Shredder Mechanic - Lead

Jobs2Web; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sims Limited is seeking a Shredder Mechanic Lead to provide hands-on technical leadership for maintenance of production equipment and facilities at our global metal recycling operations. The role includes troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and coordinating outages, with a focus on safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.

The candidate will lead a maintenance team, plan daily activities, and collaborate with operations to minimize downtime.

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 driver’s 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.
• Replace worn components and align equipment.
• Lead the maintenance team in daily troubleshooting and repairs.
• Coordinate work assignments and ensure safety and quality standards.
• Assist with outage planning and project preparation.
• Support safety, compliance, and housekeeping in maintenance areas.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Maintenance

Leadership

Welding

Fabrication

Safety awareness

Preventive maintenance

Equipment inspection

Education

High school diploma

Technical or vocational training

Tools

Welding equipment

Hand and power tools

Job description

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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 anddecarbonisationby 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 ofprogrammesthat support continuous learning, we offer opportunities for meaningful, long-term careers. Employing more than 4,100 people worldwide, weoperateover 155 facilities across 13 countries. As an ASX-listed company, Sims provides the stability, transparency, and professional growth opportunities of a publicly tradedorganisation, 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.

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.

Why Choose A Career with Sims?

Sims is a hub of innovation, offering employees the chance to explore new ideas and technologies while providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.

With a diverse workforce, Sims fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion where employees can thrive and establish lasting connections. Working at Sims offers the chance to engage with a global network, providing opportunities for travel, cross-cultural experiences, and the ability to contribute to a sustainable future. Sims is renowned as one of the world’s leading sustainable companies, empowering employees to make a difference in creating a world without waste to preserve the planet.

Sims prioritizes employee wellbeing, offering superior benefits packages, meaningful training opportunities, and a supportive atmosphere where employees feel valued and heard at all levels of the organization. Sims maintains a strong focus on safety, where individuals are encouraged to challenge themselves, contribute, and support one another, in a collaborative team environment.