Maintenance Mechanic / Welder
Company
Imperial Recycling
Location
Chicago, IL
Job Type
Full-time
Salary
70K–75K a year
Posted
4 days ago
Via
Glassdoor
Apply On
Job Description
About Us
Imperial Recycling
Located in Chicago, IL, our facility excels in processing a wide range of materials, including aluminum, copper, brass, steel, zinc, plastic, paper, and more. With expertise in operating chopping lines for insulated wire processing, we serve diverse industries such as manufacturing, electrical utilities, metal fabricating, and many others.
1745 W. Fulton St., Chicago, IL 60612
At Imperial Recycling Company, safety, innovation, and efficiency drive everything we do. We process high-value materials on a large industrial scale—and we’re seeking a dedicated Maintenance Mechanic / Welder. You will be responsible for keeping our equipment operating efficiently through proactive maintenance and timely repairs.
Position Overview
We are seeking a skilled and reliable Maintenance Mechanic with strong welding experience to join our team in a fast-paced scrap recycling environment. This role is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and improving a wide range of heavy equipment and machinery to ensure safe and efficient operations. The ideal candidate is hands-on, highly organized, and committed to preventative maintenance practices.
Key Responsibilities
• Perform welding and fabrication work on equipment, containers, and structural components
• Inspect, diagnose, and repair mechanical issues on forklifts, hydraulic systems, balers, and other heavy equipment
• Replace and install parts as needed to maintain operational efficiency
• Follow and complete preventative maintenance (PM) schedules on all equipment
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, repairs, and parts usage
• Organize and manage shop tools, equipment, and inventory to ensure accessibility and accountability
• Troubleshoot hydraulic, mechanical, and basic electrical systems
• Ensure all work is performed safely and in compliance with company policies and regulations
• Assist with emergency repairs to minimize downtime
Qualifications:
• Proven experience as a maintenance mechanic in an industrial or heavy equipment environment
• Strong welding and fabrication skills (MIG, stick; additional methods a plus)
• Experience working with hydraulic systems, forklifts, and balers preferred
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and schematics
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively
• Commitment to safety and maintaining a clean work environment
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift heavy parts and equipment
• Comfortable working in outdoor and industrial conditions
• Ability to stand, bend, and perform physical labor for extended periods
Benefits
• Competitive salary + annual performance reviews
• Health / dental / vision coverage
• Life & Ancillary coverage
• Paid time off & holidays
• Retirement savings plan
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
Experience:
• Plant & industrial maintenance role: 3 years (Required)
• Welding : 5 years (Required)
Language:
• Spanish (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
• Chicago, IL 60612 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Imperial Recycling
Located in Chicago, IL, our facility excels in processing a wide range of materials, including aluminum, copper, brass, steel, zinc, plastic, paper, and more. With expertise in operating chopping lines for insulated wire processing, we serve diverse industries such as manufacturing, electrical utilities, metal fabricating, and many others.
1745 W. Fulton St., Chicago, IL 60612
At Imperial Recycling Company, safety, innovation, and efficiency drive everything we do. We process high-value materials on a large industrial scale—and we’re seeking a dedicated Maintenance Mechanic / Welder. You will be responsible for keeping our equipment operating efficiently through proactive maintenance and timely repairs.
Position Overview
We are seeking a skilled and reliable Maintenance Mechanic with strong welding experience to join our team in a fast-paced scrap recycling environment. This role is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and improving a wide range of heavy equipment and machinery to ensure safe and efficient operations. The ideal candidate is hands-on, highly organized, and committed to preventative maintenance practices.
Key Responsibilities
• Perform welding and fabrication work on equipment, containers, and structural components
• Inspect, diagnose, and repair mechanical issues on forklifts, hydraulic systems, balers, and other heavy equipment
• Replace and install parts as needed to maintain operational efficiency
• Follow and complete preventative maintenance (PM) schedules on all equipment
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, repairs, and parts usage
• Organize and manage shop tools, equipment, and inventory to ensure accessibility and accountability
• Troubleshoot hydraulic, mechanical, and basic electrical systems
• Ensure all work is performed safely and in compliance with company policies and regulations
• Assist with emergency repairs to minimize downtime
Qualifications:
• Proven experience as a maintenance mechanic in an industrial or heavy equipment environment
• Strong welding and fabrication skills (MIG, stick; additional methods a plus)
• Experience working with hydraulic systems, forklifts, and balers preferred
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and schematics
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively
• Commitment to safety and maintaining a clean work environment
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift heavy parts and equipment
• Comfortable working in outdoor and industrial conditions
• Ability to stand, bend, and perform physical labor for extended periods
Benefits
• Competitive salary + annual performance reviews
• Health / dental / vision coverage
• Life & Ancillary coverage
• Paid time off & holidays
• Retirement savings plan
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
Experience:
• Plant & industrial maintenance role: 3 years (Required)
• Welding : 5 years (Required)
Language:
• Spanish (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
• Chicago, IL 60612 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Plumber Jobs
What is the minimum hourly wage for plumbers in the United States as of 2026?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, the federal minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour in 2026 but plumbers under Davis-Bacon prevailing wage determinations must receive at least $28.75 per hour on federal contracts. Overtime at 1.5 times the rate applies after 40 hours per week under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
How many years of apprenticeship are required to qualify as a licensed plumber in the United States in 2026?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, registered plumbing apprenticeships require exactly 4 years or 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 hours of technical instruction completed by December 2026. A high school diploma or GED is mandatory for program entry.
What documents are needed to apply for a registered plumbing apprenticeship in the United States in 2026?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, applicants must submit a valid driver's license, high school transcripts, and proof of age 18 or older by the application deadline of March 15, 2026. Background check clearance and drug screening results are also required before acceptance.
What are the standard working hours and paid leave entitlements for plumbers in the United States in 2026?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, plumbers work 40 hours per week with overtime required after 40 hours and receive 10 paid federal holidays plus 12 days of annual leave after one year of service. Family and Medical Leave Act provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for eligible employees.
