hero

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA AREA JOBS

Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

Strut Operator

Maverick Pipe

Maverick Pipe

Rantoul, IL, USA
Posted on Jan 14, 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 Strut Operator at Maverick Pipe a division of Zekelman Industries, Rantoul, IL, this role is responsible for setting up and operating high speed equipment with robotic elements to form or cut steel to specified dimensions and specifications. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, values safety, and demonstrates strong attention to detail.

What You’ll Do

  • Observe all safety and LOTO rules to operate equipment efficiently and effectively

  • Perform advanced setup and calibration of all equipment

  • Inspect materials for quality issues before, during, and after running material

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

  • Maintain equipment tooling and tools necessary for job completion

  • Diagnose equipment and quality problems while keeping scrap and delays to a minimum

  • Perform housekeeping tasks to keep work areas clean and safe

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

  • Assist maintenance with repairs and preventive maintenance activities

  • Participate in continuous improvement programs

  • Perform all other 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 necessary to perform the job

  • Detail oriented with the ability to work independently

  • Strong commitment to health and safety practices in compliance with regulatory and company standards

  • Regular, full-time, predictable onsite attendance is an essential function of this role

Physical Abilities

  • Ability to move objects and use abdominal and lower back muscles to provide support over time without fatigue

  • Constant movement requiring manual dexterity, coordination, and stamina

  • Ability to remain in a stationary position for several hours

  • Ability to lift, climb, bend, stoop, push, and pull

  • Ability to lift up to 60 lbs

  • Ability to stand for 10–12 hours

  • Ability to perform work in a plant/manufacturing environment

  • Other physical requirements as needed for the role

What You’ll Get

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, loyalty awards, and much more:

  • 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

Compensation & Benefits

Below is the expected base hourly range for this position. This is a good-faith estimate, and offers will be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and interview performance.

Base Hourly Range:
[$15.87–$25.48 USD]

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.