Hydraulics Mechanic

Phoenix Paper Wickliffe; Wickliffe (KY); On-site; USD 38,572 - 55,104; Full time

Job summary

Phoenix Paper Wickliffe LLC in Wickliffe, KY is seeking a Hydraulics Mechanic to maximize reliability and safety of our paper and pulp production machinery.

In this role, you will troubleshoot high‑pressure fluid power systems, inspect and repair heavy hydraulic equipment, and follow stringent safety protocols to ensure continuous, safe mill operation. The position is full time with day shift in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of heavy industrial mechanical maintenance with hydraulics.
• Experience in paper mills, steel mills, power generation, or similar high‑pressure plants.
• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree or IFPS certification beneficial; 4-year engineering degree suitable.
• Skilled in fabrication, torch cutting, and pipe fitting for heavy hydraulic lines.
• Safety protocols: LOTO, confined space entry, OSHA standards.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs and working in a demanding mill environment.
• Comfortable at heights and in tight spaces within an industrial setting.

Responsibilities

• Inspect systems, monitor pump pressures, temperatures, leaks to prevent failures.
• Troubleshoot and calibrate electro-hydraulic components and servo valves.
• Dismantle and align hydraulic pumps, cylinders, accumulators and lines.
• Maintain oil filtration, sampling, and cleanliness to avoid contamination.
• Interpret hydraulic blueprints to trace lines and plan modifications.
• Respond to unexpected breakdowns and participate in mill maintenance outages.
• Keep detailed service logs with measurements and parts used.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Safety compliance

Troubleshooting

Blueprint reading

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Mechanical Technology

IFPS certification

4-year mechanical engineering degree with hydraulics

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: PHOENIX PAPER WICKLIFFE LLC - Wickliffe, KY 42087

Position Type: Full Time

Job Shift: Day

Phoenix Paper Wickliffe LLC is searching for qualified candidates to assume the role of a Hydraulics Mechanic.

Summary

The Hydraulics Mechanic is responsible for maximizing the reliability, runtime, and safety of our paper and pulp manufacturing machinery. Working in a fast-paced mill environment, you will oversee complex, high-pressure fluid power systems that drive our critical production processes. This hourly role requires precision troubleshooting, specialized diagnostic skills, and flexibility to support a continuous-run manufacturing plant.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct periodic system inspections tracking core metrics like main pump pressure variations, fluid temperature spikes, case drain flows, and minor leaks to stop failures before they start.
• Troubleshoot, calibrate, and fine-tune electro-hydraulic components, including proportional valves, servo valves, and modern automated machinery loops.
• Dismantle, rebuild, and align heavy-duty hydraulic pumps, high-pressure cylinders, accumulators, and fluid line carriers, using safe rigging practices for large, complex machinery parts.
• Manage dedicated oil filtration systems, handle oil sampling, and maintain zero-tolerance cleanliness standards to prevent mill environmental contaminants from damaging fluid power systems.
• Interpret intricate mechanical and hydraulic circuit blueprints to efficiently trace system lines, plan modification layouts, and adjust pressure limits.
• Respond quickly to unexpected breakdowns in production assets and actively participate in scheduled mill maintenance outages to ensure fast, safe machine turnarounds.
• Maintain clear, up-to-date service history logs, tracking diagnostic measurements and parts utilized within our systems.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of heavy industrial mechanical maintenance experience, with an explicit specialization in large-scale fluid power or hydraulic machinery.
• Prior experience working in paper mills, steel mills, power generation, or similar high-pressure chemical/environmental processing plants.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; an Associate degree in Mechanical Technology or an International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) certification is highly beneficial. 4-year mechanical engineering degree with hydraulics curriculum is also suitable for a hands-on mechanically inclined candidate.
• Skilled in basic fabrication, torch cutting, and pipe fitting required to replace, seal, or modify heavy-walled hydraulic lines.
• Flawless execution of safety protocols including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry rules, and OSHA standards for safety-sensitive manufacturing environments.
• Capable of safely lifting, moving, and handling parts or heavy tools weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working inside a demanding industrial mill setting exposed to extreme heat, humidity, dust, and highly pressurized fluid systems.
• Able to work at high elevations, climb ladders, and execute repairs in tight or confined spaces.

Phoenix Paper offers competitive wages & benefits packages that include health, dental, life insurance, paid holidays, matching 401(k) & much more.

Phoenix Paper Wickliffe LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualifications