Good Manufacturing Practices

Maintenance Mechanic – Manufacturing | Packaging Equipment & SAP-PM | Chicago, IL

Maintenance Mechanic – Manufacturing

📍 Chicago, Illinois
💰 $38.77 per hour
🕒 Second or Third Shift
💼 Full-Time | Union Position
🏭 Onsite – Manufacturing/Bakery Facility
👥 Three Openings
🚫 No Visa Sponsorship
🚚 No Relocation Assistance

Position Overview

A leading manufacturing organization is seeking three experienced Maintenance Mechanics to support a high-speed production and packaging facility in Chicago.

This hands-on position is responsible for maintaining the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of processing, packaging, and facility equipment. Working with limited supervision in a team-based environment, the Maintenance Mechanic will perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot breakdowns, complete mechanical repairs, and help minimize production downtime.

Candidates must be available to work either second or third shift.

Key Responsibilities

Preventive Maintenance and CMMS

  • Complete scheduled preventive maintenance activities across production and facility equipment.

  • Document maintenance work, work orders, repairs, and equipment improvements using SAP Plant Maintenance.

  • Maintain accurate equipment and maintenance records within the plant’s computerized maintenance management system.

  • Use condition-monitoring equipment, including thermography cameras and ultrasound tools.

  • Identify potential equipment failures before they interrupt production.

Mechanical Troubleshooting and Repair

  • Diagnose, repair, and replace defective components on high-speed processing and packaging equipment.

  • Troubleshoot pumps, hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical drives, and foundational electrical systems.

  • Perform basic machining, welding, fabrication, and mechanical adjustment work.

  • Complete root-cause analysis for recurring equipment failures.

  • Respond quickly to live breakdown calls and restore equipment performance safely.

  • Follow the correct testing and diagnostic sequence for complex processing equipment.

Technical Documentation

  • Read and interpret:

    • Mechanical and electrical schematics

    • Piping and instrumentation diagrams

    • Blueprints

    • Block diagrams

    • Equipment drawings and sketches

  • Use technical documentation to support equipment diagnostics, repairs, and improvements.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

  • Work alongside engineers, electricians, boiler room personnel, production teams, and technical specialists.

  • Communicate equipment status and outstanding maintenance requirements during shift handovers.

  • Help identify and resolve recurring operational problems.

  • Support continuous improvement initiatives involving TPM, Lean, and Six Sigma methodologies.

  • Share technical knowledge and contribute to the development of other team members.

Safety and Equipment Operation

  • Follow all Lockout/Tagout, Hot Work, and Confined Space procedures.

  • Work in accordance with NEC and NFPA requirements.

  • Safely operate forklifts, man lifts, ladders, scaffolding, and other material-handling equipment.

  • Comply with GMP, HACCP, QCMS, health-code, and food-safety requirements.

Minimum Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED.

  • At least two to four years of hands-on experience as a Maintenance Mechanic within a manufacturing environment, or successful completion of an approved apprenticeship or technical training program.

  • Strong mechanical knowledge covering:

    • Pumps

    • Hydraulics

    • Pneumatics

    • Mechanical drives

    • Basic machining

    • Welding

    • Hand and power tools

    • Foundational electrical systems

  • Ability to diagnose equipment problems and perform root-cause analysis.

  • Ability to work effectively with limited supervision.

  • Strong teamwork and communication skills.

  • Willingness and ability to work second or third shift.

  • No visa sponsorship is available.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Maintenance experience involving high-speed processing or packaging lines.

  • Experience within food and beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.

  • Familiarity with SAP-PM or another computerized maintenance management system.

  • Knowledge of TPM, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma principles.

  • Familiarity with AutoCAD and technical file-management software.

  • Experience training, mentoring, or sharing technical knowledge with colleagues.

  • Knowledge of condition-based monitoring methods.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently.

  • Ability to climb stairs and work from ladders, lifts, and scaffolding.

  • Ability to crawl over, under, or inside manufacturing equipment when completing maintenance work.

  • Ability to maintain balance while working around industrial machinery.

  • Comfortable working in environments with significantly varying temperatures.

First 30, 60 and 90 Days

First 30 Days

  • Complete plant safety onboarding.

  • Obtain required lift-equipment certifications.

  • Complete training on the facility’s autonomous and progressive maintenance standards.

First 60 Days

  • Develop familiarity with the plant’s equipment and machinery layouts.

  • Begin independently completing scheduled preventive maintenance activities within the CMMS.

First 90 Days

  • Respond confidently to live equipment breakdowns.

  • Independently diagnose and repair common mechanical failures.

  • Collaborate effectively across departments and shifts to minimize production downtime.

