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Foundry Worker Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

2nd Shift Mechanic

Decatur, IL · On-site

$15 - $32.50/hr

... working collaboratively to achieve meaningful results. We champion our people because when they ... brand new foundry in Decatur, IL. This work consists of the installation, repair, removal and ...

Foundry Worker information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$13

$18

$27

How much do foundry worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for foundry worker in Decatur, IL is $18.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges foundry workers face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Foundry workers often encounter challenges such as working in high-temperature environments, handling heavy materials, and maintaining strict safety protocols. Proper training, use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to safety guidelines are critical in managing these risks. Additionally, teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues help ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely. Many foundries also provide ongoing safety training and ergonomic support to reduce workplace injuries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foundry worker?

To thrive as a Foundry Worker, you need a solid understanding of metal casting processes, basic math skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with specialized foundry equipment, furnaces, molds, and adherence to safety protocols such as OSHA standards are typically required. Strong attention to detail, physical stamina, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure product quality, maintain workplace safety, and support efficient foundry operations.

What is a foundry worker?

Foundry workers are skilled professionals who operate in foundries, where metals are melted and cast into shapes by pouring them into molds. They are responsible for preparing molds, handling molten metal, operating furnaces, and ensuring safety procedures are followed. Foundry workers may also finish and inspect cast products for quality. The job can be physically demanding and requires strict adherence to safety regulations due to heat and heavy equipment. Attention to detail and technical skill are important in this role.

What does a foundry worker do?

A foundry worker works in a factory or shop that makes metal castings. A foundry worker prepares molds, operates furnaces, and handles finishing work. Their duties are to melt metal in the shop furnace, pour it into a mold, and break the mold and begin the finishing processes once the castings have solidified. Finishing may include manually sanding the parts or using automated equipment. Other duties include the inspection of hardware to ensure everything is up to safety standards and functioning correctly. The types of products they might work on include car parts and components for cell phones. Qualifications to become a foundry worker include a high school diploma or GED certificate and industry experience, though there are entry-level opportunities and apprenticeships available.

What is the difference between Foundry Worker vs Metal Casting Technician?

AspectFoundry WorkerMetal Casting Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, foundries, heavy machinery areasManufacturing plants, casting facilities
Job DutiesHandling materials, operating equipment, basic safetyInspecting castings, maintaining equipment, quality control

Foundry Workers perform basic tasks like material handling and equipment operation in foundries, while Metal Casting Technicians focus on inspecting, maintaining, and ensuring the quality of castings. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but Technicians have more specialized responsibilities related to quality and equipment maintenance.

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Foundry Worker jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Foundry Worker job openings:
Infographic showing various Foundry Worker job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,271 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Foundry Process Engineer

Mueller Water Products, Inc.

