Production Reliability

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.

 

Manufacturing Maintenance Manager / Plant Engineer | Winchester, KY | $84K–$114K + Quarterly Bonus

Manufacturing Maintenance Manager / Plant Engineer

📍 Location: Winchester, KY (On-site)
💼 Employment Type: Full-time
💵 Compensation: $84,640 – $114,840 per year + 12.5% quarterly bonus
🎯 Level: Mid-level | Reports to Plant Manager

About the Role

We’re seeking a Manufacturing Maintenance Manager / Plant Engineer to lead reliability, safety, and performance initiatives in a high-volume manufacturing facility. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll manage the maintenance team, drive process improvements, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

As a key member of the plant leadership team, you’ll play a critical role in maximizing equipment uptime, reducing operational costs, and delivering on continuous improvement initiatives.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead plant safety processes to ensure zero incidents and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

  • Implement and maintain a reliability-centered maintenance process to improve equipment uptime, OEE, and cost efficiency.

  • Develop and lead the maintenance team, ensuring skills and training align with plant needs.

  • Manage capital projects, departmental budgets, and maintenance spend.

  • Apply root cause analysis techniques (FMEA, 5-Why, ATS) to resolve critical equipment failures and prevent recurrence.

  • Partner with plant leadership to drive continuous improvement initiatives and achieve business objectives.

  • Oversee plant systems and processes with focus on TPM, maintenance excellence, and overall plant reliability.

  • Ensure proper documentation, compliance, and alignment with industry standards.

Qualifications

Must-Have:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or related Engineering field.

  • 3+ years’ experience leading a manufacturing maintenance department or 5+ years of supervisory experience in manufacturing.

  • Proven expertise in failure analysis and root cause investigations.

  • Strong knowledge of OSHA requirements and compliance practices.

Preferred:

  • Experience with CMMS systems and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).

  • Strong project management and organizational skills.

  • Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and instrumentation systems.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and maintenance management software.

Compensation & Benefits

💵 Base Salary: $84,640 – $114,840 annually
🎯 Bonus: 12.5% quarterly
🩺 Benefits:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage (FSA/HSA options available)

  • 401(k) with company match

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Tuition reimbursement and career development programs

  • Company-paid and voluntary insurance plans (life, accident, disability)

  • Wellbeing resources and Employee Assistance Program

Work Schedule

Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📞 On-call: Some weekends and after-hours support as required by plant needs

Ideal Candidate

You’re an experienced engineering leader who thrives in fast-paced, manufacturing environments. You know how to balance technical expertise with strong leadership, building high-performing teams while ensuring operational excellence.

👉 Ready to lead maintenance excellence and drive plant reliability forward? Apply today and take the next step in your career.