Torchman - Plasma

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.

Pay Rate: $28.20

Job Summary:

The Plasma Torchman is responsible for safely and efficiently cutting ferrous and non‑ferrous metal materials using plasma cutting equipment in a high‑volume recycling environment. This role combines technical skill, situational awareness, and physical stamina to support daily yard operations and ensure processed materials meet size, quality, and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plasma Cutting Operations — operate handheld and table‑mounted plasma torches to cut scrap metal into specified sizes for processing, transport, or resale.
• Material Identification — distinguish between steel, aluminum, copper, stainless, and mixed alloys to determine proper cutting method and safety considerations.
• Equipment Maintenance — inspect, clean, and maintain plasma torches, hoses, consumables, and air systems to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
• Safety Compliance — follow OSHA, yard‑specific, and hot‑work safety protocols, including PPE use, fire‑watch procedures, and hazard mitigation.
• Quality Control — ensure cuts meet required dimensions, cleanliness, and load‑out specifications for downstream processing.
• Yard Support — assist with sorting, staging, loading, and general yard labor as needed, including forklift operation.
• Documentation — Record completed work, material types, and production volumes as required by supervisors.
• Other duties – as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Plasma Cutting Experience — 1–3 years preferred in industrial, fabrication, demolition, or recycling environments.
• Hot‑Work Safety Knowledge — understanding of fire prevention, spark control, and safe handling of combustible materials.
• Ability to read basic measurements, cut lists, and work orders.
• Strong physical capability: lifting 50–75 lbs, standing for long periods, working outdoors in all weather.
• Familiarity with scrap metal grading is a plus.
• Forklift or equipment experience is beneficial but not required.
• Comfortable with hands‑on, physical work
• Skilled at precision cutting under variable conditions
• Highly aware of safety risks and proactive in preventing them
• Reliable, team‑oriented, and adaptable to changing yard demands

Work Environment:

• Outdoor, industrial yard setting with exposure to noise, dust, heat, and heavy machinery.
• Requires PPE: flame‑resistant clothing, gloves, face shield, respirator (as needed), steel‑toe boots, hearing protection.
• Fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities based on incoming materials and production needs.

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.