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
Chicago's industrial hub sees steady demand for skilled Maintenance Technicians, especially those proficient in mechanical and electrical systems. Competition is moderate, favoring candidates with strong troubleshooting skills and hands-on experience in automated production environments.
Certifications like OSHA safety training, electrical licensing, or HVAC credentials can boost prospects locally. Employers in Chicago often prefer technicians familiar with pneumatic and hydraulic systems, reflecting the city's manufacturing complexity.
Proficiency in diagnosing mechanical faults, understanding electrical schematics, and repairing auxiliary systems like chillers and conveyors is critical. Experience with preventive maintenance and fabricating replacement parts improves a technician’s effectiveness in this niche.
Technicians juggle preventive upkeep with urgent repairs, often diagnosing issues swiftly to avoid downtime. Tasks include equipment inspections, collaborating with engineering teams, and maintaining inventory, demanding both technical skill and organizational ability.
Starting as hands-on technicians, individuals can advance to supervisory roles or specialize in electrical or mechanical maintenance. Continuous learning and cross-departmental collaboration often pave the way for leadership positions or engineering technician roles.
Ives & Associates’ focus on plastic injection molding means technicians handle complex automated equipment and auxiliary systems like dryers and loaders, requiring adaptability and in-depth system knowledge uncommon in more general manufacturing settings.
The company emphasizes safety compliance and continuous improvement, encouraging technicians to engage in equipment upgrades and root cause analysis. This proactive approach fosters a collaborative environment prioritizing operational efficiency and worker safety.
Maintenance Technicians in Chicago typically earn between $22 and $30 per hour, depending on experience and specialization. Roles demanding expertise in hydraulic and pneumatic systems or shift flexibility may command wages toward the higher end.
Technicians frequently engage in activities like lifting up to 55 pounds, climbing, bending, and walking for extended periods. Exposure to moderate noise and confined spaces requires strict adherence to PPE guidelines and safety protocols.
While Assistants often support basic upkeep and inventory tasks, Maintenance Technicians take ownership of diagnosing complex equipment issues, performing repairs, and fabricating parts, requiring deeper technical proficiency and independent problem-solving capabilities.