Welder

Welder

Chicago, United States

Company
Sims Metal
Location
Chicago, IL
Job Type
Full-time
Posted
17 days ago
Via
via Indeed

Job Description
Founded in Australia in 1917, Sims Limited (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling and circular solutions for technology. We play a critical role in advancing circularity and decarbonisation by supplying recycled materials and re-purposed products that help preserve our planet.

At Sims, we believe in developing our people. With a strong promote-from-within philosophy and a range of programmes that support continuous learning, we offer opportunities for meaningful, long-term careers. Employing more than 4,100 people worldwide, we operate over 155 facilities across 13 countries. As an ASX-listed company, Sims provides the stability, transparency, and professional growth opportunities of a publicly traded organisation, all driven by our purpose: to create a world without waste.

Job Summary

The Welder is responsible for performing welding, cutting, fabrication, and repair work on equipment, containers, and structural components used in daily recycling yard and/or trucking operations. This role supports safe, efficient processing of scrap metals by maintaining yard and/or trucking equipment and fabricating custom solutions as needed.

Key Responsibilities
• Perform MIG, TIG, and/or Stick welding on ferrous and non-ferrous metals
• Repair and fabricate scrap containers, hoppers, bins, conveyors, and structural components
• Cut metal using torches, plasma cutters, and saws
• Inspect equipment and materials to identify needed repairs or modifications
• Read and interpret basic blueprints, sketches, and work orders
• Maintain welding equipment, tools, and work area in safe operating condition
• Follow all yard safety procedures, including lockout/tagout and PPE requirements
• Work closely with equipment operators, mechanics, and yard personnel
• Assist with general maintenance tasks as needed in an industrial yard environment

Qualifications
• High school diploma or GED preferred
• 2+ years of welding experience in an industrial, construction, or recycling environment preferred
• Proficiency in at least one welding process (MIG, TIG, Stick)
• Completion of a vocational, technical, or trade school welding program preferred
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience will be considered
• Experience working with heavy steel, plate, and structural metals
• Ability to safely operate cutting and welding equipment
• Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills

Physical Requirements
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs regularly
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and work in various positions for extended periods
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Tolerance for noise, dust, and industrial yard conditions

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.

At sims together we are a diverse group of employees who are supported by our equal opportunity policy. To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.

Pay: $24.58 per hour

Benefits:
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person
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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Welder Jobs in United States

Q What is the median annual salary for welder jobs in the United States in 2026?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in the United States is $51,750 as of May 2026. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $39,890 annually, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $68,210. Wages vary by industry, with structural metals manufacturing paying a median of $55,420.
Q What visa options are available for foreign welders to work in the United States in 2026?
USCIS offers H-2B visas for temporary non-agricultural welders, with a cap of 66,000 visas for FY 2026 split between 33,000 for first half and 33,000 for second half. Employers must file Form I-129 at least 75 days before work start and obtain a temporary labor certification from DOL. Permanent residency via EB-3 requires Schedule A designation for skilled welders with 2 years experience.
Q What education and experience are required for entry-level welder jobs in the US?
The Department of Labor states that entry-level welders typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a 6-18 month apprenticeship program with 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. No prior experience is required for registered apprenticeships, but basic math and blueprint reading skills are essential. Most programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old.
Q What documents are needed to apply for welder apprenticeship programs in the United States?
DOL requires submission of a high school diploma or GED, proof of age (18+), a valid driver's license, and a drug test result for welder apprenticeship applications. Additional documents include a resume listing any metalworking experience and results from an aptitude test administered by the sponsor. Applications must be submitted through the Apprenticeship.gov portal by the program's deadline.
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