Recognized as one of the most diverse steel service centers in the Southwest United States, Willbanks has been serving its customers for over 50 years. This family-owned and operated business is focused on serving its employees, customers, and suppliers by following its 5 core values: Stay Customer Focused, Integrity Matters, Always Do Great Work, Always Be Improving, and Be Humble and Helpful. Following these core values has made WMI a valued resource for both end-users and Steel Distributors alike. With our unmatched capacity for fabrication and in-stock steel, we fill large-scale steel distribution and steel fabrication needs other suppliers just can’t. We can load you up with all the steel you might need, or take a load off your shoulders and take care of your fabrication so you can focus on your designs and your customers. Get to know us and you’ll find we’re great at our core.

Summary

The Roll Operator sets up and operates plate/section rolling equipment within the Welding Department to form steel components to specification. This role supports production by safely rolling, checking, and handing off parts for welding and downstream fabrication while maintaining quality, throughput, and housekeeping standards in a high-volume steel fabrication and distribution environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

·         Set up and operate plate/section rolls to form steel to the required radii, diameters, and tolerances per drawings and work orders.

·         Interpret shop drawings, flat patterns, and process travelers; verify dimensions with tapes, squares, and templates.

·         Select correct pinch/roll sequence, back gauge positions, and machine parameters to minimize flats and achieve true roundness.

·         Perform material handling with overhead crane and forklifts; use proper rigging, slings, and hooks per safe practices.

·         Perform, tack, and partner with welders to ensure fit-up, alignment, and distortion control on rolled cylinders, cones, and segments.

·         Conduct in-process inspections and document results (radius, diameter, seam gap, straightness).

·         Deburr, mark, and stage completed parts; update inventory/system moves as required.

·         Complete pre-shift equipment checks; report maintenance needs and assist with minor adjustments (roll alignment, lubrication).

·         Maintain a clean, organized work area; comply with 5S, walkways, and scrap/recycle procedures.

·         Adhere to all safety rules, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and PPE requirements; promptly report hazards, incidents, or near misses.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

·         Frequent standing, walking, bending, gripping, and climbing onto machinery; visual inspection at close range.

·         Exposure to moving equipment, hot work, sparks, pinch points, and variable temperatures; hearing/eye protection required.

·         Regular use of PPE: hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, gloves; additional PPE as tasks require (welding jackets, face shield).

Requirements

• 2+ years operating plate or section rolls in a steel fabrication, welding, or heavy industrial environment (or equivalent).
• Ability to read blueprints, flat patterns, and weld symbols; basic shop math and measurement (tape to 1/32", fractions/decimals).
• Experience with overhead cranes and forklifts; rigging competence for safe part handling.
• Physical ability to regularly lift up to 50 lbs and work in indoor/outdoor conditions (heat, noise, dust).
• Demonstrated safety record and reliability in meeting schedules and quality standards.
• Experience rolling heavy plate (A36, A572, AR) and large diameters; familiarity with prebending and cone rolling.
• Basic welding skills for tacking/alignment; knowledge of distortion control and fit-up for cylindrical assemblies.
• Familiarity with shop ERP/production systems and quality documentation.
• Forklift certification and prior LOTO training.