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Industrial Electrician

Zekelman Industries · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 10, 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 breakdown you fixed that got a line back up quickly. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they have real experience restoring uptime under pressure in an industrial setting.

Tell me about a time you found the root cause of a problem that kept coming back.

What they are checking: Whether they dig past the quick fix to stop repeat failures, which protects uptime.

What would you do

You find a guard missing on a machine that production wants to start right now. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they refuse to start equipment until guards and safety devices are in place, even under pressure.

This is an 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift. How do you handle a problem at 3 a.m. when there's no one senior to call?

What they are checking: Whether they can work independently and safely on nights and know when to escalate.

How do you hand off an unfinished job to the next shift?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate clearly and leave equipment safe, so nobody gets hurt or repeats work.

About the work

Walk me through how you do lockout/tagout on a tube mill before working on its electrical system.

What they are checking: Whether they know LOTO cold and treat it as non-negotiable, which is the first thing this posting stresses.

A drive on the mill trips during a run. How do you troubleshoot it?

What they are checking: Whether they work methodically from fault codes and readings rather than swapping parts at random.

How comfortable are you reading electrical schematics and ladder logic on a PLC?

What they are checking: Whether they can trace control circuits and logic, which most mill electrical faults require.

What preventive maintenance would you prioritize on motors, drives and control panels in a mill?

What they are checking: Whether they think ahead with inspections and thermal checks instead of only reacting to breakdowns.

What experience do you have with 480-volt three-phase systems and industrial motor controls?

What they are checking: Whether they have worked at the voltages and with the equipment found on a steel tube mill.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Zekelman Industries from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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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 an Electrician at Zekelman Industries – Atlas Tube in Chicago, you will play a critical role in maintaining and repairing tube mill production equipment to ensure maximum uptime, product quality, and operational efficiency. Reporting to the Shift Manager. This role is ideal for someone with strong electrical aptitude, troubleshooting expertise, and a proactive mindset. You’ll thrive here if you enjoy solving problems, working hands-on in a fast-paced environment, and contributing to a safety-first culture. Shift: Afternoon Pay: $34.92 What You’ll Do • Maintains electrical systems on production equipment following all defined safety procedures, including LOTO compliance • Ensures guards and safety devices are installed and functioning before equipment is turned over to operations • Monitors and inspects equipment using both manual and computerized maintenance systems • Reads and interprets blueprints, schematics, and manuals to perform effective troubleshooting and repairs • Uses hand tools, power tools, hoists, cranes, measuring devices, and testing equipment to perform electrical tasks • Troubleshoots process and equipment problems, accurately identifying and resolving electrical faults • Executes breakdown maintenance, preventive maintenance, and electrical changeovers on production lines • Maintains clean, audit-ready work areas after completing electrical tasks • Provides guidance to co-workers and communicates effectively with team members • Reports unresolved safety, quality, or production issues to supervisor promptly • Performs other duties as assigned Who You Are • Journeyman card, Associate’s Degree, or equivalent required (military service considered equivalent to 2-year degree) • 2+ years of electrical maintenance experience in a heavy industrial or manufacturing environment • Experience in tube mill or steel manufacturing preferred • Skilled in reading schematics, using diagnostic tools, and following maintenance documentation • Capable of basic math and using measuring equipment accurately • Strong communication, teamwork, and listening skills • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physical tasks such as standing, bending, climbing, and stooping • Proficient in basic computer usage • Maintains regular, full-time onsite attendance per posted schedule • Leads and promotes safe work practices in accordance with OSHA and company policy Physical Abilities • Must be able to lift, bend, climb, stoop, push, and pull; regularly required to stand and use hands or arms in a physically demanding environment. What You’ll Get Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality healthcare and company-paid insurance. Employees also enjoy professional growth opportunities and meaningful recognition: • Healthcare Plan – Company Paid • Dental – Company Paid • Vision – Company Paid • 401(k) with Company Match • Life Insurance – Company Paid • Advancement Opportunities • Company-Paid Training • Paid Vacation & Holidays • Employee Loyalty Awards 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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