Heavy Equipment Operator

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will be responsible for operating a variety of heavy machinery, including CAT 980 loaders, hydraulic cranes with magnets, excavators, dozers, skid steers, forklifts, water trucks, and mobile cranes. Your role involves safely maneuvering equipment in tight, high-heat environments within a steel mill, loading, moving, and managing molten metals, and supporting furnace operations in the hot pit building.

• Operate heavy equipment to load, move, and manage molten metals, including cleaning up to 100 tons of molten steel and transporting material to the caster.
• Support furnace operations inside the hot pit building, working near a 2,000-degree furnace, driving up/down the ramp beneath the furnace, and digging out solidified metal.
• Perform daily inspections, safety checks, fluid checks, greasing, and light PMs; report mechanical issues to maintenance.
• Assist with loading trucks, stockpiling materials, rolling slag, and general site cleanup.
• Follow all steel-mill safety protocols, including working with a standby safety team during hot-pit operations.

• 3 - 5 years of heavy equipment operating experience (front end loader, CAT 980, 966, or 930, hydraulic crane, etc.)
• Ability to read and understand equipment service manuals.
• Experience in repairing and troubleshooting heavy equipment, conveyors, shredder, compactor.
• MIG and STICK welding when needed.
• Demonstrated ability to be self-directed, team-oriented, and work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment breakdowns.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to organize and multi-task.

• Adherence to all local, state, OSHA, environmental, and site-specific regulations.
• Perform and document daily safety checks, follow all safety rules, wear PPE, provide a safe environment for all employees and visitors.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k) matching, dental, health, life, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off and a referral program. Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for growth and development in a dynamic industry.

Work primarily occurs inside air-conditioned cabs, utilizing new equipment designed for high-heat environments. You will be involved in both indoor and outdoor tasks within a heavy industrial setting, adhering to strict PPE and safety procedures. The role includes a rotating shift pattern, providing a balance between day and night shifts.

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

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

401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance 12 hour shift

This is a fully onsite position in Jackson,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 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.