salary listedIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

  • Entry-level candidates are welcome, and no prior manufacturing experience is required.
  • Prior experience working with chemical processing or plating is associated with higher wages.
  • Ability to read and understand work orders and safety instructions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English.
  • Must be able to lift 30–50 pounds unassisted.
  • Must be able to differentiate between color variances.
  • Must be able to work around sharp parts and tooling, heavy carts, hot and cold temperatures, humidity, oven heat, moderate noise, compressed air, potential process-line splashes, and chemicals; hearing protection is required when using compressed air.

Responsibilities

  • Inspect loads before picking them up for identification, tooling, security, heights, and depth location.
  • Coordinate loads with the Team Lead or Shift Supervisor to use available tank time efficiently.
  • Ensure a program is available before processing loads and contact the Team Lead or Supervisor immediately if it is not.
  • Process raw aluminum parts or loads through chemical finishing tanks according to precise specifications, communicating with process technicians, supervisors, leads, and other line operators.
  • Run multiple lines where applicable.
  • Produce consistent results between loads and shifts through communication and teamwork.
  • Ensure products are processed according to the program and meet required standards and specifications.
  • Identify and escalate issues with raw product, including excessive oil, deep or blind holes, areas that may trap air, corrosion, and galvanic issues; recommend process adjustments to meet end-product specifications.
  • Participate in tank maintenance activities.
  • Reject loads that do not meet standard processing requirements.
  • Monitor pH and solution levels in applicable tanks, make additions according to daily checklists and procedures, advise the laboratory of non-conforming tanks, and change tank filters when required.
  • Respond to alarms and follow applicable protocols; monitor waste-treatment system operation where applicable.
  • Operate rectifiers, pumps, and cranes, and understand equipment setup calibrations and basic troubleshooting for data tracks and controllers.
  • Document and maintain accurate run-sheet information, including temperatures, loads, and voltages.
  • Provide proper shift handoffs and maintain consistency between shifts.
  • Keep work areas and equipment clean, safe, and orderly.
  • Clean contact pads on work bars and tanks to ensure full electrical contact through loads.
  • Immediately report equipment problems using the designated procedure.
  • Escalate tooling issues or improvement ideas through the facility process.
  • Train material handlers and new line operators.

Desired Qualifications

  • Prior chemical-processing or plating experience is preferred for access to a higher wage.

About the Company

Pioneer Metal Finishing

Metal surface finishing for corrosion resistance

Pioneer Metal Finishing provides specialty surface treatments for metal parts to improve strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Its services include anodizing and electroless nickel plating, which create protective layers or coatings on parts used in automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and defense. The company works by applying these treatments to metal components to enhance performance and longevity, helping tools and parts perform reliably under demanding conditions. What sets Pioneer apart is its long history as a family-owned business with a broad network of facilities and a track record of consistent quality and reliability, now supported by private-equity backing that aims to accelerate growth and modernization. The ultimate goal is to be a trusted, scalable partner for industrial customers by expanding capacity, improving processes, and serving a growing roster of critical applications.

Company size
201-500
Company stage
Debt Financing
Total funding
$45M
Headquarters
Ashwaubenon, WI
Founded
1945

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