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Foundry Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

... new foundry in Decatur, IL. This work consists of the installation, repair, removal and rebuilding of the machinery, equipment, material handling equipment, company vehicles and the repairs of ...

Foundry information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$13

$18

$27

How much do foundry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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 do foundry workers do?

Foundry workers operate equipment and perform tasks related to melting, pouring, and shaping metal or other materials in a manufacturing environment. They may handle tasks such as preparing molds, monitoring casting processes, and ensuring safety protocols are followed, often requiring knowledge of tools and safety standards. The job typically involves physical labor and working with high-temperature materials.

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 the foundry occupations?

Foundry occupations include roles such as foundry workers, mold makers, patternmakers, and furnace operators. These jobs involve operating casting equipment, preparing molds, and handling molten metal, often requiring knowledge of safety procedures and sometimes certifications in welding or industrial safety. Workers typically work in manufacturing environments with heavy machinery and may need physical stamina and attention to detail.

What is a foundry worker?

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.
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:
Infographic showing various Foundry job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% 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 10 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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