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Foundry Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Adecco

Metallurgist

Decatur, IL · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Central Illinois A leading manufacturing organization is seeking a skilled Metallurgist to support brass foundry operations and drive continuous improvement in alloy development, casting quality, and ...

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Pine Tree Staffing, LLC

Be Seen First

Metallurgist

Decatur, IL · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

... foundry teams, and special projects Required Skills: * • Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field of work Experience desired: * • 4+ years progressive work-related experience with ...

Mueller Water Products, Inc.

Metallurgist

Decatur, IL · On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

This position is ideal for a technically driven professional who thrives in a hands-on foundry environment and wants to directly influence material performance, process capability, and product ...

Mueller Water Products

Metallurgist

Decatur, IL

$94K - $129K/yr

This position is ideal for a technically driven professional who thrives in a hands-on foundry environment and wants to directly influence material performance, process capability, and product ...

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Foundry information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$13

$18

$27

How much do foundry jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for foundry 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 is the difference between Foundry vs Metal Fabricator?

AspectFoundryMetal Fabricator
CredentialsTypically requires vocational training or technical certifications in casting processesRequires welding certifications, technical training in metalworking
Work EnvironmentIndoor, casting facilities, heavy machineryWorkshop or manufacturing floor, welding and assembly areas
Industry UsageUsed in metal casting, sculpture, industrial parts manufacturingUsed in custom metalwork, structural components, machinery parts

Foundry workers focus on casting metals into molds, often working with molten materials, while metal fabricators cut, weld, and assemble metal parts. Both roles require technical skills but differ in processes and work environments. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right career path in metalworking industries.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a foundry environment, and how can they be managed effectively?

Working in a foundry often involves exposure to high temperatures, heavy machinery, and physically demanding tasks. Common challenges include maintaining personal safety, managing fatigue, and meeting production deadlines while ensuring product quality. Effective management includes strict adherence to safety protocols, regular equipment maintenance, and good communication with team members. Many foundries also provide training and personal protective equipment to help workers perform their roles safely and efficiently.

What Are Foundry Jobs?

Foundry jobs are found in a workshop or factory setting where workers have responsibilities related to metal casting. As a foundry worker, you complete duties involved with the setup, operation, production, and clean up for creating steel and other metals. You pour melted metal into molds then remove and dress the castings. These job-related activities can be physically demanding and require the moving of sand, flasks, and other materials either by hand or with appropriate equipment. Specific job titles include casting carrier, casting sorter, mold clamper, ladle pusher, sand shoveler, slag worker, and operators for various machines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Foundry Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foundry Worker, you need knowledge of metal casting processes, machinery operation, and workplace safety, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with tools like furnaces, molds, and personal protective equipment, as well as certifications in forklift operation or safety protocols, are commonly required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, teamwork, and effective communication are critical soft skills in this environment. These skills help ensure the production of quality metal parts while maintaining safety and efficiency in a physically demanding setting.

What are foundry workers?

Foundry workers are skilled professionals who work in foundries, which are industrial facilities where metals are melted and cast into shapes using molds. Their job involves operating furnaces, pouring molten metal, and handling casting equipment to produce parts and components for industries like automotive, construction, and manufacturing. Foundry workers must follow strict safety protocols due to the high temperatures and hazardous materials involved. They may also be responsible for inspecting finished products and maintaining equipment. This role requires physical strength, attention to detail, and knowledge of metalworking processes.
More about Foundry jobs
What are popular job titles related to Foundry jobs in Decatur, IL? For Foundry jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Foundry jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Foundry jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Foundry jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Foundry job openings:
Foundry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foundry job openings in Decatur, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,271 per year, or $18.9 per hour.
Foundry Metallurgist/Casting Engineer

Foundry Metallurgist/Casting Engineer

voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak LLC

Decatur, IL

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description




Join Our Team at voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak!


Embark on a rewarding career journey with voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak, North America's premier designer and manufacturer of special trackwork. With a legacy spanning 160 years, we lead the industry in shaping the future of rail solutions. As part of the voestalpine Railway Systems global network, we are committed to delivering quality products and services, including rails, turnouts, fastening systems, signaling technologies, and monitoring solutions. Operating with a presence across Canada, the US, and Mexico, we prioritize the well-being of our people, global mobility, and sustainability and innovation.

Our people are the foundation of our success. Skilled, motivated, and results-driven individuals shape our culture demonstrating our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Curiosity, Courage, Passion, and Diversity each day. This commitment is more than shared values; it extends to shared responsibilities for safety and quality, showing genuine care for one another's growth and development, a commitment to our customers, and fostering strong relationships within the Nortrak Team and with our customers.

We are currently seeking a Foundry Metallurgist /Casting Engineer for our Steel and Iron Foundry in Decatur, Illinois.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Reporting directly to the Foundry Technical Manager, the Foundry Metallurgist /Casting Engineer is responsible to utilize process control and experience to insure the production of consistently high quality castings.


TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

SAFETY:

  • Review and approve foundry work instructions and PPE requirements to ensure safe operation.
  • Ensure that outside vendors adhere to plant safety regulations and that MSDS for new and existing materials are reviewed, approved and filed.

