Title: Tooling Operator
Location: Orangeburg, SC
Hire Type: Contract to Hire
Shift: 1st Shift | 6:00am till 4:30pm | Monday through Friday
Compensation: $23.00/hr
Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.
Overview: We are seeking a hands-on Tooling Operator to support manufacturing operations within the tooling shop located in Orangeburg, SC. This role is ideal for individuals with strong mechanical aptitude, hands-on assembly/fabrication experience, and proven experience using cutting tools, drills, jigsaws, and industrial staplers. The Tooling Operator will assist with the fabrication, assembly, modification, and repair of custom fixtures, racks, tooling, workstations, and production support equipment used throughout the manufacturing facility.
Candidates should be comfortable working with a variety of hand tools and power tools and performing hands-on cutting, drilling, fastening, and assembly work.
Job Duties:
Assist with the fabrication, assembly, and modification of tooling carts, workstations, fixtures, racks, and other production support equipment
Use cutting tools, power drills, jigsaws, and other handheld power tools to cut, drill, shape, and modify materials according to specifications
Operate industrial staplers and fastening equipment to assemble and secure components and materials
Perform hands-on cutting, drilling, fastening, and assembly of tooling, fixtures, workstations, and production support equipment
Operate shop equipment and power tools to manufacture and assemble custom parts for the production floor
Support tooling shop projects by preparing materials, components, and assemblies according to specifications
Read and interpret mechanical prints, drawings, and work instructions to ensure accurate part fabrication and assembly
Perform light machining operations using manual mills, manual lathes, drills, saws, and related shop equipment
Assemble fabricated components and verify finished products meet quality and functional requirements
Assist with repairing, modifying, and re-machining parts used by the maintenance department for production equipment repairs
Inspect completed work using measuring devices and basic quality inspection techniques
Work closely with tooling, engineering, maintenance, and production teams to support manufacturing needs
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area while following all company safety procedures
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to tooling, workstations, and production processes
Assist with overtime production and tooling projects as business demands require
Qualifications:
High School Diploma or GED required
Hands-on experience using cutting tools, power drills, jigsaws, and industrial staplers is strongly preferred
Working knowledge of cutting, drilling, fastening, and basic fabrication techniques
Previous assembly, fabrication, manufacturing, or tooling shop experience preferred
Demonstrated ability to safely operate handheld power tools and industrial equipment
Experience using hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments
Basic knowledge of manual machining equipment, including manual mills and manual lathes, preferred
Ability to read and interpret mechanical prints, blueprints, and technical drawings
Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and assist with equipment-related projects
Trade school education in machining, manufacturing technology, or a related field is a plus
CAD experience or familiarity with design software is a plus
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Strong communication and organizational skills
Willingness to work overtime as needed, including up to 10 hours per week during peak production periods
Ability to lift materials, stand for extended periods, and work safely in an industrial setting
Experience supporting maintenance, tooling, or production operations is highly preferred
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.