Heavy Equipment Operator: Scrap & Material Flow

About Rivian Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown.

Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. Role Summary

Our commitment to sustainability extends far beyond the assembly line. As a Heavy Equipment Operator in Scrap & Material Flow, you serve as the backbone of our circular manufacturing ecosystem. You will command high-performance, specialized machinery and utilize technical fabrication skills to ensure all production materials are meticulously captured, organized, and processed. This role is built for the resilient-those who take pride in maintaining an "Adventure Ready" facility in every season and any weather.

Responsibilities Precision Fleet Operation:
Demonstrate expert control over a specialized fleet, including Telehandlers, 360° Rotators, and High-Capacity Forklifts within a fast-paced industrial landscape. Advanced Material Management:
Utilize Hydraulic Excavators (20-ton+) paired with Grapples for heavy sorting, Industrial Magnets for efficient ferrous metal reclamation, and Shears for metal processing. Fabrication & Maintenance:
Perform MIG/Stick welding and utilize oxy-fuel or plasma cutting torches to repair scrap bins, modify yard infrastructure, and maintain equipment attachments. All-Weather Performance:
Maintain consistent productivity and material flow while working outdoors year-round, regardless of environmental conditions. Quality Control & Sorting:
Act as the primary safeguard for material purity, separating aluminum and steel alloys with high precision to eliminate contamination and optimize recycling yields. Logistical Coordination:
Ensure seamless material movement between the plant and the yard, managing bin swaps to maintain the production "takt" time without disruption. Equipment Maintenance:
Execute and log Tier 1 Daily Inspections (focusing on hydraulics, cooling systems, and attachments) to keep our fleet in peak operational condition. Qualifications Core Technical

Experience:

3+ years of professional experience operating 20-ton+ Hydraulic Excavators and Telehandlers. Welding & Fabrication:
Proven proficiency in welding (MIG/GMAW or Stick/SMAW) and the safe use of thermal cutting tools for metal processing and equipment repair. Attachment Expertise:
Documented proficiency in the high-precision use of 360° Grapples and Industrial Magnet systems. Rapid Certification:
Ability to successfully complete competency testing and obtain all required internal or third-party certifications within 30 days of hire. Environmental Resilience:
Proven ability to sustain high-output performance in a 100% outdoor industrial environment through all seasons. Mechanical Insight:
Capacity to diagnose and report hydraulic or mechanical issues during pre-shift checks to minimize downtime. Physical Demands Mobility:
Ability to safely perform "Three-Point Contact" entry and exit from high-cab equipment throughout the shift. Endurance:
Capability to work 8-12 hour outdoor shifts while managing the vibrations and physical feedback of heavy-tracked and wheeled machinery Strength:
Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs when clearing debris, inspecting bins, or utilizing welding leads and hand tools. Pay Disclosure The salary/hourly range for this role is $29.00 for Illinois based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.

An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees.

You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian's 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at  You can apply for this role through  (or through inte if you are a current employee).

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