QUALITY:

  • Review foundry process control techniques to ensure measuring and recording techniques employed are accurate and that monitoring protocols are adequate to effectively control foundry processes and facilitate troubleshooting.
  • Manage process control data within QCS and effect process changes to reduce scrap rates and improve product quality.
  • Maintain an extensive knowledge of applicable quality standards and procedures. Establish/adhere, audit and enforce vendor quality procedures and specifications.
  • Rig new manganese castings as well as improve rigging on current products. Provide input to the methods drawings in order to maintain legacy of successful rigging.
  • Design and carry out test trials targeting product, process, and quality improvement.
  • Maintain accurate records of materials, melt chemistry, and consumables for traceability and cost accuracy.
  • Conduct root‑cause investigations of casting defects using metallurgical analysis and process‑troubleshooting methods.
  • Train and assist foremen, supervisors, and operators in metal quality, sand control, and casting best practices.
  • Monitor and adjust sand‑system parameters to maintain consistent mold quality while reviewing system trends and implementing corrective actions to eliminate variation.
  • Review welding‑repair procedures for manganese castings, support welders with proper preheat, interpass‑temperature control, and filler‑metal selection, investigate weld‑repair defects, and implement process‑driven corrective actions to ensure all repairs meet metallurgical and customer specifications.
  • Verify heat‑treatment furnace‑temperature uniformity, sensor calibration, and quench‑system parameters while conducting hardness testing and microstructural evaluations to confirm heat‑treat results.
  • Troubleshoot heat‑treatment issues such as overheating, soft spots, and distortion, and implement the necessary process improvements.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues with critical laboratory and process‑control equipment — including the spectrometer, sand‑lab testing instruments, and heat‑treatment system components — to ensure accurate and reliable operation.

ON-TIME DELIVERY:

  • Develop and implement plans to improve foundry productivity.
  • Ensure timely development and verification of moulding and rigging.
  • Manage relationships with internal/external customers and vendors to ensure appropriate communications to prevent delays due to sourcing or delivery issues.
  • Collaborate with design and production teams to optimize manufacturing processes.


COST:

  • Establish metrics and data analysis to identify and trend cost concerns.
  • Prepare cost estimates and schedules.
  • Conduct failure analysis and develop and implement improvement plans.
  • Ensures foundry processes minimize scrap and optimize yield.

PEOPLE:

  • Coach and mentor foundry technical and operating personnel.


ENVIRONMENTAL:

  • Adhere to Nortrak's Environmental Procedures, Practices and Policies.



Other duties as assigned.


QUALITIFCATIONS:

EDUCATION:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably in Material Science or Metallurgy.

FIELD OF EXPERIENCE:

  • At least five (5) years’ experience in steel foundry in an engineering or technical position.
  • Experience with low volume/high component mix environment.
  • Ability to troubleshoot foundry processes at the shop level.
  • Experience with Data Analysis tools Mini-tab or other Statistical software.
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills are required.
  • Must possess excellent negotiations, interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.
  • Computer literate including Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets. SAP knowledge and/or experience would be an asset.
  • Proficiency in metallurgical testing and analysis methods.
  • Understanding of thermodynamics, phase diagrams, and material properties.
  • Attention to detail and high standards of quality.
  • Familiarity with metallurgical software and analysis tools.


PHYSCIAL DEMANDS:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; occasional standing and walking for your scheduled shift.
  • Must remain stationary for extended periods and move throughout the building to access files.
  • Must work effectively in a noisy environment.
  • Ability to lift and move equipment or objects up to 20-25 pounds occasionally.
  • Visual requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Occasional travel required, involving walking, standing, sitting, and driving for varying durations.
  • Site inspections required to identify and address safety concerns.
  • Frequent use of hands and arms for dialling phones and using a computer mouse.



Working Location:

  • Decatur, Illinois.


salary:

  • $75,000/year - $90,000/year

Benefits:

  • A supportive, family oriented Nortrak Blue culture.
  • We provide an environment where Health and Safety is our #1 priority.
  • Career development opportunities and competitive pay progression.
  • Competitive medical, dental & vision benefits.
  • Company paid life and disability insurance.
  • Paid holidays and vacation.
  • Retirement plan with matching contributions.
  • Tuition Assistance Program.
  • Wellness Program.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Employee Recognition Programs.


If you think you have the necessary qualifications and drive to excel in our team, we invite you to apply now and join us at voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak. Apply today!

voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak (“Nortrak”) is a subsidiary of voestalpine AG (www.voestalpine.com) one of Europe’s premier steel producers with over 50,000 employees worldwide. Nortrak is closely affiliated with voestalpine’s Railway Systems group which operates in 21 countries across the globe to provide cutting edge system-based solutions to railroads and transits. Our website is https://www.voestalpine.com/nortrak/en/

voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, and any other federal, state, or locally protected classifications.







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Company Description

voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak, with ten production facilities across Canada, US and Mexico, is North America’s leading designer and manufacturer of special trackwork for the railway industry. As the industry’s technology leader, we take pride in providing superior products, excellent customer service and unbeatable engineering design services to our customers. We are committed to bringing innovative solutions, products, and services to our customers across rail freight and transit segments.