HDG Helper

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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.

As a (HDG) Hot Dip Galvanizing Line Operator at Wheatland Tube, a division of Zekelman Industries, in Rochelle, IL, you will be responsible for meeting daily production, safety, and quality targets within the hot dip galvanizing process. This role is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, safety-focused, and experienced in manufacturing environments involving high‑temperature processes and automated systems.

• Operate boilers and turn systems on as required at the start of the work week.
• Monitor boilers and super‑heater temperature settings to ensure proper operation.
• Enable and control quench tank temperature settings based on preset recipes.
• Select pipe size and treatment parameters at the operator console per work orders.
• Set galvanizing systems to automatic function according to work order requirements.
• Monitor pretreatment tank levels and adjust parameters as directed.
• Perform galvanizing line changeovers, including screws, blow bell, and  head.
• Select and adjust preset processing parameters based on product size and specifications.
• Monitor and control conveyance systems, pipe dryers, quench tanks, and passivation systems.
• Visually inspect pipe surfaces for OD and .
• Perform bending and coating thickness tests in accordance with Quality Inspection Procedures.
• Document inspections, test results, and kettle adjustments on operator log sheets.
• Maintain zinc kettle surface quality by removing oxide and debris.
• Remove zinc drippings from dipping and blowing machines.
• Report downtime events and reason codes using the MES system.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Maintain regular, full‑time, predictable onsite attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Forklift and overhead crane experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities.
• High attention to detail.

• Ability to perform work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, chemicals, and moving equipment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and work around industrial machinery for extended periods.
• Ability to perform medium work, exerting up to 50 lbs of force occasionally and/or up to 30 lbs frequently.

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low‑cost, high‑quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we offer a tuition assistance program, bonus plan, 401(k) with company match, loyalty awards, and more.

• 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

Below is the expected base hourly range for this position. This is a good‑faith estimate, and offers will be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and interview performance.

Base Hourly Range

Starting at $24.00 an hour.

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.

• Entry level

• Full‑time

• Other

• Wholesale Building Materials