Shredder Mechanic - Lead

Sims Metal; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sims Limited in Chicago, IL is seeking a Shredder Mechanic Lead to perform troubleshooting, repairs, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement for production equipment and plant facilities.

As a working lead, you will guide the maintenance team, plan outages, coordinate with operations, and drive safe, efficient maintenance to maximize uptime. The role requires hands-on mechanical skills, welding/fabrication experience, and the ability to work outdoors in a harsh industrial setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Technical or vocational training in industrial maintenance, welding, mechanics, or related field preferred.
• Two to five years of mechanical maintenance experience or equivalent.
• Valid drivers license.
• Welding and fabrication experience preferred.
• Proficiency with hand and power tools.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair production and plant equipment.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on production equipment.
• Lubricate equipment and monitor performance.
• Lead maintenance team in daily tasks and safety standards.
• Coordinate outages and work planning with Shredder Manager.
• Develop equipment modifications and process improvements.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Outage planning

Safety leadership

Team coordination

English/Spanish (plus)

Time management

Manual lifting

Outdoor/field work

Education

HS diploma or GED

Technical/vocational maintenance training

Two to five years mechanical maintenance experience

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Welding equipment

Job description

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 and decarbonisation by 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 of programmes that support continuous learning, we offer opportunities for meaningful, long-term careers. Employing more than 4,100 people worldwide, we operate over 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 maintenance work and communicate priorities.
• Ability to assist with project planning, outage preparation, and work scheduling.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are a plus.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to learn quickly, remain motivated, and maintain a safe, productive work pace.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying and extreme weather conditions.

Work Environment While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical equipment, vibration, dust, noise, and varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, and wet environments. Work is performed primarily outdoors in an industrial metals recycling facility.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, and reaching.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull equipment and materials as needed.
• Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces when required.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and work safely in an industrial environment.

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero‑harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.

At sims together we are a diverse group ofemployees who are supported by our equal opportunity policy. To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.