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.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic / Welder – Union Position

Company: Sims Metal
Location: Queens, NY
Employment Type: Full-Time | Union Position
Pay: Starting at $29.00 per hour, with flexibility to offer higher compensation based on experience and qualifications.

About the Position

Sims Metal is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic / Welder to join our maintenance team at our scrap metal recycling facility in Queens, NY.

The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical troubleshooting, welding, and fabrication skills, with experience maintaining and repairing heavy industrial equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain heavy equipment, including excavators, material handlers, front-end loaders, and forklifts.

• Perform preventive maintenance and emergency repairs to minimize equipment downtime.

• Perform welding, cutting, and metal fabrication using MIG, stick, and other applicable welding techniques.

• Repair and fabricate equipment attachments, buckets, guards, and structural components.

• Troubleshoot and repair hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.

• Replace and repair hydraulic hoses, cylinders, pumps, bearings, and other mechanical components.

• Read and interpret equipment manuals, technical drawings, and schematics.

• Follow company safety procedures, including lockout/tagout requirements.

• Work closely with equipment operators and maintenance personnel to maintain safe and efficient operations.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Industrial Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, or similar role preferred.

• Hands-on welding and metal fabrication experience required.

• Experience repairing heavy equipment in scrap recycling, construction, demolition, or industrial environments preferred.

• Strong understanding of hydraulic systems and mechanical troubleshooting.

• MIG and stick welding experience preferred.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions and around heavy machinery.

What We Offer

• Starting pay of $29.00/hour, with higher rates available based on experience and qualifications, subject to the applicable union agreement.

• Full-time union position.

• Union benefits in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

• Stable employment with an established metal recycling company.

• Opportunities to develop mechanical, welding, and fabrication skills.

Apply Today

If you have experience repairing heavy equipment and possess strong welding and fabrication skills, we encourage you to apply.

Join Sims Metal and become part of a team that keeps our recycling operations running safely and efficiently.

Sims Metal is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.