HVAC Mechanic-1st Shift

Ferrara; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Ferrara in Itasca, IL is seeking a 1st shift HVAC/mechanical technician to maintain and optimize cooling and processing systems supporting candy production.

You will troubleshoot chillers, boilers, pumps, and related equipment, perform preventive maintenance, document issues with photos, and implement energy-saving improvements while ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

This role requires occasional overtime and flexibility with start/end times to meet production needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 1 year experience with chillers and HVAC systems.
• Experience with SAP or similar, Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience troubleshooting boilers and related controls.
• Welding repairs and fabrication experience.
• Experience repairing steam traps, filters, and steam distribution.
• Experience detecting refrigerant and oil leaks.
• Strong safety and quality focus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize HVAC systems to support candy production.
• Troubleshoot and service air compressors, blowers, pumps, valves, and filtration.
• Support humidity control and chiller systems.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on steam, boilers, pumps, and piping networks.
• Conduct water quality testing and water treatment programs.
• Inspect and repair thermal oxidizer components and burners.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment and energy efficiency.
• Respond quickly to equipment issues to minimize downtime.

Skills

Brazing & piping

Soldering techniques

HVAC ductwork

Pipe bending

Electrical schematics

Airflow balancing

Hydronic systems

Coil maintenance

Leak detection

Emergency repairs

Preventive maintenance

EPA refrigerant handling

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Work Location: Itasca

Position requires the ability to work overtime. As a result, it may require working varying start times, end times, and weekends dependent on business needs. Want to make an impact? ***This is a 1st Shift position, cores days/hours are Mon-Fri, 6:00am to 2:30pm***

Ways you will make a difference

• Maintain and optimize HVAC systems, including condensers, air handling units (AHUs), refrigerant circuits, heating systems, and DX coils to ensure consistent temperature and humidity conditions that support candy production quality and food safety.
• Troubleshoot and service air compressors, blowers, cooling motors, check valves, air dryers, and filtration systems to provide reliable compressed air for manufacturing equipment and minimize production downtime.
• Support critical humidity control by maintaining dehumidifiers, motors, desiccant wheels, filters, and K-bars, helping preserve product consistency, prevent moisture-related defects, and maintain ideal processing conditions.
• Monitor and maintain chiller systems, including water, glycol, and refrigerant circuits, to ensure efficient cooling performance and stable operating temperatures throughout the facility.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on steam systems, including generators, pumps, deaerator tanks, hot water holding tanks, economizers, valves, steam traps, limit switches, and piping networks to maximize system reliability and energy efficiency.
• Conduct water quality testing, including hardness and conductivity analysis, to protect equipment from scale buildup, corrosion, and performance loss while supporting safe and efficient plant operations.
• Manage water treatment chemical programs to maintain system integrity, extend equipment life, and ensure compliance with operational and safety standards.
• Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair thermal oxidizer components, including gas valves and burners, to support environmental compliance and efficient emissions control.
• Maintain industrial heating equipment, including boilers, heat exchangers, hot water systems, steam radiators, electric heaters, and storage tanks, ensuring dependable process heat for manufacturing operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reduce energy consumption, and increase system reliability through proactive maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Respond quickly to equipment issues and production needs, helping minimize downtime and maintain uninterrupted manufacturing schedules.

Skills that will make you successful

• Proficient in brazing and copper pipe sweating for HVAC, refrigeration, and process piping systems.
• Skilled in soldering techniques for mechanical and plumbing applications.
• Ability to install, modify, and repair HVAC ductwork systems.
• Proficient in pipe bending, routing, and installation for refrigeration, steam, hydronic, and condensate systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings.
• Knowledge of air circulation balancing and airflow optimization for HVAC systems.
• Strong understanding of ventilation systems maintenance and performance optimization.
• Working knowledge of hydronic heating and cooling systems, including pumps, valves, and piping networks.
• Skilled in the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of condensate drainage systems.
• Proficient in cleaning and maintaining evaporator, condenser, and process cooling coils to maximize system efficiency and airflow.
• Strong leak detection and repair skills for refrigerant, water, steam, and compressed air systems.
• Basic maintenance knowledge of air compressors, including oil changes, coil cleaning, and routine inspections.
• Ability to perform emergency repairs and temporary corrective actions to keep critical equipment operational while minimizing production disruptions.
• Strong judgment in prioritizing equipment repairs based on production impact, safety, and operational requirements.
• Ability to document mechanical issues clearly, including photographing equipment conditions and communicating repair recommendations effectively.
• Strong understanding of preventive maintenance practices that promote proper airflow, system efficiency, and equipment longevity.
• Knowledge of EPA refrigerant handling requirements and commitment to preventing refrigerant releases through responsible maintenance and repair practices.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Experiences that will support your success

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 1 year experience with chillers and HVAC systems required.
• Experience with SAP or similar, Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience troubleshooting, repairing, and rebuilding heat pumps and related HVAC equipment.
• Experience troubleshooting and maintaining boiler room equipment and associated controls.
• Experience performing welding repairs and fabrication work on industrial equipment and piping systems.
• Experience repairing and maintaining steam traps, filters, strainers, and steam distribution components.
• Experience detecting and addressing refrigerant and oil leaks to maintain equipment reliability and regulatory compliance.

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at Compensation

Starting pay range: $38.00 - $41.50 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, skills, certifications, and business needs.