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 hourly rate including overtime applies to plumber positions in the United States starting January 2026?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, plumbers receive a base rate of $32.45 per hour with time-and-a-half at $48.68 per hour for all hours over 40 in a workweek as of January 1 2026. This rate applies nationwide under the Fair Labor Standards Act for non-exempt plumbing roles. Union contracts in 12 states add an additional $4.25 per hour shift differential.
What visa and work permit steps are required for foreign plumbers to work legally in the United States in 2026?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires an approved H-2B petition with a valid temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor showing no qualified U.S. workers available. The visa cap for fiscal year 2026 is set at 66,000 with an additional 20,000 returning worker exemption available until March 31 2026. Applicants must submit Form I-129 and pay the $460 filing fee plus $150 fraud prevention fee.
What education and experience minimums qualify someone for licensed plumber jobs in the United States?
The U.S. Department of Labor requires completion of a 4-5 year registered apprenticeship program totaling at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 hours of related classroom instruction. A high school diploma or GED is mandatory before starting the apprenticeship. Four states additionally require 2 years of documented prior experience for license examination eligibility in 2026.
Which documents must be submitted when applying for plumber positions through official U.S. government workforce channels in 2026?
Job seekers must upload a completed ETA Form 9089, current plumbing license, and proof of apprenticeship completion to the Department of Labor's job bank system. A valid Social Security card and state-issued photo ID are required for I-9 verification within three business days of hire. Background check authorization forms must also be signed before any conditional offer.