Decatur, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Mueller Water Products rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Who We Are:
Thank you for your interest in Mueller Water Products, Inc.
For more than 165 years, Mueller Water Products, Inc. has been building the future of water infrastructure. From lifesaving fire protection to data intelligence, we are committed to developing products and solutions that help cities and utilities deliver clean, safe drinking water to hundreds of millions of people across North America.
Our purpose is to connect communities to water, life's most essential resource, with exceptional, people solutions and products. Behind that purpose is a dedicated team, united by our shared values of respect, integrity, trust, inclusion and safety. With a vision to be the leader in water infrastructure solutions-solving challenges, enriching lives and safeguarding the future-we are making a positive impact that will last for generations.
By joining Mueller, you become part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence and innovation, working collaboratively to achieve meaningful results. We champion our people because when they succeed, our communities thrive. We invite you to learn more about career opportunities with us and consider submitting your application.
Foundry Process Engineer
Since 1857, Mueller Water Products, Inc. has been known for innovative water distribution products of superior quality. Mueller is North America's largest and only full-line supplier of potable water distribution products utilized throughout the water system from source to customer. Mueller Water Products, Inc. manufactures and markets products and services that are used in the transmission and distribution of safe, clean drinking water and in water treatment facilities throughout North America. The broad product portfolio includes engineered valves, fire hydrants, pipe fittings, water meters, leak detection and pipe condition assessment used by municipalities and both the residential and non-residential construction industries.
Mueller is seeking candidates for its Process Engineer in our brand new stare of the art Foundry located in Decatur, IL at our foundry location. The Process Engineer in conjunction with Foundry leadership has responsibility for the continued development, promotion and strategically aligned implementation of the company's lean business system designed to drive world-class results in customer satisfaction, quality, on-time delivery, customer-value, organic growth, and ultimately operating financial performance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Vision/Strategy: Participate in the definition and development of the business strategy and the development of the process improvement plan in support of the Foundry's overall execution.
  • Manufacturing Processes: Ensure the Foundry is implementing the appropriate lean tools, e.g. VSM, standard work, pull systems, SMED, TPI, equipment reliability tools, variance reduction, etc. to maximize productivity and throughput while minimizing lead time and WIP.
  • Transactional Processes: Ensure the Foundry is implementing the appropriate lean tools, e.g. VSM, Transactional Process Improvement, variance reduction, etc. to maximize productivity and minimize lead time in the front and back office areas.
  • Profitability and Growth: Assist in identifying and supporting opportunities to enhance profitability and growth, primarily through improved new product development and introduction processes.
  • Best in Class Team: Ensure that a depth of high quality process engineering talent exists throughout the facility. Assist in selecting, developing, leading and coaching the team with the goal of meeting/exceeding targeted goals.
  • Process-Orientation: Identify and implement best in class lean processes and infrastructure.
  • Special Projects: Provide strategic and tactical leadership in the execution of any key special projects such as facility expansion or consolidation.

Required Skills:
Critical Competencies
  • Drive for Results: Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully; is constantly and consistently one of the top performers; very bottom-line oriented; steadfastly pushes self and others for results.
  • Customer Focus: Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services; acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective
  • Relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.
  • Technical Competence: Applies and improves extensive or in-depth specialized knowledge, skills (FMEA, DFMEA, DOE, FEA, etc.), and judgment to accomplish a result or to accomplish one's job effectively.
  • Innovation: Continuously looks for better ways to satisfy our consumers, both internal and external, with incremental improvements in quality, durability, service, and cost.
  • Teamwork: Is able to lead and/or participate on cross functional teams to achieve a common goal.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline and experience.
  • 5+ years experience in manufacturing environment involving high speed machining and foundry operations.
  • Strong working knowledge and experience in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma tools.
  • Outstanding PC/Systems knowledge and skills.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to interact with all levels of employees, customers and outside professionals.
  • Knowledge dealing with complex manufacturing situations, quality standards, product development, CAD/CAM, technical specifications and project management

Salary/Pay Range:
$67,568.00-$92,906.00
The compensation range above reflects a good-faith estimate of starting base pay for full-time (40 hours per week) employment as of the date of posting. Individual compensation may vary depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the role, professional experience, job-related skills, achievements, and/or work location. The range listed is only one component of the total compensation package offered to candidates.
Other Compensation & Benefits:
Mueller offers an excellent salary and benefits package. Current benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plan with 5% Company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability benefits, vacation, 100% paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement program, student debt retirement matching, well-being program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-provided life insurance, supplemental insurance at group rates, and more.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Mueller Water Products, Inc., as well as its subsidiaries, are equal employment employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression), age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In keeping with its obligations under applicable federal, state, and local law, Mueller will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or interview process, please contact a member of the Human Resources Department.
This employer participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a web-based system that allows employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. The system compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. This notice applies to all applicants and employees, including those hired to work remotely.
Notice of E-Verify Participation:
This employer participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a web-based system that allows employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. The system compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. This notice applies to all applicants and employees, including those hired to work remotely.
Upon enrollment, employers participating in E-Verify are required to clearly display the Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters in English and Spanish, both which may be accessed at the links provided below.
IER Right to Work Poster (English/Spanish)
E-Verify Participation Poster (English/Spanish)
Accommodation:
If you require accommodations during any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We are happy to work with you to meet your needs.

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