Machine Operator - 3rd Shift

WTL Wheatland Tube, LLC; Rochelle (IL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus plan

Profit sharing

401(k) with company match

Health, dental & vision insurance

Tuition assistance

Paid vacation & holidays

Employee loyalty awards

Job summary

Wheatland Tube, a division of Zekelman Industries, is seeking a Machine Operator for 3rd shift on-site in Rochelle, IL. You will set up and operate high-speed, robotic-augmented equipment to form or cut steel to precise specs, while emphasizing safety and quality.

Responsibilities include calibration, quality inspections, report generation, and collaboration with maintenance and quality teams to minimize scrap and downtime.

Qualifications

• Manufacturing or related industrial experience preferred.
• Ability to read and write English and maintain production records.
• Basic math including decimals and fractions.
• Experience using measuring devices such as micrometers, calipers, and tape measures.
• Ability to operate forklifts, cranes and related equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Observe safety procedures and lockout/tagout requirements.
• Perform setup and calibration of production equipment.
• Inspect materials for quality issues during production.
• Record quality data and report deficiencies.
• Maintain tooling and equipment for operations.
• Diagnose equipment and quality issues to reduce scrap.
• Keep work areas clean and safe.
• Complete production, changeover, and scrap reports.
• Assist maintenance with repairs and preventive work.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet production goals.

Skills

Safety awareness

English literacy

Basic math

Measuring devices

Forklift/Crane operation

Detail-oriented

Tools

Micrometers

Calipers

Tape measures

Job description

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.

About the Role

As a Machine Operator at Wheatland Tube, a division of Zekelman Industries, this role plays a key part in setting up and operating high-speed equipment with robotic elements to form or cut steel to precise dimensions and specifications. This position supports safe, efficient production while contributing to quality standards and continuous improvement efforts. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, values safety and quality, and enjoys hands-on technical work.

Shift: 3rd shift (11:00pm-7:00am) or (1:00pm-9:00am)

Pay: $24/hour plus production incentive

What You’ll Do

• Observe safety procedures, including lockout/tagout requirements, to operate equipment efficiently and safely.
• Perform advanced setup and calibration of production equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Inspect materials before, during, and after production to identify quality issues.
• Record and report quality deficiencies to supervisors or the quality department.
• Maintain tooling and equipment required for job completion.
• Diagnose equipment and quality issues to minimize scrap and production delays.
• Perform housekeeping tasks to maintain clean and safe work areas.
• Complete production, changeover, and scrap-related reports accurately.
• Assist maintenance personnel with equipment repairs and preventive maintenance activities.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production goals.

Who You Are

• Manufacturing or related industrial experience, preferred.
• Ability to read and write English and maintain production records and logs.
• Ability to perform basic math, including addition, subtraction, decimals, and fractions.
• Experience using measuring devices such as tape measures, micrometers, and calipers.
• Ability to operate forklifts, cranes, and other equipment required for the role.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work independently.
• Ability to maintain regular, full-time, predictable onsite attendance per the posted schedule.
• Commitment to leading and promoting safe work practices in compliance with regulatory agencies and company policy.

Physical Abilities

• Move objects and use abdominal and lower back muscles to provide sustained physical support without fatigue.
• Perform constant movement and repetitive use of limbs requiring manual dexterity, coordination, and stamina.
• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Lift, climb, bend, stoop, push, and pull as required.
• Lift up to 60 pounds.
• Stand for 10-12 hours per shift.
• Perform work in a plant or manufacturing environment.
• Meet additional physical requirements as needed for the role.

What You’ll Get

Wheatland Tube at Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental coverage. In addition, employees have access to a strong total rewards package designed to support long-term success:

• 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 Range: $24.00/hour plus production incentive

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.

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. 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.