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Rust Belt Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rust Belt Recruiting

Shift Manager

Eastlake, OH

$85K/yr

Job Title: Shift Manager Shift: Wednesday - Saturday, 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM Salary: $85K salary Who We Are We are an apparel decoration and manufacturing company that serves a diverse and growing client ...

Rust Belt Recruiting

CNC Machinist - 3rd Shift

Stow, OH

$26 - $34/hr

Title: CNC Machinist -3rd Shift Shift: 3rd Shift | Sunday - Thursday, 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM (Includes a $2.00/hour shift differential) Salary: $26.00 - $34.00 per hour; exact compensation is dependent ...

Rust Belt Recruiting

EDM Machinist

Cleveland, OH

$23 - $30/hr

Title: EDM Machinist (Setup & Programming) Shift: 8-hour shift between the hours of 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM Salary: $23.00 - $30.00+ per hour, plus benefits (compensation is dependent on experience) EDM ...

Rust Belt Recruiting

Process Technician

Clyde, OH

Title: Process Technician Shift: Full-time; 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Shift M-F Salary: Up to $33 per hour, based on experience. Overtime and bonus opportunities may be offered. Process Technician Role: This ...

Rust Belt Recruiting

Maintenance Technician

Toledo, OH

$38/hr

Title: Maintenance Technician Shift: First Shift or Off-Shift (Facility is transitioning to a 2-2-3 schedule with 12-hour shifts running from 5:00 to 5:00 in August) Salary: $32.00 to $34.00 per hour ...

Rust Belt Recruiting

Manual Machinist

Cleveland, OH

$32 - $38/hr

Title: Machinist Shift: First Shift | 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Typical, subject to client confirmation) Salary: $32.00 - $38.00 per hour, plus paid benefits and dependent on experience Machinist Role: Our ...

Rust Belt Recruiting

Controls Engineer

Toledo, OH

$100K - $110K/yr

Title: Controls Engineer Shift: First Shift (7:00 to 5:00) or Off-Shift (2:00 to 11:00) Salary: $100,000 to $110,000 per year, dependent on experience Who we are: We are a leading manufacturing ...

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How much do rust belt jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for rust belt in the United States is $24.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges someone might face when working in the Rust Belt manufacturing sector?

Professionals in the Rust Belt manufacturing sector often encounter challenges such as adapting to new technologies, managing changes in production processes, and addressing workforce skill gaps. The region is known for its history of heavy industry, so workers may also face aging infrastructure and the need to implement modern safety standards. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive efficiency and support continuous improvement initiatives is common, and being adaptable to change is crucial for success.

What is the Rust Belt?

The Rust Belt refers to a region in the United States, primarily in the Northeast and Midwest, that was once known for its booming manufacturing industry. Over the past several decades, this area has experienced economic decline, population loss, and urban decay due to the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs and the decline of industries such as steel and automobile production. Cities like Detroit, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh are often considered part of the Rust Belt. The term 'rust' symbolizes the decay of the once-thriving factories. Today, there are efforts to revitalize these regions through technology, education, and new industries.

What is the difference between Rust Belt vs Steel Worker?

AspectRust BeltSteel Worker
Primary IndustryManufacturing and industrial regionsSteel production and fabrication
Work EnvironmentFactories, industrial sites, urban areasSteel mills, factories, heavy industrial settings
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, sometimes technical certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, apprenticeship programs
Employer UsageManufacturing companies, industrial plantsSteel mills, metal fabrication plants

Rust Belt refers to the industrial regions in the U.S. known for manufacturing, while Steel Worker specifically describes workers involved in steel production. Although both are linked to manufacturing, Rust Belt is a geographic and industry term, whereas Steel Worker is a job role within that industry. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify employment opportunities and industry focus in these areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rust Belt worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a manufacturing or industrial worker in the Rust Belt, you need a solid understanding of mechanical processes, trade skills, and often a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with machinery, safety protocols, and industrial systems such as CNC machines or assembly lines is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help workers excel in fast-paced and evolving environments. These skills and qualities are critical for maintaining productivity, safety, and adaptability in the region’s industrial sectors.
More about Rust Belt jobs
What cities are hiring for Rust Belt jobs? Cities with the most Rust Belt job openings:
What states have the most Rust Belt jobs? States with the most job openings for Rust Belt jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rust Belt jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rust Belt jobs are:
Rust Belt jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rust Belt job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,119 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rust Belt Recruiting

Youngstown, OH

$71K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer

Shift: Day Shift | Monday – Friday

Salary: Competitive salary dependent on experience

Senior Mechanical Engineer Role:

Our client is seeking a highly skilled, senior-level Machine Design Engineer to serve as the primary engineering authority for the organization. This position exists to lead the 3D design, evaluation, and seamless integration of complex heavy machinery and aluminum extrusion systems into global manufacturing processes.

Senior Mechanical Engineer Responsibilities:

  • Design complex extrusion presses and related industrial material handling equipment using 3D modeling software
  • Reverse engineer existing machinery for repairs, performance optimization, and product enhancements
  • Collaborate directly with the field services team to troubleshoot and repair equipment mechanical functions
  • Orchestrate the physical movement, installation, and integration of industrial machinery into client facilities
  • Schedule production jobs through the shop floor to maximize workflow efficiency for machinists and assemblers
  • Plan and coordinate the implementation of new extrusion machinery with a high level of technical proficiency
  • Troubleshoot intricate mechanical issues independently while maintaining strong cohesion with teammates
  • Serve as the main technical point of contact for all internal and external engineering services
  • Manage engineering project timelines to ensure alignment with customer requirements and shop capacity

Senior Mechanical Engineer Reporting Relationships:

This position reports directly to the company President. This role functions as the lead technical authority for the organization and does not currently have direct supervisory reports.

About You:

  • Possess 15+ years of dedicated experience in industrial machinery and equipment design
  • Demonstrate 3+ years of specific experience designing aluminum extrusion presses and associated handling equipment
  • Hold a bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering
  • Exhibit proficiency in generating precise 2D manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks or AutoCAD
  • Utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) industry-standard software for structural and stress analysis
  • Apply a strong working knowledge of hydraulics for both new designs and troubleshooting existing systems
  • Demonstrate a functional understanding of industrial electrical systems and operational components
  • Possess the ability to balance independent, complex problem-solving with collaborative teamwork
  • Maintain a willingness to travel 10% to 15% domestically and internationally based on project workloads

Next Steps:

If you are a highly skilled machine designer and an independent problem solver, we would like to hear from you. Please reach out to our recruiting team today to discuss this opportunity further.

Additional Information:

  • Equal Opportunity Employer: Our client provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.
  • Physical Demands: This position requires the ability to walk manufacturing shop floors, inspect large-scale heavy machinery, and occasionally evaluate equipment in active field environments.
  • Working Conditions: Work is primarily split between a professional engineering office environment and a heavy industrial manufacturing facility, with up to 15% travel to customer sites worldwide.

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