How to hire a shearing machine operator

How to hire a shearing machine operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step shearing machine 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 shearing machine operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new shearing machine operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your shearing machine operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a shearing machine operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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   Hiring the perfect shearing machine operator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of shearing machine operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Shearing Machine Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Shearing Machine Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$11-18
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25
   Press Operator	A press operator is responsible for the maintenance of printing machines and other equipment to ensure smooth operations while meeting the clients' needs with the highest quality standards. Press operators duties' include performing troubleshooting, replacing defective machine components, upgrading the systems for efficiency, analyzing blueprints and instructional guides, determining product suitability, and inspecting irregularities before and after the use of press machines... Show more	$12-20

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Shear Machine
   • Brake Press
   • Calipers
   • CNC
   • Trim Knives
   • Blueprint Specifications
   • Customer Specifications
   • Stainless Steel

   Responsibilities:

   • Change equipment over to new product.
   • Use hand or power tools and use precision measuring tools and equipment.
   • Load or unload material or work piece into machinery; maintain or repair industrial or relate.
   • Set up operations and measurement of material and machinery
   • Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
   • Move completed product via forklift to warehouse.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your shearing machine operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A shearing machine operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, shearing machine operators' average salary in florida is 35% less than in new hampshire.
   • Seniority. Entry-level shearing machine operators 37% less than senior-level shearing machine operators.
   • Certifications. A shearing machine operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a shearing machine operator's salary.

   Average shearing machine operator salary

   $14.81hourly

   $30,810 yearly

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   Entry-level shearing machine operator salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a shearing machine operator job description

   A job description for a shearing machine operator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a shearing machine operator job description:

   Shearing machine operator job description example

   Break and Shear and CNC Machine Operators will be responsible for daily set up and operation of mechanical and CNC controlled shears, ironworkers, break press, and punch press. They will be responsible for machine operating, stacking sheet metals, cutting / bending sheet metals, monitoring, removing and installing dye, selecting correct materials including weight of materials, maneuvering materials from horses to table vice versa, turning machine off/on, use of foot control to operate machine, stack and move pallets correctly, stack and organize sheet metals after cutting, tracking/marking parts, clean up parts/debris, manage/report oil leakage from machines if necessary.
   Essential Functions
   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. · Operate Break and Shear Machines or CNC Machines · Load, install and correctly setup tooling as required · Read work order or understand instructions to correctly produce parts · Accurately process a variety of metals with differing characteristics · Measure parts/materials for precise cutting, punching locations, break locations · Assemble products or production equipment. · Inspected completed work to ensure accuracy · Perform assigned work to time standards and quality expectations · Material/parts rigging and handling with an overhead crane · Problem solving · Work in safe manner · Participate in daily and monthly safety meetings · Wear common PPE required. · Able to lift up to 50lbs. periodically Competencies 1. Active learning and listening skills. 2. Critical Thinking. 3. Equipment Operating & Monitoring Skills. 4. Mathematical skills. 5. Communication skills. 6. Knowledge of reading a measuring tape. 7. Detail oriented and accurate in performing job. 8. Must be able to meet production demands. 9. Must be able to work independently as well as in a team. Supervisory Responsibility
   This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Work Environment
   This job operates in a shop production environment. Includes exposure to sounds and noise level that are distracting or uncomfortable. Requires working in a very hot (above 90 degrees F) or very cold (below 32 degrees F) temperatures. Requires working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions. Requires working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions. Requires working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions. Job tasks are performed in close physical proximity to other people. Requires contact with others and face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams. Requires making decisions that impact the results of co-workers. Physical Demands
   Must be able to lift 50lbs periodically. Requires bending, twisting, walking, repetitive movement, standing, using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls. Requires exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings. Requires exposure to hazardous equipment. Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
   This is a full-time position. Days are Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m to 2:40 p.m. Occasional overtime and Saturdays will be mandatory to work. Travel
   No travel is expected for this position. Required Education and Experience 1. One year of industrial/construction/ general labor experience. 2. Knowledge of mathematics. 3. Proficient in reading a measure. 4. 1+ year’s extensive knowledge of proper Break and Shear / CNC operation. Preferred Education and Experience 1. At least two year’s Break and Shear / CNC operation work experience in a manufacturing industry Additional Eligibility Qualifications
   Must pass Scelzi’ s math and blueprint test. Must pass pre-employment drug test, and physical. . Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable) AAP/EEO Statement Scelzi Enterprises, Inc. will continue to make it understood by the employment entities with which it deals, and in employment opportunity announcements that the foregoing is company policy and all employment decisions are based on individual merit only. Other Duties
   Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Company DescriptionScelzi Enterprises, Inc. celebrates over 41 years of providing the finest custom made truck bodies in the industry. From the raw sheet metal to the final coat of paint, Scelzi takes pride in quality of its truck bodies. We deliver nationwide the best truck body you can buy and it is not just a Scelzi truck body, but an investment in quality! Scelzi is committed to producing the best quality products for our customers by hiring the best candidates for each position. Scelzi Enterprises, Inc. is located in Fresno, CA, Riverside, CA and La Salle, CO.
   
   If you feel that you are the right candidate for this position, please apply today!

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5. Post your job

   To find the right shearing machine operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with shearing machine operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit shearing machine operators who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit shearing machine operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   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 shearing machine operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the shearing machine operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new shearing machine operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are 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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