Manufacturing ​/ Production Operator, Manufacturing Production

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.

Operator
Location: Chicago, IL
Division: Atlas Tube, a division of Zekelman Industries

As an Operator at Zekelman Industries, you will play a key role in safely operating and maintaining production machinery to ensure continuous and efficient mill operations. You will run the seam welder, mill, and scarfing unit, perform changeovers, and communicate effectively with the production team to meet quality and production goals. This role is perfect for someone who has strong mechanical aptitude, values teamwork, and thrives in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

• Perform duties in accordance with company safety policies and immediately report unsafe conditions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve production issues while communicating effectively with the mill crew.
• Follow and communicate the mill schedule to ensure adherence to production timelines.
• Interface with supervision, mill crew, and other departments to maintain safe and efficient operations.
• Communicate quality requirements and ensure product standards are consistently met.
• Relay daily production updates to supervision and other shifts.
• Maintain offline requirements for quick‑change operation.
• Coordinate with maintenance to support repairs and equipment adjustments.
• Calibrate micrometers at the start of each shift and during changeovers.
• Perform size, gauge, grade, and shape changes online as required.
• Direct and assist in changeovers while inspecting tooling condition after each roll.
• Support other team positions and cross‑train team members as needed.
• Maintain housekeeping standards in all work areas.
• Perform preventive maintenance (PM) activities as assigned.
• Ensure regular, predictable on‑site attendance as an essential function of the role.

• Experience: 5+ years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Education: Trade certification preferred.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong mechanical aptitude and basic math skills; experience using precision instruments such as micrometers and calipers preferred; crane certification required.
• Soft Skills: Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Additional Qualifications: Commitment to lead and promote safe work practices per regulatory and company policy; regular, full‑time attendance.

• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to lift, climb, bend, stoop, push, and pull; must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, and occasionally wet or humid conditions.
• Work environment includes a loud manufacturing or industrial setting.

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low‑cost, high‑quality medical and dental coverage. Additional benefits include:

• Competitive Compensation
• Bonus Plan & Profit‑Sharing Opportunities
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• Employee Loyalty Awards

Pay: $29.43 per hour plus Production Incentive Bonus

Shift: Afternoons – Monday to Thursday (4pm – 2am) & Friday (3pm – 11pm)

M/F/D/V