General Maintenance Technician I - 2nd or 3rd Shift

New York Air Brake; West Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,556 - 42,705; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group health care plans

401(k) plan

40 hours of vacation leave

11 paid holidays

6 weeks of paid parental leave

Annual bonuses based on performance

Company stock purchase opportunity

Job summary

New York Air Brake in West Chicago, IL is seeking a dedicated Maintenance Technician responsible for performing various repairs and preventive maintenance tasks. The ideal candidate has a minimum of five years of experience, strong mechanical skills, and the ability to work shifts, including possible overtime. The role offers a competitive wage of $29.44 to $31.00 per hour, with additional benefits such as health care plans, 401(k), paid vacation, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of repair work experience.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety requirements.
• Effective communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Ensure safety while operating tools and machines.
• Conduct inspections and prioritize maintenance requests.

Skills

Mechanics

Hydraulics

Pneumatics

Electrical

Welding (MIG, GMAW)

Carpentry

Plumbing

Forklift operation

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

Job description

Since 1890, New York Air Brake has been an innovative leader in the heavy-haul railroad industry. As a member company of Knorr‑Bremse Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles, New York Air Brake is recognized worldwide as a Center of Competence for heavy‑haul freight railroad control systems serving customers around the globe. Our talented, diverse, and dedicated teams develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing our customers.

New York Air Brake is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Shift Schedule

Sunday – Thursday 10 PM – 6 AM, or Monday – Friday 2 PM – 10 PM

Sign On Bonus

$1,000.00 sign‑on bonus offered for this role! $500 paid at hire and $500 after 90 days of employment.

Summary / Objective

Responsible for performing various repairs and preventive maintenance tasks to keep plant, equipment & building (including roof) in good working order and the property clean. Assists in equipment installation and modification. General maintenance is responsible for keeping equipment, tools, and work area clean, organized, and safe while completing an assignment.

Essential Functions

• Safe operation of any tools and machines being worked on.
• Responsible for doing repairs and/or preventive maintenance promptly and efficiently.
• Shovel snow and salt sidewalks when required and keep all walkways as clean & ice‑free as possible.
• Tool and die fabrication, including the use of surface grinders, lathes, and milling machines.
• Repair electrical, electro‑mechanical, hydraulics, pumps, controllers, motors, and other equipment when needed.
• Replace light bulbs, electrical outlets, and conduits when necessary.
• Inspect equipment and buildings internally and externally and perform preventive maintenance and/or repairs on all equipment and buildings that inspection shows are needed.
• Prioritize and address maintenance request calls for production processes or equipment first, understanding the urgency of production and completing the work as soon as possible.
• Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures while working on equipment with no exceptions.
• Perform preventive maintenance as scheduled on equipment or machines. Notify the department supervisor of any anticipated issues.
• In the absence of General Maintenance/Leadman, follow instructions from Operations Manager for safety, quality, or status of a repair.
• In the absence of all General Maintenance/Leadman and Operations Managers, follow instructions from Shift Supervisor.
• Assist as needed to provide high‑quality brake shoes to meet customer needs and expectations.

Qualification Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Minimum five years of repair work.
• Basic knowledge of Mechanics, Hydraulics, Pneumatics & Electrical.
• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment and facilities.
• Knowledge of safety and OSHA requirements.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to deal fairly and effectively with all associates.
• Computer literate with experience in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and programmable logic controllers (PLC).
• Ability to drive forklift, operate machines, and work with tools.

Additional Requirements

• Must be available for shift work and may be required to work overtime before or after a regularly scheduled shift or on weekends.
• Required skills include welding (MIG, GMAW, oxygen/acetylene), carpentry, plumbing, and forklift operation.
• Achieved 80% on written test for OSHA Forklift Drivers.
• Achieved 80% on maintenance obstacle course forklift driving test.

Physical Requirements

• Wear proper PPE while working, such as Metatarsal Safety Shoes, Protective Glasses, side Shields, Ear Plugs, etc., and any other PPE.
• Must tolerate elevated temperature, dust, and draft conditions.
• Walk, climb, bend from the waist, and kneel for extended periods.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. regularly and up to 100 lbs. periodically (with assistance).

Advancement

• Pass written test achieving 80% minimum per Advancement Program for employees aspiring to become General Maintenance.
• Complete three on‑the‑job knowledge application tests consisting of troubleshooting and repairing plant equipment.
• Perform one on‑the‑job project test, modifying or installing actual plant equipment as specified in the Advancement Program.
• The General Maintenance Leadman will supervise and evaluate all four tests to determine pass status.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated wage for candidates who will work in West Chicago, IL is $29.44 to $31.00 per hour. Additional compensation may vary by experience and education. Qualified employees are eligible for group health care plans (medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance), a 401(k) plan, 40 hours of vacation leave, 11 paid holidays, and 6 weeks of paid parental leave. Employees working on federal contracts covered by the Federal Paid Sick Leave requirements will receive benefits consistent with FPSL requirements. Eligible employees may purchase company stock and receive annual bonuses based on performance. Applications for this position are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without requiring visa sponsorship at the time of hiring.