Electro-Mechanical Technician

Woodland Gourmet; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodland Gourmet is seeking a Maintenance Mechanic Electrician in Waukegan to keep food processing and packaging lines running. This hybrid role blends plant electrician expertise with maintenance know-how to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain automated systems while adhering to SQF/HACCP and OSHA standards.

The position requires 3–5 years in food manufacturing maintenance, a high school diploma or GED (associate degree preferred), and proficiency with electrical schematics, PLCs, and 480V

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; an associate degree is highly preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in industrial maintenance in food/beverage environments.
• Proficiency reading electrical schematics, P&IDs and blueprints.
• Knowledge of 480V 3-phase power distribution.
• Journeyman Electrician license or PLC certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, install, and repair electrical components and control panels.
• Diagnostics and programming adjustments on PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Maintain gearboxes, conveyors, hydraulics and pneumatics.
• Perform preventive maintenance and log work in CMMS.
• Support plant utilities (air compressors, boilers).
• Ensure GMP compliance to prevent contamination.
• Provide rapid response during line-down situations.

Skills

Electrical systems

PLC programming

Mechanical maintenance

Safety compliance

Troubleshooting

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in Mechatronics/Industrial Electricity

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Job description

Title: Maintenance Mechanic - Electrician
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor
Department: Maintenance
Location: Waukegan

Job Summary

The Maintenance Mechanic Electrician is responsible for ensuring the continuous operation of food processing and packaging equipment. This hybrid role combines the expertise of a Plant Electrician with the versatility of a Maintenance Mechanic. You will troubleshoot, repair, and maintain complex automated systems to minimize downtime while adhering to strict food safety (SQF/HACCP) and personnel safety (OSHA) standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Electrical Systems: Troubleshoot, install, and repair electrical components, including motors, VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives), sensors, relays, and control panels.
• Automation & PLC: Perform basic diagnostics and programming adjustments on PLC systems (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens) to resolve logic-based equipment issues.
• Mechanical Maintenance: Maintain and repair gearboxes, conveyors, hydraulic systems, pneumatic cylinders, and high-speed packaging machinery.
• Preventive Maintenance (PM): Execute scheduled PM tasks to identify potential failures before they occur, ensuring all work is logged in the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
• Facility Utilities: Support the maintenance of plant utilities, including air compressors, boilers, and industrial cooling units (where applicable).
• Sanitary Standards: Ensure all maintenance activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to prevent product contamination.
• Emergency Response: Provide rapid response and support for line-down situations to meet production deadlines.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required. An associate’s degree in Mechatronics, Industrial Electricity, or a related technical field is highly preferred.
• Experience: 3–5 years of experience in industrial maintenance, specifically within a food or beverage manufacturing environment.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in reading electrical schematics, P&IDs, and mechanical blueprints.
  • Strong understanding of 480V 3-phase power distribution.
  • Hands-on experience with welding (TIG/Stick) and basic machining is a plus.
• Certifications: Journeyman Electrician license or specialized PLC certifications are a significant advantage.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work in varied temperatures (coolers/hot processing areas), and stand for extended periods.
• Compliance: Knowledge of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Arc Flash safety (NFPA 70E), and food safety regulations.

Skills

• Ability to prioritize and learn quickly
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills
• Analytically and mechanically inclined
• Ability to use percentages and add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals
• Computer literacy
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical requirements described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to help individuals with disabilities perform these vital functions. The job regularly requires sitting, standing and walking for extended periods of time on the production floor and frequently bending and moving about the facility. Must be able to climb ladders and maneuver in small space. Ability to wear required PPE, including hair nets, gloves, and protective footwear, etc.

The work environment characteristics described here reflect those encountered by an employee while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the basic functions. This position does not allow remote work.

• Works in an office and manufacturing environment
• Exposure to dust, odors, and noise

This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.

Woodland Gourmet hires exceptional people to perform a wide variety of important functions that contribute to the success of our organization. We offer a competitive compensation package with benefits. The estimated salary range for this role is $33 to $50/hour. This position is eligible for an annual bonus (based on the incentive program terms and conditions). Based on your qualifications, previous experience, and transferable skills, the company will determine, at its discretion, the hourly rate offered and will reflect the market conditions and cost of living for your geographic location.

Our benefits program is designed to support our team in leading healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. We deeply value the contributions of our team members and are committed to offering a competitive total compensation package. Additionally, we offer medical, prescription drug plans, dental, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, vision insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits (hospital, critical illness, personal accident, legal & identify theft), 401k with company match, paid family leave, paid holidays and paid time off.

Woodland Gourmet is a participant in the federal E-Verify program. As part of the hiring process, we will verify the information provided on your Form I-9 to confirm your eligibility to work in the United States. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from your Form I-9 to government records to confirm employment eligibility. For more information on E-Verify and your rights, please visit the E-Verify website.

Woodland Gourmet assures equal employment opportunity in all its hiring and employment policies and practices. This includes all aspects of employment, such as recruiting, hiring, promotions, transfers, demotions, layoffs or terminations, compensation, benefits, training, company-sponsored education, social and recreational programs or events, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. These policies and practices are administered without regard to “legally protected categories” such as: race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or sexual orientation, pregnancy status or medical conditions related to childbirth, and/or any other factor protected by law.