Operator in Newcastle, Australia

About the role

Join a 2026 AFR BOSS Best Places to Work Gold Winner and 2026 Sustainability Champion recognised by the World Steel Association. Play a key role in shaping our performance across our Australian Reinforcing Company (ARC) business.

ARC is seeking hard-working Operators to join our Newcastle reinforcing steel facility across day and afternoon shifts. You’ll be part of a welcoming, safety-focused team with strong camaraderie and long-term career opportunities. Working in a high-speed steel processing environment, you’ll gain hands-on experience across steel processing, pre-fabrication, and distribution, meaning no two days will be the same. This is a fantastic opportunity to build your skills using manual machinery to bend and cut reinforcing bar and mesh, all while contributing to a high-performing team focused on meeting KPIs and improving processes.

Rate: $35.52/hour (+15% loading for afternoon shift)

Day shift: 6am–2:30pm | Afternoon shift: 2:30pm–11pm

Full-time, permanent position working Monday to Friday

What you will be doing

• Operating bending, shaping, and cutting machinery for bar, steel, and mesh products
• Operating forklifts and gantry cranes
• Picking and packing orders with accuracy
• Loading and unloading trucks for customers or drivers
• Championing safety standards and contributing to a strong safety-first culture
• Getting involved in process improvement initiatives

You will be rewarded with

• Permanent, full-time position with long-term job security
• Career development and progression opportunities within a large national organisation
• Supportive team culture with monthly BBQs and genuine investment in your success
• Overtime when available and daily contribution to a monthly RDO

Primary Benefits

We offer a range of benefits designed to support you at work and beyond:

• Paid parental leave that goes further - 20 weeks paid Primary Carer Leave and 3 weeks Partner Leave, plus superannuation contributions during unpaid leave (eligibility applies)
• Health cover at discounted rates - Access corporate rates with nib Health Insurance to support you and your family
• Everyday savings - Access a wide range of employee discounts across major brands including retail, travel and lifestyle

What you will bring

• A diligent, hard-working approach and the ability to adapt under pressure
• A can-do attitude, ability to work well in a team environment and eagerness to learn
• A safety-focused mindset and commitment to looking out for your teammates
• Heavy machine operation experience (highly regarded)
• Experience in steel, manufacturing, or construction (highly regarded)
• A forklift licence and/or gantry crane licence

Why join us?

We offer more than just a job; we provide a dynamic environment built on three pillars that define our commitment to both our team and our industry.

• Work with a greater purpose - join us on our pursuit of a sustainable future and contribute to our nation’s legacy.
• Work well, live better – experience a safe, supportive and inclusive environment which values you as a whole person and where wellbeing matters.
• Build your own future – grow and drive your own development to grow your skills. Everyday is an opportunity to grow.

The Australian Reinforcing Company (ARC) is Australia’s local reinforcing partner. With more than 100 years behind us and the country’s largest branch network, we deliver reinforcing where it’s needed, backed by people who know their communities and projects.

A brand of InfraBuild, ARC connects local service with a national, integrated steel supply chain built on recycled steel and Australian manufacturing.

How to apply

We invite you to forge your career in a workplace where passion meets purpose, wellbeing is nurtured and the opportunity to thrive is in your hands.

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Your diversity helps us create more sustainable and innovative steel solutions for Australia’s future.

We are a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant .