Zekelman Industries

You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday.

Zekelman is a family of companies — 100% domestic manufacturers — with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.

We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.

Come build a career you believe in.

Job Description

About the Role

As a Machine Operator at Wheatland Tube, located in Rochelle, IL, you will play a key role in setting up and operating high-speed equipment with robotic elements to form or cut steel to specified dimensions and specifications. This role is perfect for someone who is detail-oriented, enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, and is dedicated to ensuring quality and operational efficiency.

Shift: 2nd

Pay: $24-25 Base Hourly + Production Incentive

What You’ll Do

• Operates equipment efficiently and effectively while adhering to all safety and LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) rules.
• Performs advanced setup and calibration of all equipment to meet production specifications.
• Inspects materials for quality issues before, during, and after production, ensuring only high-quality output.
• Records and reports any deficiencies in quality to the supervisor/quality department for timely resolution.
• Maintains equipment tooling and tools necessary for job completion to ensure smooth operations.
• Diagnoses equipment and quality problems, minimizing scrap and delays.
• Performs housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean and safe work area, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
• Completes production reports, including changeovers and scrap material data, to maintain accurate documentation.
• Assists maintenance teams with repairs and preventive maintenance of equipment.
• Participates in continuous improvement programs to enhance production efficiency.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by management to ensure overall production goals are met.

Who You Are

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting is preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and maintain production records and logs in English.
• Strong math skills, including addition, subtraction, decimals, and fractions.
• Experience with measuring devices such as tape measures, micrometers, and calipers.
• Ability to operate forklifts, cranes, and other equipment as necessary for job completion.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to work independently and follow processes.
• Ability to lead and promote health and safety work practices as required by regulatory agencies and company policy.

Physical Abilities

• Ability to move objects and utilize abdominal and lower back muscles to provide support over time without fatigue.
• Must be able to stand, bend, climb, stoop, push, and pull for extended periods.
• Capable of lifting up to 60 lbs regularly.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods (10-12 hours).
• Must have good manual dexterity, coordination, and stamina to work in a manufacturing environment.

What You’ll Get

Wheatland Tube offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. Additionally, we provide:

• Competitive Compensation
• Bonus Plan & Profit-Sharing Opportunities
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• Employee Loyalty Awards
• Continuous training and development opportunities

Compensation & Benefits

Below is the expected base salary range for this position. Offers will be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and interview performance.

Base Salary Range: [$24-25 Hourly USD]

Additional compensation may include:

✔ Performance-based yearly merit increases

✔ Profit-sharing bonus opportunities

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.

M/F/D/V

We are Zekelman Industries.

We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers.

We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.