Position SummaryKey ResponsibilitiesQualificationsPhysical RequirementsCompensation & Schedule
Maintenance TechnicianOur client, a leading plastic injection molding manufacturer serving diverse markets, is seeking a skilled Maintenance Technician to ensure optimal performance and reliability of automated production equipment. This is a 1st shift position Monday through Friday 7am to 4pm with a rotating shift on Saturday's.
Position Summary
The Maintenance Technician is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and improving production and auxiliary equipment to minimize downtime and maximize operating efficiency. This includes both preventive and corrective maintenance across mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
Key Responsibilities
Diagnose and repair equipment issues quickly to minimize production interruptions.
Perform preventive maintenance and ensure all machinery is operating safely and efficiently.
Fabricate or modify parts using shop tools and standard machining equipment.
Maintain accurate inventory of parts and supplies, coordinating with purchasing or stores personnel as needed.
Service and repair production equipment including chillers, dryers, loaders, grinders, conveyors, and other auxiliary systems.
Collaborate with engineering, production, and tooling departments to identify root causes and implement sustainable fixes.
Maintain compliance with safety procedures, housekeeping standards, and company policies.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to equipment upgrades or modifications.
Qualifications
Minimum of 7–10 years of hands-on maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
Proven troubleshooting ability on production and auxiliary equipment.
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and blueprints.
Experience with machine tool operation, welding, or machining preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Physical Requirements
Frequent walking, standing, bending, and climbing in a manufacturing setting.
Ability to lift up to 55 pounds regularly.
Work may involve confined spaces, elevated areas, or exposure to moderate noise levels.
Must wear appropriate PPE and adhere to all safety protocols.
Compensation & Schedule
Competitive hourly wage or salary commensurate with experience.
Full-time position with benefits; overtime or off-shift support may be required.
Freqently Asked Questions
Expertise in mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems sets a skilled Maintenance Technician apart, especially with abilities in troubleshooting production machinery, reading schematics, and performing machining or welding tasks relevant to plastic injection molding equipment.
A Maintenance Technician on a 7 am to 4 pm first shift typically balances preventive upkeep with urgent repairs, collaborating closely with production teams to minimize downtime while handling equipment like chillers, conveyors, and dryers to maintain smooth operations.
In Chicago’s manufacturing industry, Maintenance Technicians can advance to supervisory roles, specialize in electrical or mechanical systems, or transition into engineering support, benefiting from the region's strong industrial base and continuous improvement initiatives.
Stratus Staffing aligns Maintenance Technician roles with local manufacturing demands by sourcing candidates skilled in complex machinery upkeep and promoting schedules that fit Chicago’s production cycles, ensuring reliable staffing with emphasis on safety and efficiency.
Maintenance Technicians with Stratus Staffing in Chicago often enjoy competitive wages, benefits packages, and a collaborative atmosphere that values safety compliance and continuous skill development in a city known for its diverse manufacturing ecosystem.
Maintenance Technicians in Chicago typically receive competitive hourly rates or salaries reflective of 7–10 years’ experience, often supplemented by overtime pay, with companies like Stratus Staffing offering benefits aligned with industry standards.
Technicians must quickly diagnose breakdowns in complex systems like pneumatic and hydraulic machinery, often under pressure to reduce downtime, while adapting to safety regulations and occasional rotating weekend shifts common in Chicago’s manufacturing plants.
Given frequent walking, lifting up to 55 pounds, and working in confined spaces or elevated areas, physical endurance is crucial, alongside strict compliance with PPE and safety protocols, which ensure technician well-being in Chicago’s industrial settings.
Certifications related to electrical systems, welding, or machine tool operation are highly valued in Chicago, complementing hands-on manufacturing experience and improving a Maintenance Technician’s competitiveness amid the city’s skilled labor demand.
Chicago's robust manufacturing sector keeps demand for Maintenance Technicians steady, though competition varies with economic cycles; candidates with multi-disciplinary skills across mechanical and electrical systems generally find better hiring prospects.