Master Mechanic

Established in 1978, United Scrap Metal (“USM”) has grown from $200 and a rental truck into one of the largest full-service recyclers in the country. Today, the USM team continues to pioneer innovative, solutions-driven recycling programs through ethical and sustainable practices, which have earned them both acclaim and recognition amongst industry partners. With 700+ team members across 11 locations nationally, the company’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its award-winning history, as well as an outstanding client retention rate across thousands of customers throughout North America. Equally as important is the expansion of the team’s focus on philanthropy, sustainability, diversity and carrying out our corporate mission: making a positive impact on the lives of others. USM is proud to make a difference for its customers, partners, team members, communities and the planet as it continues to drive its expansion forward for the next forty years and beyond.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Master Diesel Mechanic / Master Welder to join our maintenance team at our Cicero, IL facility . This position is responsible for the inspection, diagnosis, repair, fabrication, and preventive maintenance of heavy mobile and stationary industrial equipment used in a high-volume scrap and recycling operation.

The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience with diesel-powered heavy equipment, hydraulic systems, structural welding, fabrication, and troubleshooting complex mechanical and electrical issues. This role requires a self-driven professional capable of keeping critical production equipment operating safely and efficiently.

Equipment Responsibilities

This role will perform maintenance and repairs on, but not limited to:

• Sennebogen material handlers
• Volvo 380 excavators
• Skid steers
• Forklifts
• HRB balers
• Conveyor systems
• GXT-665 and GXT-335 shears
• Grapples and attachments
• Other heavy industrial and mobile processing equipment

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair diesel engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, drivetrain, and structural components
• Perform advanced troubleshooting on hydraulic cylinders, pumps, valves, hoses, and control systems
• Conduct preventive maintenance and scheduled inspections on all equipment
• Perform major component rebuilds, including engines, pumps, swing bearings, boom structures, and shears
• Execute advanced welding and fabrication repairs on cracked frames, booms, buckets, shear mounts, balers, and conveyors
• Read and interpret hydraulic schematics, electrical diagrams, and service manuals
• Fabricate brackets, supports, guards, and custom steel repairs as needed
• Troubleshoot production equipment downtime quickly to minimize operational disruption
• Maintain accurate repair records and communicate equipment status to leadership
• Ensure all repairs meet company safety and operational standards
• Work closely with operations and maintenance leadership to prioritize repairs and capital rebuild work

Minimum Safety Training Requirements

• Basic on-the-job training that satisfies the Primary Objectives of the specific position (as noted above)
• US-SOP-01 United in Safety Manual
• US-F11 QEH&S Policy
• US-SOP-03 Team Member Handbook

We strive to demonstrate our Core Values in all positions at USM:

Trust ● Commitment ● Loyalty ● Passion ● Respect ● Service ● Performance

USM is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. USM will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. USM is a Zero Impairment Workplace. USM provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify your Talent Acquisition contact or another member of our People Development Team at View email address on click.appcast.io. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.