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Greaser

Zekelman Industries · Rochelle, IL · Full time

Posted Aug 20, 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

What lubrication work have you done on heavy industrial equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they have hands-on experience with large plant equipment, not just vehicle oil changes.

Tell me about a time you caught a problem early that saved a bigger repair.

What they are checking: Whether they pay close attention during routine work and act on what they see.

Tell me about a time you worked with maintenance to fix something you found.

What they are checking: Whether they see themselves as part of the maintenance team and communicate clearly.

What would you do

While greasing, you notice a bearing running hot and making noise. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they report early signs of failure, which is how this role prevents breakdowns.

Production asks you to skip a lube route today because they can't stop the line. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they work with production to reschedule rather than quietly skipping preventive maintenance.

About the work

How do you make sure the right lubricant goes into the right point?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that mixing or misapplying lubricants can ruin bearings and gearboxes.

How do you lock out a machine before greasing or changing oil?

What they are checking: Whether they treat lockout as required for every job, since greasers work near moving parts.

How much grease is too much, and what happens if you overgrease a bearing?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that more is not better and that overgreasing causes heat and seal damage.

How do you keep track of which machines you've serviced and when they're due next?

What they are checking: Whether they follow and document a preventive maintenance schedule reliably.

How do you handle used oil, filters and spills?

What they are checking: Whether they know proper disposal and cleanup, which affects safety and environmental compliance.

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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 This person will play a critical role in maintaining the reliability and performance of industrial equipment by ensuring machinery is properly lubricated and operating efficiently. You will inspect equipment, apply lubricants, perform preventive maintenance, and identify mechanical issues before they impact production. This position is ideal for someone with strong mechanical skills who enjoys hands-on work in a manufacturing environment and is committed to safety, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement. Pay: $29.50/Hour What You'll Do • Lubricate moving parts of heavy industrial equipment throughout the facility to ensure optimal performance and reliability. • Change oil in machine reservoirs and clean or replace oil filters as required. • Inspect, monitor, and maintain automatic lubrication systems, including replacing empty lubricant drums and repairing malfunctioning lubrication lines. • Fill automatic dispensers, oil cans, grease guns, and oil cups with the appropriate lubricants. • Identify equipment requiring repair or maintenance using work orders, inspections, and equipment specifications. • Perform preventive maintenance on heavy equipment and report any additional maintenance or repair needs to the Maintenance Supervisor. • Complete maintenance logs, inspection reports, and other documentation related to equipment service, repairs, and lubrication activities. • Remove excess oil and grease from machinery, tools, equipment, and surrounding work areas to maintain a clean and safe environment. • Monitor machine performance and make necessary adjustments to lubrication processes. • Select and apply the appropriate lubricants based on equipment requirements and manufacturer specifications. • Follow all company safety policies and environmental regulations while performing maintenance activities. • Maintain regular, full-time, predictable onsite attendance. • Perform other duties as assigned. Who You Are Education & Experience • High school diploma or equivalent required. • Minimum of 3 years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment. • Strong mechanical experience required. Knowledge, Skills & Competencies • Strong understanding of industrial lubrication practices and preventive maintenance principles. • Knowledge of lubrication systems, grease guns, oiling equipment, and filtration systems. • Ability to identify equipment issues and recommend corrective actions. • Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills. • Ability to read and interpret work orders and maintenance documentation. • Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills. • Strong communication and teamwork abilities. • Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient work environment. Physical Abilities • Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and reach throughout the workday. • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull tools, lubricants, and equipment. • Ability to work in confined spaces and around moving industrial machinery. • Ability to perform repetitive manual tasks using hand tools and lubrication equipment. • Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, heat, dust, and industrial equipment. • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE). What You'll Get Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental coverage. Additional benefits include: • 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 • Career Growth Opportunities 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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