Operator

Role Overview

This position is the gatekeeper of the entire pickling process, located where hot-rolled steel coils first enter the line. You will prepare each coil by inspecting it, trimming or welding the strip end, and running it smoothly into the acid tanks so that downstream operations never have to wait or deal with a broken strip. The speed and accuracy of your work determines how many tonnes the line can process each shift and directly influences the final quality of the steel delivered to customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate the entry section machinery, including uncollers, strip levellers, shears, welders, and feed rolls, while maintaining the correct strip tension and alignment through the whole entry section.
• Check incoming coil labels, steel grade, dimensions, and surface condition against the shift production plan, and stop any coil that fails specification before it reaches the process.
• Join coil ends using the strip welder or stitching equipment, test the joint for soundness, and confirm that the strip is ready to advance into the pickling tanks safely.
• Watch control screens for tracking errors, loose strip, loop-pit mismatches, or edge damage, and take immediate action to correct the issue or stop the line if a cobble is likely.
• Complete production logs, weld identification records, inspection sheets, and traceability documents to ensure every coil can be followed from entry to despatch.
• Carry out routine checks, cleaning, lubrication, and minor replacement of wearing parts on rollers, guides, strip sensors, and welding equipment to prevent unexpected downtime.
• Assist fitters and electricians during planned or breakdown maintenance by isolating equipment, supplying information on recent faults, and helping test the line after repair work.
• Keep the entry area organised and hazard-free using 6S principles, and maintain clear communication with the central control room so operators further downstream are always ready for the next coil.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A KCSE certificate or equivalent school leaving qualification, and at least a Government Trade Test Grade II in general fitting, a mechanical engineering craft certificate, or an equivalent technical training qualification.
• A further certificate or diploma in mechanical engineering, production engineering, chemical engineering, or industrial plant operations will be treated as a strong advantage when selecting candidates.
• At least two years of hands-on experience running machinery inside a manufacturing environment, with a minimum of one year specifically in pickling line operation, steel processing, coil handling, or similar heavy continuous production.
• Practical knowledge of strip welding, coil car operation, coil receiving procedures, and the entry end of a pickle line, including how to identify cropped-end defects and welding-quality issues.
• A history of working safely under permit-to-work and lock-out/tag-out systems, and confidence in spotting unsafe conditions, reporting near misses, and using personal protective equipment without being reminded.
• Familiarity with TPM, 6S, and autonomous maintenance routines, and the willingness to perform cleaning, tightening, lubrication, and inspection tasks as part of each shift.
• Good troubleshooting instincts for mechanical jams, roller wear, strip tracking surprises, or weld failures, plus solid literacy and numeracy for keeping crisp and honest production records.
• The ability to operate effectively in a hot, noisy, industrial environment on rotating shifts, while keeping calm and precise communication with the line control team.