Union Manufacturing Jobs

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

Maintenance Mechanic – Manufacturing

πŸ“ Chicago, Illinois
πŸ’° $38.77 per hour
πŸ•’ Second or Third Shift
πŸ’Ό Full-Time | Union Position
🏭 Onsite – Manufacturing/Bakery Facility
πŸ‘₯ 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.

 

Industrial Electrician | PLC, VFD & 480V Maintenance | Chicago, IL

Industrial Electrician

πŸ“ Location: Chicago, IL (Onsite)
🏭 Industry: Manufacturing / Food Production
πŸ’Ό Employment Type: Full-Time (4 Openings)
⏰ Shift: Must be flexible to work 2nd or 3rd Shift
🚫 Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
🚚 Relocation Assistance: Not Available
πŸ’° Compensation: $43.69/hour ($85,000 – $90,668 annually) + Union Benefits

Overview

A leading food manufacturing organization is seeking Industrial Electricians to support operations at a high-volume bakery manufacturing facility in Chicago.

This role is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing industrial electrical systems and production equipment to maximize uptime, reliability, and manufacturing efficiency. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement initiatives while working in a fast-paced production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Electrical Maintenance

  • Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial electrical equipment.

  • Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on manufacturing equipment.

  • Diagnose and resolve electrical faults to minimize production downtime.

  • Maintain plant electrical infrastructure supporting continuous operations.

Equipment Troubleshooting

  • Troubleshoot production equipment, PLCs, VFDs, motors, and electrical systems.

  • Read and interpret electrical blueprints, wiring diagrams, and schematics.

  • Identify root causes of equipment failures and implement corrective actions.

  • Support equipment reliability and operational efficiency.

Production Support

  • Execute Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Preventive Maintenance (PM) activities.

  • Respond quickly to production breakdowns.

  • Identify and report equipment losses and improvement opportunities.

  • Support continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.

Safety & Quality

  • Follow all electrical safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO).

  • Adhere to Arc Flash and electrical safety standards.

  • Ensure compliance with quality and food manufacturing requirements.

  • Maintain a safe and organized work environment.

Required Qualifications

Education

  • High School Diploma or GED required.

  • Associate Degree or certification in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering preferred.

Experience

βœ” 7+ years of industrial electrical maintenance experience.

βœ” Experience maintaining electrical systems within a manufacturing environment.

βœ” Experience troubleshooting complex industrial production equipment.

Technical Requirements

Electrical Systems

  • 480V Industrial Electrical Systems

  • Electrical Troubleshooting

  • Industrial Motors & Controls

  • Electrical Preventive Maintenance

Automation

  • PLC Troubleshooting

  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

  • Industrial Control Systems

Drawings & Documentation

  • Electrical Blueprints

  • Wiring Diagrams

  • Technical Schematics

Safety

  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

  • Arc Flash Safety

  • Industrial Safety Procedures

Preferred Qualifications

  • PLC programming and logic modification experience.

  • Experience working within food manufacturing or bakery operations.

  • Knowledge of industrial automation systems.

  • Strong understanding of production reliability and preventive maintenance.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced industrial electrician who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys solving complex electrical and automation issues.

They will possess:

  • Strong industrial troubleshooting skills.

  • Hands-on experience with 480V systems, PLCs, and VFDs.

  • Excellent schematic reading and diagnostic abilities.

  • Strong commitment to safety and quality.

  • Ability to work collaboratively across production and maintenance teams.

  • Flexibility to support 2nd or 3rd shift operations.

