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Metals Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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DESIGN ENGINEER, Metals Itasca, IL (onsite) Direct Hire, Pay: $70-$95K Plus annual bonus Benefits: Medical, Dental & Vision, 401K, PTO Job Summary Seeking a Design Engineer with a strong metal ...

Mill Operator - 1st Shift

Elgin, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Combined Metals is a premier North American processor and specialty strip and wire distributor built through 50 years of growth and acquisition. Combined Metals is North America's largest independent ...

Metal - Apprentice

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22.12/hr

... metals as prescribed by routine and custom metal maintenance programs. Allied Universal Janitorial Services is a Union signatory, in good standing, of the Painters District Council No. 14 IUPAT, AFL ...

Metal - Apprentice

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22.12/hr

... metals as prescribed by routine and custom metal maintenance programs. Allied Universal Janitorial Services is a Union signatory, in good standing, of the Painters District Council No. 14 IUPAT, AFL ...

Production Worker

Portage, IN · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Company Description Since 1961, Precoat Metals (www.precoat.com) has been setting the standards in the coil coatings industry worldwide. We are committed to this level of quality in both our product ...

Production Worker

Portage, IN

$14.25 - $17/hr

Company Description Since 1961, Precoat Metals (www.precoat.com) has been setting the standards in the coil coatings industry worldwide. We are committed to this level of quality in both our product ...

Slitter Operator - 3rd Shift

Elgin, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $21/hr

Combined Metals is a premier North American processor and specialty strip and wire distributor built through 50 years of growth and acquisition. Combined Metals is North America's largest independent ...

Production Worker

Portage, IN · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Company Description Since 1961, Precoat Metals (www.precoat.com) has been setting the standards in the coil coatings industry worldwide. We are committed to this level of quality in both our product ...

TW Metals, LLC. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race ...

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Showing results 1-20

Metals information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$23.1K

$72K

$136K

How much do metals jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for metals in Chicago, IL is $71,959.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,570.00 and $90,324.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is metal and what do professionals in the metals industry do?

Metals are naturally occurring elements or alloys that are typically hard, shiny, malleable, and good conductors of heat and electricity. Professionals in the metals industry are involved in extracting, refining, processing, and manufacturing metal products for use in construction, transportation, electronics, and other sectors. Their roles can include mining, metallurgy, quality control, fabrication, and research to develop new metal materials or improve existing ones. The industry is essential for producing materials that build infrastructure, machinery, and countless everyday products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a metals industry role, and why are they important?

To excel in the metals industry, you typically need a background in metallurgy, materials science, or engineering, often supported by relevant technical training or a degree. Familiarity with tools like spectrometers, CNC machines, CAD software, and industry certifications such as AWS or NDT are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure quality production, workplace safety, and innovation in the manufacturing and processing of metal products.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in the metals industry, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in the metals industry often face challenges such as maintaining safety standards in hazardous environments, adapting to rapidly changing technologies, and managing the impact of fluctuating commodity prices. Addressing these challenges requires a strong commitment to ongoing safety training, staying updated with industry innovations, and collaborating closely with supply chain and finance teams to anticipate market shifts. Additionally, building strong communication skills helps in effectively coordinating with engineers, production staff, and quality assurance teams to ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Metals vs Welders?

AspectMetalsWelders
Required credentialsKnowledge of various metals, certifications in metal handlingWelding certifications (e.g., AWS), technical training
Work environmentFactories, construction sites, manufacturing plantsWorkshops, construction sites, industrial settings
Industry usageUsed across multiple industries including construction, manufacturing, automotivePrimarily in fabrication, construction, and repair industries

Metals refer to the materials themselves, encompassing a wide range of metal types used in various industries. Welders are skilled tradespeople who specialize in joining metals through welding techniques. While metals are the materials, welders are the professionals who work with these materials to create structures and components. Understanding the difference helps in targeting the right audience for job searches or industry insights.

Infographic showing various Metals job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $71,959 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Electrician - Metals Manufacturing

Thunderbird Metals

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

$40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 hours ago


Job description

Maintenance Electrician Overview
The Maintenance Electrician will need an advanced understanding of electrical industrial manufacturing maintenance. This role involves diagnosing and repairing mechanical issues, conducting preventive maintenance, and supporting the overall reliability of metal production equipment.
Maintenance Electrician Essential Functions:
  • Troubleshooting & Repair: Diagnose and fix faults in electrical components, motors, motor controls, PLCs, and drives.
  • Preventive Maintenance: Perform routine inspections and maintenance on equipment, including conveyors and production machinery.
  • Installation: Install new electrical systems, wiring, conduits, and panels according to blueprints and troubleshooting
  • Safety Compliance: Adhere to all safety standards, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and OSHA regulations.
  • Documentation: Maintain records of repairs, maintenance, and system changes

Maintenance Mechanic Required Experience:
  • 5+ years' experience in electrical maintenance, installing sensors, switches, relays, and overloads.
  • Proficiency in 3-phase circuits, AC/DC motors, and industrial control systems
  • 240v & 480v experience
  • Ability to read and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
  • VFD & VSDA knowledge
  • Familiarity with test equipment (multimeters, ohmmeters, infrared scanners).
  • Ability to interpret electrical blueprints and drawings.
  • CNC, Press and Mechanical knowledge a plus
  • Basic computer skills.

Maintenance Mechanic Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
  • Industrial manufacturing plants (can be hot, cold, or noisy).
  • The employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts.
  • Frequently required lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.
  • Frequently required standing, bending, squatting, and reaching with hands and arms and working in confined spaces.
  • May require flexible hours, including on call for emergency repairs
  • Regularly required to stand for extended periods, walk, talk, and hear.
  • Ability to use hand tools.
  • Ability to read applicable instructions.
  • Must have own tools.
  • Ability to work at off ground/elevated levels in a Scissor Lift & Boom Lift

Company Overview
At Thunderbird, the collaborative relationship with our parent and partner companies allows us to better serve our customers - now and in the future. The Thunderbird family of American Manufacturing companies is driven by a mission to provide superior products and services, from prototype to delivery. Our dedicated leadership team's enduring vision is to hold and grow our companies to meet the higher needs of our global customers. We are guided by the unified pursuit of excellence, teamwork, and innovation. Thunderbird enables people to grow, companies to soar, and customers to succeed.
Benefits
  • 401(k) with matching program.
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 9 Paid Holidays

Thunderbird is a drug and smoke free work environment and promotes safe work conditions
#TBMaintenance
Pay Range: $40 per hour