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Floater Operator

Zekelman Industries · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Apr 8, 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 time you saw an unsafe condition on the floor. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they speak up and report hazards right away, even when it slows production.

Tell me about a time you and a coworker disagreed on how to fix a production problem. How did it get resolved?

What they are checking: Whether they work through disagreements respectfully and focus on fixing the problem, not winning the argument.

How do you handle long shifts on your feet in a hot, loud mill and stay sharp to the end?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the physical demands and have habits that keep them alert and safe.

What would you do

As a floater you'll move between positions during a shift. How do you get up to speed fast on a station you haven't run in a while?

What they are checking: Whether they check settings, ask questions and slow down at first rather than assuming nothing changed.

How do you keep the mill crew informed about the schedule and any changes coming up?

What they are checking: Whether they see communication as part of the job, since the whole crew depends on knowing what's next.

You're behind on output for the shift and someone suggests skipping a safety check to catch up. What do you say?

What they are checking: Whether they hold firm on safety under production pressure, which is what a safe mill depends on.

About the work

As a floater you'd run the seam welder, the mill and the scarfing unit. Which of those have you run before, and what did you watch most closely on each?

What they are checking: Whether they have real hands-on mill experience and know the key signs of trouble at each station.

Walk me through how you'd perform a changeover on a tube mill safely and quickly.

What they are checking: Whether they follow lockout and setup steps in order while still caring about getting the mill back up.

The weld starts looking off in the middle of a run. What do you check first?

What they are checking: Whether they troubleshoot in a logical order and communicate with the crew before scrap piles up.

What does scarfing do on a welded tube, and what happens if it isn't done right?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the purpose behind the steps they run, which helps them catch quality issues.

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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 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 Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental coverage. Employees also have access to a comprehensive total rewards package: • 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 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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