Operator, Drawing Machine
Date: Jul 9, 2026
Location: Huntersville, NC, US, 28078
Company: Southwire Company LLC
A leader in technology and innovation, Southwire Company, LLC is one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers. Southwire and its subsidiaries manufacture building wire and cable, utility products, metal-clad cable, portable and electronic cord products, OEM wire products and engineered products. In addition, Southwire supplies assembled products, contractor equipment, electrical components, hand tools and jobsite power and lighting solutions. The company also offers digital solutions including contractor planning and utility grid resiliency as well as field services including cable testing, rejuvenation and replacement to support our customers as a value-add partner. We are proud to offer competitive compensation, employee benefits, tuition reimbursement and unlimited growth opportunities. Our more than seven decades of progressive growth can be attributed to our determination to developing innovative systems and solutions, exercising environmental stewardship and enhancing the well-being of the communities in which we work and live. How will you power what’s possible?
Job Description
PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Operates continuous wire drawing machine and auxiliary equipment to produce aluminum alloy wire from rod to a specified diameter, finish and length.
WORKING PROCEDURE:
Secures proper rod for drawing by informing the material handler. Detaches and retains proper copies of rod tags of all rod used. Sets up necessary arrangement of dies in machines to obtain the proper finish diameter wire desired. Visually inspects drawing dies for any defects and for right size before using. Obtains necessary dies from the die polisher. Strings rod into machine by pointing the end of the rod to go through the first die. Threads the end through the die and winds this wire around the first capstan and then points the wire to go through the next die. Jobs machine to pull more wire through the dies at each step. Continues to repeat this procedure until all dies have been threaded and all capstans wound. Clamps end of wire to final capstan and jobs machine to wind the wire around it a specified number of revolutions. Then unclamps wire and threads it around the festoon sheaves by again jogging the machine to pull through more wire while threading the sheaves by hand. Then threads the wire over pulleys to the dual take up unit, down to the traverse fleeter, and to the bobbin. Always checks machine set up before starting.
Set both footage counters and the finish speed at proper settings for the size of wire being drawn. Sets fleeter speed at setting necessary to best layer wind the wire onto the bobbin. Obtains die string ups from die charts at machine or die shop. Check winding during operation and adjusts tension and fleeter speeds when necessary. Changes loaded bobbins from the take up unit after the machine has automatically transferred to the empty bobbin in the other section of the dual take up unit. Visually checks all wire drawn and cut off any bad ends before tagging and securing the end of the bobbin. Mounts the required size bobbin onto the take up after removing the loaded bobbin. Keeps the idle side of the unit loaded with an empty bobbin and ready for transfer. Keeps take up doors closed while winding on that side. Cuts inspection wire samples from bobbins as required. Tags each bobbin wit proper tags. Places bobbins in rows behind drawing machine being careful not to damage any wire. Maintains an adequate flow of lubrication and coolants to properly operate the machine and produce the desired quality wire. Check wire diameter, after string up or die changes, with micrometer to insure proper finished wire.
Changes pay off rod coils by welding the ends of each coil together in order to keep the drawing operation continuous. Stops machine at once for breakouts, missed transfers, or any other noticeable improper machine operation. Finds breakout and restrings the wire from that point as before. Welds or splices end of cut wire together after removing and replacing drawing dies. Removes any tangled wire from the machine and scrap it.
Southwire is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nearest Major Market: Charlotte
Nearest Secondary Market: Concord