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Operator

Zekelman Industries · Chicago, IL · 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 time you reported an unsafe condition even though it slowed things down.

What they are checking: Whether they put safety ahead of output, which this posting lists first.

How do you train or help a newer assistant operator on your crew?

What they are checking: Whether they share knowledge patiently, since operators often guide the people around them.

Tell me about a time production goals were tight. How did you help the crew hit them?

What they are checking: Whether they push for output through teamwork and good habits, not by cutting corners.

What would you do

How do you keep the mill crew on the same page about the schedule?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate clearly, since everyone on the line needs to know what runs next.

A coworker isn't following a safety rule. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they address it directly and respectfully, or escalate if needed, rather than looking away.

About the work

You'd run the seam welder, the mill and the scarfing unit. Tell me about your experience with each.

What they are checking: Whether they have actual mill operating experience on the main equipment in this role.

Walk me through a changeover you've done. How do you do it safely and get back to running quickly?

What they are checking: Whether they follow lockout and setup steps in order while staying focused on uptime.

The mill is producing tubes out of spec. How do you figure out what's wrong?

What they are checking: Whether they troubleshoot step by step and involve the crew before scrap adds up.

What routine checks do you do on your equipment at the start of a shift?

What they are checking: Whether they have good habits that catch problems before they cause breakdowns or injuries.

What does a good weld look like on a tube, and what are signs of a bad one?

What they are checking: Whether they understand quality well enough to catch defects at the welder.

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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 Operator at Atlas Tube, a division of Zekelman Industries, you will play a key role in safely operating and maintaining production machinery to ensure continuous and efficient mill operations. You will run the seam welder, mill, and scarfing unit, perform changeovers, and communicate effectively with the production team to meet quality and production goals. This role is perfect for someone who has strong mechanical aptitude, values teamwork, and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Location: Chicago, IL What You’ll Do • Perform duties in accordance with company safety policies and immediately report unsafe conditions. • 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 maintain 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 for quick-change operation. • Coordinate with maintenance 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 cross-train team members as needed. • Maintain housekeeping standards in all work areas. • Perform preventive maintenance (PM) activities as assigned. • Ensure regular, predictable onsite attendance as an essential function of the role. Who You Are • Experience: 5+ years of manufacturing experience preferred. • Education: Trade certification preferred. • Technical Skills: Strong mechanical aptitude and basic math skills; experience using precision instruments such as micrometers and calipers preferred; crane certification required. • Soft Skills: Good communication and interpersonal skills. • Additional Qualifications: Commitment to lead and promote safe work practices per regulatory and company policy; regular, full-time attendance. Physical Abilities • Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. • Ability to lift, climb, bend, stoop, push, and pull; must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. • Exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, and occasionally wet or humid conditions. • Work environment includes a loud manufacturing or industrial setting. 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 Pay: $29.43 per hour plus 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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