Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will expertly handle various types of machinery, including CAT 980 loader, hydraulic crane with magnet, and other heavy equipment such as excavators, dozers, skid steers, forklifts, water trucks, and mobile cranes. Your role involves safely maneuvering equipment in tight, high‑heat environments within the steel mill, managing molten metals, and supporting furnace operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment to load, move, and manage molten metals, including cleaning and transporting up to 100 tons of molten steel.

• Support furnace operations inside the hot pit building, working near a 2,000‑degree furnace and performing tasks such as digging out solidified metal and laying fresh material.

• Perform daily inspections, safety checks, fluid checks, greasing, and light preventative maintenance; report mechanical issues to maintenance.

• Assist with loading trucks, stockpiling materials, rolling slag, and general site cleanup.

• Adhere to all steel‑mill safety protocols, including working with a standby safety team during hot‑pit operations.

Essential Skills

• 3 - 5 years of heavy equipment operating experience with machinery such as front end loaders, CAT equipment, and hydraulic cranes.

• Ability to read and understand equipment service manuals.

• Experience in repairing and troubleshooting heavy equipment, conveyors, shredders, and compactors.

• Proficiency in MIG and STICK welding when needed.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment breakdowns.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to organize and multi-task, demonstrating a self-directed and team-oriented approach.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Adherence to all local, state, OSHA, environmental, and site-specific regulations.

• Perform and document daily safety checks, follow all safety rules, and wear PPE to ensure a safe environment for all employees and visitors.

Why Work Here?

Enjoy comprehensive benefits including 401(k) matching, dental, health, vision, and life insurance, paid time off, and a referral program. Embrace a rotating shift schedule that balances work and personal life.

Work Environment

Work in a heavy industrial environment where operators remain inside air-conditioned cabs for most tasks. All equipment is new and designed as CAT steel-mill specials for high-heat environments. The role involves exposure to molten metal, slag, and high-temperature processes, with strict PPE and safety procedures required. The work setting includes both indoor and outdoor environments, with a majority of tasks performed in enclosed, temperature-controlled cabs. The shift schedule is rotating, alternating between day and night shifts with designated days off.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Jackson, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $49200.00 - $58240.00/yr.

comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching up to 4%, paid vacation, and paid holidays.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Jackson,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.