Compensation and Benefits

  • $38.77 per hour.

  • Equivalent to approximately $80,642 annually based on a standard 40-hour working week.

  • Healthcare coverage.

  • Retirement benefits.

  • Paid time off.

  • Benefits are provided in accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement and may be subject to eligibility requirements.

  • No bonus or commission.

  • No relocation assistance or interview travel reimbursement.

 

Quality Assurance Regional Manager – Albert Lea, MN

Quality Assurance Regional Manager

📍 Location: Albert Lea, Minnesota (Oversight of Multiple Manufacturing Sites)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
💰 Base Salary: $130,000 – $145,000
🚚 Relocation Assistance: Available for Ideal Candidates
✈️ Travel: Frequent Regional Travel Required
🚫 Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

Overview

A growing manufacturer in the food and nutrition sector is seeking a Quality Assurance Regional Manager to lead quality and food safety operations across multiple production facilities in Minnesota.

This leadership role is responsible for driving food safety, regulatory compliance, quality system effectiveness, continuous improvement, and team development while partnering closely with Operations, Production, R&D, and Commercial teams.

The successful candidate will be a strong people leader with deep expertise in FDA-regulated manufacturing environments and a proven ability to influence cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

Quality & Food Safety Leadership

  • Lead quality assurance programs across multiple manufacturing sites.

  • Ensure compliance with FDA, HACCP, SQF, customer, and internal quality standards.

  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on food safety, quality, and operational excellence.

  • Oversee internal audit programs, CAPA processes, and compliance activities.

  • Lead root cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions.

Team Leadership

  • Develop, coach, and mentor regional quality teams.

  • Establish and communicate performance goals using SMART objectives.

  • Build a culture of accountability, food safety, and continuous improvement.

  • Deliver food safety and quality training programs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Production, R&D, Commercial, and Operations teams to support product launches and process improvements.

  • Support commercialization activities, change control processes, and new product introductions.

  • Provide quality leadership during customer visits, regulatory inspections, and external audits.

Systems & Compliance

  • Ensure effective implementation of food safety and quality management systems.

  • Monitor and improve key metrics including:

    • First Pass Quality

    • Customer Complaints

    • CAPA Effectiveness

    • Inventory Health

    • Compliance Performance

    • Environmental & Sanitation Programs

  • Apply SPC and data-driven methodologies to improve process performance.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Science or a related field.

  • 10+ years of Quality Assurance experience within:

    • Food Manufacturing

    • Beverage Manufacturing

    • Dietary Supplements

    • Pharmaceutical or Medical Device Manufacturing

  • Management experience leading quality teams.

  • Strong knowledge of:

    • FDA Regulations

    • HACCP

    • SQF

    • Food Safety Programs

  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Preferred Experience

  • Multi-site quality leadership experience.

  • Career progression across multiple functions including:

    • Production

    • R&D

    • Quality

  • PCQI certification.

  • Strong experience working with cross-functional teams.

  • Statistical Process Control (SPC) expertise.

  • Project management and continuous improvement experience.

Key Skills

✔ Quality Assurance Leadership
✔ FDA Compliance
✔ HACCP & SQF Programs
✔ Food Safety Systems
✔ CAPA Management
✔ Root Cause Analysis
✔ Internal Auditing
✔ SPC & Data Analysis
✔ Team Development
✔ Cross-Functional Leadership

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has a strong quality leadership background within food or beverage manufacturing and has progressed through multiple operational disciplines such as Production, R&D, and Quality.

They will bring:

  • Multi-site quality management experience.

  • Strong food safety and regulatory expertise.

  • Proven success leading cross-functional initiatives.

  • Excellent leadership, coaching, and communication skills.

  • A track record of driving continuous improvement and quality culture transformation.

Screening Questions

  1. Do you have experience in the food and beverage manufacturing industry?

  2. Do you have hands-on experience with HACCP, SQF, and food safety systems?

  3. Are you a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident?

  4. Have you successfully partnered with cross-functional teams across operations, R&D, and quality?

  5. Have you held roles in multiple functions such as Production, R&D, and Quality during your career?

Candidate Snapshot

Requirement

Details

Experience

10+ Years

Seniority

Director Level

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Industry

Food & Beverage Manufacturing

Management Experience

Required

Travel

Frequent

Multi-Site Oversight

Preferred

Relocation

Available

Why Consider This Opportunity?

  • Lead quality operations across multiple manufacturing facilities.

  • High visibility role with direct impact on food safety and operational excellence.

  • Strong career growth opportunities within a growing organization.

  • Collaborative environment with significant cross-functional leadership exposure.

  • Opportunity to shape quality strategy and drive continuous improvement initiatives across multiple sites.