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Controls Specialist - 2nd Shift

Zekelman Industries · Rochelle, IL · $38.00–$40.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a controls problem you solved that other people had given up on.

What they are checking: The depth and persistence of their troubleshooting on hard, intermittent electrical problems.

How do you keep up your knowledge of the process, the equipment and what's in the storeroom?

What they are checking: Whether they learn the whole system so they can act fast when something breaks on third shift.

How do you document a logic change or a drive parameter change so others can follow it?

What they are checking: Whether they leave a trail, since an undocumented change can confuse the next technician for months.

What would you do

A sensor keeps giving false signals and stopping the line. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they find the real cause instead of bypassing a sensor, which can defeat a safety function.

You're the only controls person on third shift and two lines go down at once. How do you decide where to go?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize by safety, impact and fix time instead of reacting to whoever yells loudest.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd troubleshoot a PLC-controlled station that stopped and isn't showing a clear fault.

What they are checking: Whether they go online with the PLC, check inputs and outputs and follow the logic rather than guessing.

What PLC platforms have you programmed or edited, and what kind of changes have you made live?

What they are checking: Their real level with controls and whether they respect the risk of editing logic on a running mill.

How do you set up and program a VFD for a new motor?

What they are checking: Whether they know motor nameplate data, accel and decel, current limits and how to read drive fault codes.

A drive keeps throwing an overcurrent fault on a mill stand. What are the possible causes and how do you narrow them down?

What they are checking: Whether they separate drive, motor, cable and mechanical load problems in an orderly way.

What steps do you take before working in a live electrical panel, and when would you refuse to?

What they are checking: Whether they understand arc flash risk, PPE and when energized work is truly justified.

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The full job description

As published by Zekelman Industries.

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 Maintenance Electrician at Wheatland Tube, located in Rochelle, IL, you will play a key role in maintaining and troubleshooting tube mill production equipment, maximizing quality, uptime, rate, and yield. This role is perfect for someone who has strong electrical and mechanical aptitude, enjoys problem-solving, and thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment. What You’ll Do • Develops and maintains a working knowledge of the process, equipment, controls, and storeroom areas. • Maintains and troubleshoots all equipment, including PLCs, VFDs, sensors, and motors. • Troubleshoots and programs VFDs to ensure optimal operation. • Performs routine and non-routine maintenance tasks on electrical systems and equipment. • Monitors, inspects, and completes reports on equipment using both manual and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). • Uses electrical prints and multimeters to perform electrical troubleshooting. • Performs preventative maintenance on assigned electrical systems. • Assists team members as needed, promoting teamwork and efficient operations. • Communicates equipment issues effectively with the Maintenance Foreman. • Assists in the installation and upgrade of plant equipment. • Manages inventory by signing out materials and ensuring proper stock levels. • Utilizes catalogs and vendor contacts to research and requisition parts and materials. • Maintains a clean and organized work area. • Interfaces with mechanics, production operators, production foremen, engineers, and other personnel during equipment maintenance or repairs. • Performs other duties as assigned. Who You Are • 5+ years of experience as a Maintenance Electrician, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial setting. • Strong knowledge and experience with PLCs, especially Allen Bradley systems. • Ability to troubleshoot and program Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). • Proficient in reading and understanding electrical and mechanical prints. • Strong electrical and mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform mechanical tasks. • Able to work independently and manage multiple priorities. • Aptitude test required for this role. • Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively. • Regular, full-time, predictable onsite attendance is essential. • Knowledge of safety work practices as required by regulatory agencies and company policy. • Ability to read and speak English clearly and accurately. Physical Abilities • Ability to move objects and use abdominal and lower back muscles for sustained support. • Requires constant movement and use of limbs; good manual dexterity, coordination, and stamina. • Ability to stand for 10–12 hours and remain stationary for extended periods. • Ability to lift up to 60 lbs and perform various physical tasks, including bending, stooping, pushing, and pulling. • Ability to work in a manufacturing plant environment with varying physical demands. What You’ll Get 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, loyalty awards, and much more: • Competitive Pay • Production Incentive Program • 401(k) with Company Match • Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Employee Training & Development Programs • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Compensation & Benefits Below is the expected base salary 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 Salary Range: $38 -40 Per Hour + 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.

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