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CHAMPAIGN-URBANA AREA JOBS

Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

Operator

Maverick Pipe

Maverick Pipe

Rantoul, IL, USA
Posted on Jan 13, 2026

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 a Machine Operator at Maverick at Zekelman Industries, Rantoul, IL, this role plays a key part in setting up and operating high-speed equipment with robotic elements to form or cut steel to specified dimensions and specifications. Reporting to the Plant Manager, this position supports safe, efficient, and high-quality production within a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is ideal for individuals who value safety, precision, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Do

  • Observe all safety and lockout/tagout procedures to operate equipment efficiently and effectively

  • Perform advanced setup and calibration of production equipment

  • Inspect materials for quality issues before, during, and after production runs

  • Record and report quality deficiencies to the supervisor or quality department

  • Maintain equipment tooling and tools necessary for job completion

  • Diagnose equipment and quality issues while minimizing scrap and production delays

  • Perform housekeeping tasks to maintain clean and safe work areas

  • Complete reports related to production, changeovers, and scrap material

  • Assist maintenance with equipment repairs and preventive maintenance activities

  • Participate in continuous improvement programs

  • Perform additional duties as assigned by management

Who You Are

  • Manufacturing or related industrial experience, preferred

  • High school diploma or equivalent, preferred

  • Ability to read and write English and maintain production records and logs

  • Ability to perform math including addition, subtraction, decimals, and fractions

  • Experience using measuring devices such as tape measures, micrometers, and calipers

  • Ability to operate forklifts, cranes, and other equipment required for the role

  • Detail-oriented with the ability to work independently

  • Ability to maintain regular, full-time, predictable onsite attendance per the posted schedule

  • Commitment to leading and promoting safe work practices in compliance with regulatory agencies and company policy

Physical Abilities

  • Move objects and use abdominal and lower back muscles to provide sustained physical support without fatigue

  • Perform constant movement and repetitive use of limbs requiring manual dexterity, coordination, and stamina

  • Remain in a stationary position for extended periods

  • Lift, climb, bend, stoop, push, and pull as required

  • Lift up to 60 pounds

  • Stand for 10–12 hours per shift

  • Perform work in a plant or manufacturing environment

  • Meet additional physical requirements as needed for the role

What You’ll Get

Maverick at Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental coverage. In addition, employees have access to a comprehensive total rewards package:

  • Competitive compensation

  • Bonus plan and profit-sharing opportunities

  • 401(k) with company match

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Tuition assistance program

  • Paid vacation and holidays

  • Employee loyalty awards

Compensation & Benefits

This position offers competitive hourly compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. Final offers are determined based on experience, education, skill set, and interview performance.

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.