Overhead Crane Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Overhead Crane Operator – Heavy Industrial Steel
Job Description

This role operates power-driven overhead gantry cranes and related equipment to move large steel slabs safely and efficiently within a heavy industrial steel facility. The position supports a scarfing plant by loading, unloading, and transferring slabs, performing visual inspections, and assisting with robotic scarfing operations while maintaining accurate records and following standard operating procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate power-driven crane equipment with a magnet to move steel slabs weighing 25–50 tons.
• Operate an overhead gantry DC crane from a crows nest to safely load and unload steel slabs for conditioning within the scarfing plant.
• Load and unload slabs onto the turner to support the scarfing process.
• Pile and depile completed steel slabs in designated storage areas in a safe and organized manner.
• Transfer completed slabs onto rail cars and send transfer slabs into the robotic scarfer as required.
• Visually oversee scarfing plant flow to ensure smooth and continuous operations.
• Visually inspect slab surfaces and identify defects on steel slabs, including fins, mis-scarfs, and machine gouges.
• Use hand torches to remove fins, mis-scarfs, and machine gouges from slab surfaces as needed.
• Use knowledge of gas and oxygen torches to perform cutting and scarfing tasks safely and effectively.
• Complete daily inspection reports accurately and on time to document equipment condition and operational status.
• Maintain records and logs related to crane operations, slab movement, and production activities.
• Input IFS sequence numbers into a panel view system for data collection and tracking, using basic computer skills.
• Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety guidelines during crane, torch, and robotic operations.
• Clean the robotic car three times per shift to ensure reliable and safe operation.
• Shovel slag and scale buildup during downtime to maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Participate in training to operate robotic machines and support automated scarfing processes.
• Apply mechanical aptitude to troubleshoot minor issues with equipment and support maintenance activities when needed.

• Proven experience operating overhead gantry cranes in a heavy industrial steel environment.
• Experience moving heavy steel slabs using an overhead crane and gantry systems.
• Comfort working at heights, including operating from a crows nest.
• Heavy industrial steel experience, including familiarity with mill or plant operations.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to operate hand torches and perform scarfing tasks on steel slabs.
• Knowledge of gas and oxygen torch operation and safety.
• Mechanical aptitude to understand and work with industrial machinery.
• Basic computer literacy to input IFS sequence numbers into panel view systems.
• Ability to follow detailed standard operating procedures and safety protocols.
• Capability to perform physically demanding tasks such as shoveling slag and scale and handling heavy industrial tools.

• Overhead crane gantry experience specifically moving large steel slabs.
• Prior experience with scarfing operations and machine operation in a steel or heavy industrial setting.
• Willingness to be trained on robotic operator machines and automated scarfing equipment.
• Ability to visually inspect steel slab surfaces and accurately identify surface defects.
• Strong attention to detail when maintaining records, logs, and daily inspection reports.
• Comfort working in a unionized heavy industrial environment.

The role offers the opportunity to join a strong union environment with a clear pathway to membership after a defined number of working hours. Team members receive a pay increase after a specified date, along with 100% employer-paid medical benefits, including dental and vision coverage. The position also provides access to a pension plan and an on-site medical clinic, supporting long-term financial security and overall well-being. The work environment emphasizes safety, training, and skill development, giving employees the chance to grow their expertise with advanced equipment and technology.

Work Environment

This position is based on-site at a large steel facility within a heavy industrial environment. The role involves operating overhead gantry DC cranes from a crows nest and working around a scarfing plant, robotic scarfers, turners, and rail cars. Employees initially train on day shifts from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with occasional work extending to 5:00 p.m. After training, the schedule rotates between day and afternoon shifts, covering hours between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on an every-other-week rotation. The work includes exposure to heat, noise, slag, and scale typical of a steel plant, and requires regular physical activity such as climbing, shoveling, and handling industrial tools. Steel-toe footwear is required as part of the dress code for safety. The environment uses industrial cranes, gas and oxygen torches, robotic machinery, and computerized panel view systems, and follows established standard operating procedures and safety practices.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Chesterton, IN.

The pay range for this position is $67891.20 - $67891.20/yr.

health, dental, vision, 401K, vacation time

This is a fully onsite position in Chesterton,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 2026.

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.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.