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
Mastering mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems is vital for a Maintenance Technician in Chicago's manufacturing environment. Proficiency in diagnosing issues, reading schematics, and operating machine tools ensures swift troubleshooting and equipment reliability within this industrial hub.
Maintenance Technicians in Illinois often progress from entry-level roles to specialized positions like electrical or mechanical maintenance experts. With experience, opportunities arise for supervisory roles or technical specialties, especially within companies focused on plastic injection molding and automated production.
Technicians regularly tackle unexpected mechanical failures, complex electrical faults, and wear in pneumatic or hydraulic components. Managing preventive maintenance schedules while minimizing downtime in fast-paced Chicago manufacturing settings demands adaptability and in-depth technical knowledge.
Stephens International Recruiting, Inc. focuses on placing Maintenance Technicians skilled in diverse systems crucial for plastic injection molding plants. Their roles emphasize reducing downtime through preventive maintenance and collaboration with engineering teams, aligning with Chicago’s manufacturing efficiency standards.
This position uniquely blends hands-on repair with fabrication skills, requiring technicians to modify parts and engage in continuous equipment improvement. The role’s integration with cross-department collaboration at Stephens International Recruiting, Inc. fosters a dynamic work environment uncommon in typical Chicago maintenance jobs.
Maintenance Technicians in Chicago generally earn competitive hourly wages averaging between $25 to $35, depending on experience and technical expertise. Roles involving advanced skills in electrical and hydraulic systems, like those at Stephens International Recruiting, Inc., often offer salaries on the higher end of this spectrum.
Certifications such as OSHA safety training, electrical licensing, and hydraulic system credentials can significantly enhance employability in Chicago. These qualifications demonstrate compliance with local safety standards and technical competence preferred by manufacturers focused on automated equipment.
Chicago’s industrial sector maintains steady demand for skilled Maintenance Technicians, though competition intensifies with candidates possessing multi-disciplinary capabilities. Factors like experience in plastic molding equipment, flexibility for rotating shifts, and proficiency in machining elevate hiring prospects.
Technicians may face urgent repairs on chillers, dryers, or conveyors disrupting output. Quick diagnosis, part fabrication, and coordination with engineering teams become critical to restore function rapidly and prevent prolonged downtime within tight production schedules.
Routine preventive maintenance is scheduled to preempt failures while strictly adhering to safety standards like PPE usage and confined space procedures. This balance ensures equipment reliability without compromising worker safety in the demanding environment of Chicago manufacturing plants.