Candidate Snapshot

Requirement

Details

Experience

7+ Years Industrial Electrical Maintenance

Electrical Systems

480V Industrial Power

Automation

PLC & VFD Troubleshooting

Drawings

Electrical Schematics & Blueprints

Safety

LOTO & Arc Flash

Industry

Manufacturing / Food Production

Shift

2nd or 3rd Shift

Location

Chicago, IL

Openings

4

Compensation

$43.69/hour ($85K–$90.7K annually)

Relocation

None

Screening Questions

  1. Do you have at least seven years of industrial electrical maintenance experience?

  2. Do you have hands-on experience working with 480V electrical systems?

  3. Have you professionally troubleshot and maintained PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment?

  4. Do you have experience working with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)?

  5. Are you able to read and interpret electrical schematics and blueprints?

  6. Do you have experience working within a manufacturing or food production environment?

  7. Are you familiar with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and Arc Flash safety procedures?

  8. Have you performed preventive and predictive electrical maintenance on production equipment?

  9. Are you willing to work 2nd or 3rd shift on a full-time basis?

  10. When would you be available to start?

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

  • Strong troubleshooting skills that minimize production downtime.

  • Extensive experience with industrial electrical systems, PLCs, and VFDs.

  • Ability to quickly diagnose and resolve complex equipment failures.

  • Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

  • Strong communication and teamwork in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

  • Ability to proactively identify equipment issues before they impact production.

  • Dependability and flexibility to support critical production operations across multiple shifts.

 

Plant Superintendent | Defiance, OH | Building Materials Manufacturing | $111,000 - $153,000

Job Title: Plant Superintendent
Experience Level: Mid-Senior
Location: Defiance, Ohio (On-site)
Industry: Building Materials / Manufacturing
Compensation: $111,000 - $153,000
Employment Type: Full-Time
Travel: Minimal (0–10 days/year)
Visa Sponsorship: Not available
Relocation Assistance: Possible for ideal candidate
Interview Travel: Reimbursed
Total Openings: 1

Position Overview

The Plant Superintendent provides leadership and operational oversight for the largest department within a major manufacturing plant. This position is responsible for managing safety, quality, production, maintenance, warehouse functions, budgeting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The role will lead a team of over 150 hourly and 6 salaried employees, with a focus on cost reduction, team development, and process efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

  • Ensure a safe working environment and maintain compliance with environmental and safety regulations

  • Manage overall operations to maintain workflow, production schedules, inventory levels, and product quality

  • Lead production planning and scheduling in coordination with Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Maintenance teams

  • Develop and implement budgets, productivity goals, and quality improvement initiatives

  • Provide leadership to production supervisors, engineers, and maintenance personnel

  • Guide the coaching and development of engineers and operations staff

  • Participate in performance evaluations, staffing decisions, and employee development

  • Act as a key liaison between plant departments to ensure coordination and alignment

  • Serve as Acting Plant Manager when necessary

  • Contribute to strategic planning and long-term operational goals

  • Work cross-functionally with maintenance and engineering on troubleshooting and preventative maintenance

Preferred Background

  • Bachelor's degree (preferably in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, or Ceramic Engineering); Business backgrounds with strong technical proficiency will also be considered

  • Minimum 7 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience

  • Experience managing large teams (150+ employees) in a unionized environment (UAW and/or USW)

  • Proven ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement using Lean or Six Sigma principles

  • Strong technical problem-solving skills, especially with complex mechanical systems (motors, crank drives, AC&R systems)

  • Familiarity with glass manufacturing processes such as batching, melting, furnace operations, and pipe production

  • ERP experience required; SAP preferred

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills

Department Overview

  • Oversight of Pipe Production Department, the plant’s largest unit

  • 10 production lines, 156 employees

  • Direct reports include 4 Production Supervisors and 2 full-time Engineers

  • Project Engineer and Maintenance Supervisor report via dotted line

  • Close collaboration with maintenance and engineering units is essential

Ideal Candidate Attributes

  • Grew from Process Engineer into a supervisory or leadership position

  • Experienced in breakdown analysis, preventative actions, and hands-on floor operations

  • Strong in coaching, guiding, and holding teams accountable

  • Skilled in navigating the union environment and grievance process

Physical & Work Environment

  • Typical manufacturing environment: exposure to heat, cold, noise, heights, dust, fumes, and moving equipment

  • Frequent walking, climbing, and occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs)

  • Must be physically capable of performing essential duties (reasonable accommodations available)