How to hire a draw operator

How to hire a draw operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step draw operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a draw operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new draw operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The draw operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A draw operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, draw operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of draw operators.

   Type of Draw Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Draw Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$15-24
   Extrusion Operator	An extrusion operator is also sometimes called a drawing machine operator. They control and monitor machines that shape thermoplastic materials for industries such as aerospace manufacturing, general plastics manufacturing, and automobile and auto parts manufacturing... Show more	$13-21
   Extruder Operator	An extruder operator's work is essential to industries such as automobile parts manufacturing and aerospace machine manufacturing. They control the machines that make and shape thermoplastic materials... Show more	$13-21

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Quality Checks
   • Extrusion
   • Customer Specifications
   • Troubleshoot
   • Tow Motor
   • ISO
   • Production Process
   • Tape Measure
   • Log Book

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage the levels of chemicals to make sure process run correctly for making Styrofoam.
   • Grind operations on private FBO assisting corporate and private passenger and aircraft.
   • Redirect $19M; procure 60 armore troop carrier upgrades; provide protection for 4.5K+ ANA troops.
   • Operate extrusion machine to form flat metal strips into tubular, channel, angular, or other shapes.
   • Ensure paperwork ISO certification compliance.
   • Operate extruders and other machinery; used high-density polyethylene in combination with other additives to create blown film plastic.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your draw operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A draw operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, draw operators' average salary in alabama is 38% less than in hawaii.
   • Seniority. Entry-level draw operators earn 37% less than senior-level draw operators.
   • Certifications. A draw operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a draw operator's salary.

   Average draw operator salary

   $40,625yearly

   $19.53 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level draw operator salary

   $32,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a draw operator job description

   A good draw operator job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a draw operator job description:

   Draw operator job description example

   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, metal-clad cable, portable and electronic cord products, OEM wire products and engineered products. In addition, Southwire supplies assembled products, contractor equipment and hand tools. We are proud to offer competitive compensation, employee benefits, tuition reimbursement, and unlimited growth opportunities. Our nearly seven decades of progressive growth can be attributed to our determination to developing innovative systems and solutions, exercising environmental stewardship and enhancing the wellbeing of our communities. How will you power what's possible?
   Job Description JOB OVERVIEW:
   The Operator, Buncher 1 role is a medium skill role that will be responsible for the process of creating cabled wire for use in a variety of products and sizes.
   GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
   High school diploma or equivalent
   Must read, write, and speak English; Bilingual in Spanish is a plus
   Must be able to stand and lift heavy loads for long periods of time
   PRIMARY JOB TASKS:
   Must be able to work under supervision and maintain ongoing communication with the supervisor and peers through verbal instruction and reports.
   Put scrap into the designated scrap bins.
   Load and unload payoff and take-up reels properly.
   String-up payoff wire into buncher.
   Set up lay length and taping head.
   Make hot and kold-welds and splices when necessary.
   Perform necessary housekeeping procedures
   May be asked to perform auxiliary tasks as needed, including the investigation of defects generated by the machine.
   CROSS TRAINING:
   Will be required to cross-train on equipment within your identified workgroup at your facility
   Once trained in more complex jobs, may be required to fill the position in the event of absence or vacancy
   Will be required to rotate on a set frequency within your workgroup to maintain skill proficiency
   QUALITY:
   Do not release products until all quality checks have been passed
   Perform quality checks, as outlined in the process procedures for the machine, and minor maintenance when necessary.
   Immediately report quality issues to the supervisor or quality manager
   Use the company's ISO Quality System documentation to help guide all daily quality activities.
   SAFETY:
   Working safely is a condition of employment.
   Follow all safety procedures and rules
   Properly wear all required PPE
   Review and know all Job Hazard Analyses for proper job sequence and hazards associated with the jobs assigned to do
   Review and know all Safety Data Sheets for the jobs assigned to do
   Maintain all work areas to 5S standards
   Perform pre-operation safety inspection and hazard analysis
   Follow all company environmental rules/procedures and handle all materials in a manner designed to minimize environmental impact.
   PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
   The operator is constantly exposed to water, some heat, cold, dust and fumes.
   Must be able to work in hot and cold environments normally found in a prefabricated building without climate-control.
   Physical activity associated with daily performance of this job include: balance, climbing, fingering, grasping, hearing, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motions, standing, stooping, walking and sitting. Benefits We Offer: 401k Matching Family and Individual Insurance Packages (Health, Life, Dental, and Vision) Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays Long & Short-Term Disability Identity Theft Plans Retirement & Pension Plans Employee Assistance Program Employee Referral Program Tuition Reimbursement Programs Advancement & Professional Growth opportunities Parental Leave & More 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.

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5. Post your job

   To find draw operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any draw operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level draw operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your draw operator job on Zippia to find and recruit draw operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with draw operator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new draw operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect draw operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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