Floater Operator

Zekelman Industries; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 31,140 - 44,351; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus Plan

401(k) with Company Match

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

Tuition Assistance Program

Paid Vacation & Holidays

Employee Loyalty Awards

Job summary

Zekelman Industries in Chicago is seeking a Floater Operator to support efficient mill operations. This role involves maintaining production machinery, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring product quality.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of manufacturing experience, strong mechanical aptitude, and effective communication skills. The position offers competitive compensation, benefits including health insurance, and a bonus plan.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience, preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with basic math skills.
• Crane certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and maintain production machinery.
• Troubleshoot and resolve production issues effectively.
• Communicate daily production updates.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Mechanical aptitude

Communication skills

Ability to use precision measuring instruments

Education

Trade certification

Tools

Micrometers

Calipers

Crane certification

Job description

You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part of 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.

About The Role

As a Floater Operator at Zekelman Industries, this role plays a key part in safely operating and maintaining production machinery to support continuous and efficient mill operations. This position is responsible for running the seam welder, mill, and scarfing unit, performing changeovers, and collaborating with the production team to meet quality and output goals. This role is ideal for individuals with strong mechanical aptitude who value teamwork and thrive in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

What You’ll Do

• Perform work in accordance with company safety policies and report unsafe conditions immediately
• 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 support 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 to support quick‑change operations
• Coordinate with maintenance teams 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 rolling
• Support other team positions and assist in cross‑training team members
• Maintain housekeeping standards across all work areas
• Perform preventive maintenance activities as assigned
• Maintain regular, full‑time, predictable onsite attendance

Who You Are

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience, preferred
• Trade certification, preferred
• Strong mechanical aptitude with basic math skills
• Experience using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers and calipers, preferred
• Crane certification required
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to promoting safe work practices in accordance with regulatory and company policies

Physical Abilities

• Stand, walk, use hands, and reach with arms throughout the shift
• Lift, climb, bend, stoop, push, and pull as required
• Lift up to 50 pounds
• Work in environments with moving mechanical parts, airborne particles, and elevated noise levels
• Work in occasional wet or humid conditions within an industrial setting

What You’ll Get

• 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

Compensation & Benefits

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 Rate

$27.40 USD per hour + production incentive bonus