Shredder Mechanic - Lead

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Date:
Sep 17, 2026

Location:

Chicago, IL, US, 60608

Company: simsmetalm

Salary Range: 56486.00 - 73432.00 USD

Founded in Australia in 1917, Sims Limited (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling and circular solutions for technology. We play a critical role in advancing circularity anddecarbonisationby supplying recycled materials and re-purposed products that help preserve our planet.

At Sims, we believe in developing our people. With a strong promote-from-within philosophy and a range ofprogrammesthat support continuous learning, we offer opportunities for meaningful, long-term careers. Employing more than 4,100 people worldwide, weoperateover 155 facilities across 13 countries. As an ASX-listed company, Sims provides the stability, transparency, and professional growth opportunities of a publicly traded organisation, all driven by our purpose: to create a world without waste.

Purpose of the Role

The Shredder Mechanic Lead is responsible for performing and leading troubleshooting, repairs, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement activities for production equipment and plant facilities. This role serves as a working lead, providing hands-on technical leadership to the maintenance team while assisting the Shredder Manager with work planning, project preparation, and the execution of scheduled and unscheduled outages.

Principal Accountabilities

Maintenance and Equipment Reliability

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair production and plant equipment.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on production equipment.
• Lubricate production equipment and monitor equipment performance.
• Monitor, inspect, and adjust oil levels and conditions on a daily and weekly basis.
• Replace worn or damaged components, including belts, bearings, motors, and related equipment.
• Calibrate and align production equipment to ensure proper operation and synchronization.
• Conduct visual and audible inspections to identify equipment deficiencies and potential failures.
• Report equipment, electrical, and control system issues to management and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain general housekeeping and organization of maintenance work areas.

Leadership and Team Coordination

• Lead the maintenance team in daily troubleshooting, inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance activities while working alongside team members.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and support to maintenance personnel.
• Coordinate daily work assignments and ensure maintenance tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and to quality standards.
• Communicate equipment conditions, repair status, material requirements, delays, and safety concerns to the Shredder Manager.
• Support collaboration between maintenance and operations teams to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.

Projects and Outage Support

• Lead project preparation activities, including reviewing job scope, identifying required materials, tools, equipment, labor needs, and safe work procedures.
• Perform and oversee fabrication, welding, torching, equipment modifications, and installation work.
• Assist the Shredder Manager in planning and coordinating scheduled outages and unplanned shutdowns.
• Support outage planning by helping establish work priorities, sequencing activities, allocating resources, and ensuring operational readiness upon completion.
• Develop and implement equipment modifications and process improvements as directed by management.

Safety and Compliance

• Adhere to all company safety policies, procedures, and environmental requirements.
• Promote safe work practices and ensure maintenance activities are performed in accordance with applicable regulations and company standards.
• Identify and communicate workplace hazards and participate in corrective actions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred.
• Technical or vocational training in industrial maintenance, welding, mechanics, or a related field preferred.
• Two to five years of mechanical maintenance experience, training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Welding and fabrication experience preferred.
• Proficiency in the safe use of hand and power tools.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong troubleshooting, diagnostic, and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Leadership skills with the ability to coordinate…