Millwright Apprentice Jobs in Chester, VA (NOW HIRING)

Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. With facilities across the globe, Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As a responsible corporate citizen, we continuously seek new ways to broaden our participation in the environmental sector, ensuring that our future is as bright, safe, and secure as at any time in our long history.
Millwright (A or B level)
Position Title: Millwright- Shredder Operations
Department: Operations
Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The Welder/Fabricator plays a key role in supporting scrap yard operations by performing metal fabrication, repairing heavy equipment, maintaining yard infrastructure, and assisting with the processing of scrap materials. This role requires strong welding skills, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work safely in an industrial outdoor environment.
Key Responsibilities
Equipment Maintenance & Repair

• Perform preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on shredders, conveyors, magnets, eddy currents, shears, balers, and other material-handling equipment.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical issues including bearing replacement, gearbox repair, hydraulic and pneumatic system maintenance, welding, fabrication, alignment, and rigging.

Operational Support

• Conduct routine inspections of shredder systems and monitor wear components such as hammers, grates, and liners.
• Assist operators with equipment startup, shutdown, and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns to minimize downtime and maintain production flow.

Safety & Compliance

• Comply with all company safety policies, OSHA standards, and environmental regulations.
• Participate in safety meetings, audits, and job hazard analyses.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas throughout the facility, including proper use of PPE.
• Inspect tools and equipment regularly to ensure safe operation.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete maintenance work orders, logs, and parts usage documentation accurately and timely.
• Communicate equipment conditions, repair needs, and improvement opportunities to maintenance leadership.
• Assist with maintaining parts inventory and recommending critical spare components.

Qualifications & Skills
A-Level Millwright

• Five or more years of industrial or heavy equipment maintenance experience, preferably in a scrap or shredder environment.
• Advanced troubleshooting and repair skills for rotating equipment, hydraulic systems, and shredder components.
• Strong welding, fabrication, rigging, and alignment capabilities with the ability to lead complex repairs.

B-Level Millwright

• Two to four years of industrial mechanical maintenance experience.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting with guidance when needed.
• Basic welding and fabrication skills with willingness to develop advanced competencies.

Technical Skills

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, and equipment manuals.
• Working knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience using industrial tools, rigging equipment, and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) preferred.

Work Environment

• Outdoor industrial scrap yard setting.

• Exposure to loud noises, heavy machinery, and weather conditions.

• Requires adherence to strict safety protocols.

• Heavy industrial scrap recycling yard with exposure to noise, vibration, and varying weather conditions.
• Fast-paced environment requiring timely response to urgent maintenance and production needs.

Preferred Certifications (Not Required)
NCCER Millwright, AWS D1.1 weld certs, Rigger/Signalperson (NCCCO), Confined Space Entry/Rescue, Forklift/Manlift, LOTO Authorized/Trainer.- OSHA 10/30 training
Physical Requirements

• Lift, carry, push, and pull heavy materials.
• Stand or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to climb, balance, crouch, and perform manual labor safely.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel materials and equipment. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and communicate verbally. The employee is also frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl when accessing or servicing equipment.
The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required for this role include:

• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus.

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.
Sims is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of all of our employees and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can contribute, advance on merit, and realize their full potential. Sims does not discriminate with regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, housing status, source of income, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to any employment decision, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. qualified applicants with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation may request such without fear of reprisal or discrimination.
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.
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Why Choose A Career with Sims?
Sims is a hub of innovation, offering employees the chance to explore new ideas and technologies while providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.
With a diverse workforce, Sims fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion where employees can thrive and establish lasting connections. Working at Sims offers the chance to engage with a global network, providing opportunities for travel, cross-cultural experiences, and the ability to contribute to a sustainable future. Sims is renowned as one of the world's leading sustainable companies, empowering employees to make a difference in creating a world without waste to preserve the planet.
Sims prioritizes employee wellbeing, offering superior benefits packages, meaningful training opportunities, and a supportive atmosphere where employees feel valued and heard at all levels of the organization. Sims maintains a strong focus on safety, where individuals are encouraged to challenge themselves, contribute, and support one another, in a collaborative team environment.