Forging Line Operator - Rail Components Manufacturing

About the Role

Join Amsted Rail in our Forging Department, where you will set up and run forging lines that turn raw steel into precision rail components. You will apply standard work instructions to deliver safe, consistent, and high-quality forgings while partnering closely with setup personnel and fellow operators.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

You arrive ready to work hands-on: selecting and using the right tools, loading and positioning machine components by hand or with hoists/cranes, and launching programs on the machine control unit. Throughout the shift, you monitor transfer conveyors, listen for unusual sounds such as excessive vibration, and fine-tune manual or automatic parameters to keep parts in spec. You measure workpieces with gauges per our departmental quality plan, verify there are no defects, and record production data in our computer system. Communication is constant—coordinating with setup teams and supervisors to maintain flow, complete changeovers, and troubleshoot part compliance or equipment issues. You maintain performance even as physical demands and environmental conditions change—and you pitch in with other duties as assigned.

Core Responsibilities

• Follow plant-wide safety, ergonomics, and environmental practices defined by Amsted Rail and outlined in the Health & Safety program.
• Use gauges to verify dimensions and ensure parts meet specifications in alignment with the departmental quality plan.
• Inspect workpieces for defects and overall condition.
• Support setup teams during changeovers, including attachments across various lines/cells.
• Choose and operate hand and power tools safely.
• Lift and position machine components manually or using hoists/cranes.
• Oversee transfer conveyors and confirm proper operation.
• Listen for abnormal machine sounds (e.g., excessive vibration) and make adjustments to address issues.
• Adjust manual/automatic machine parameters and controls when malfunctions occur or parts drift out of conformance.
• Enter production run details in the company computer system.
• Interpret operational sequences and final dimensions of completed parts.
• Communicate effectively with operators, setup personnel, and supervisors.
• Maintain strong performance despite changing physical demands and environmental conditions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Department-Specific Tasks

• Select program into machine control units to start operation
• Perform preventative maintenance tasks on equipment
• Troubleshoot part compliance and equipment problems

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily with or without accommodation.

Qualifications

• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug & background screening
• Ability to lift, push, and pull 10 to 50 lbs.
• Wear employer-provided PPE required by the department.
• Regularly stand and move throughout the department and entire shift.
• Mechanical aptitude; prior industrial/manufacturing experience is a plus.

Why Choose Amsted Rail Petersburg?

• Employee Ownership: Annual stock awards (10% of compensation)
• 401(k) Match: Up to 4% dollar-for-dollar
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, HSA with company contributions, life insurance, disability coverage, and pet insurance available after 30 days
• Competitive Pay: Competitive hourly rate, experience pay considering prior experience, plus annual bonus eligibility potential, and pay for skill
• Career Growth: On the job training, pay for skill and advancement opportunities
• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) starting at 3 weeks of PTO, 11 paid holidays, M-Th schedule (5:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.)
• Additional Offerings: Tuition Reimbursement, Referral Bonuses, Employee Discount Programs

Equal Opportunity and Compliance

Amsted Rail’s commitment to Affirmative Action:

Amsted Rail is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To review our EEO Policies or to request assistance please go to www.amstedrail.com/careers/ and select EEO Compliance/Statements. To learn more about us, please visit us online at www.amstedrail.com.