Lead Maintenance Technician – PLC & Automation

Brightfarms Inc; Kendall Township (IL); On-site; USD 76,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Brightfarms Inc. is seeking an experienced Maintenance Lead to oversee day-to-day maintenance, troubleshoot equipment, and lead the team. Strong electrical and PLC skills are essential, with a focus on safety and reliability in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires 7+ years in industrial maintenance, along with CMMS experience and the ability to mentor technicians. The position is on-site in Yorkville, IL with opportunities to improve automation and reduce downtime.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification preferred.
• 7+ years in industrial, manufacturing, or facility maintenance, ideally in food manufacturing.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting and repair experience.
• Experience with PLC-controlled machinery and automated systems.
• Knowledge of PLC programming and ladder logic; familiarity with major platforms.
• Experience with VFDs, motor controls, sensors, relays, contactors, HMIs, and control panels.
• Experience with preventive maintenance programs and CMMS.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting along with electrical expertise.
• Ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, and equipment documentation.
• Ability to work independently while leading a team.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and prioritize daily maintenance activities and work orders.
• Perform mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and general repairs as needed.
• Troubleshoot electrical systems, motor controls, sensors, VFDs, relays, and panels.
• Diagnose PLC-controlled equipment and modify automation as required.
• Read schematics, wiring diagrams, and ladder logic for troubleshooting.
• Schedule preventive maintenance to reduce downtime and extend equipment life.
• Train and mentor technicians on electrical systems and safe practices.
• Coordinate with operations and engineering to address maintenance needs.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, inspections, and CMMS entries.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and safety policies.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

PLC programming

Motor controls

VFDs and sensors

Read electrical schematics

CMMS experience

Leadership/mentoring

Problem solving

Mechanical troubleshooting

Safety/compliance

Education

High school diploma

Technical certification / electrical training

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell

Siemens

Mitsubishi

CMMS software

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Maintenance Lead

Operations - Maintenance Full Time Technical Yorkville, IL, US 1 Attachments

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 2125

Salary Range: $38.75 To $47.35 Annually

Maintenance Technician IV/Lead

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dependable Maintenance Technician IV/Lead to oversee day-to-day maintenance activities, troubleshoot equipment and facility issues, and provide hands-on leadership to the maintenance team. This position is responsible for maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient operations while coordinating preventive and corrective maintenance.

The ideal candidate will have strong electrical troubleshooting and PLC controls experience, with the ability to diagnose and repair automated equipment and control systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate, and prioritize daily maintenance activities and work orders.
• Perform hands-on mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and general facility repairs as needed.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical systems, motor controls, sensors, VFDs, relays, contactors, and control panels.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and modify PLC-controlled equipment and automated systems.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, ladder logic, and equipment documentation.
• Troubleshoot PLC inputs/outputs, sensors, actuators, communication issues, and control-system faults.
• Assist with PLC programming, parameter adjustments, and system modifications as required.
• Schedule and complete preventive maintenance to reduce equipment downtime and extend equipment life.
• Train, coach, and mentor maintenance technicians on electrical systems, PLC controls, troubleshooting techniques, equipment operation, and safe work practices.
• Develop and provide hands-on training to maintenance team members and machine operators, helping build their technical skills and improve their ability to diagnose and resolve equipment issues independently.
• Monitor maintenance work to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with company procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, inspections, parts, PLC changes, and preventive maintenance activities.
• Coordinate with operations, production, engineering, and management to address maintenance needs and minimize downtime.
• Support equipment installations, upgrades, electrical projects, and automation improvements.
• Maintain an appropriate inventory of tools, electrical components, controls parts, and replacement equipment.
• Coordinate with contractors and outside service providers when necessary.
• Ensure maintenance activities comply with OSHA, electrical safety requirements, company policies, and applicable regulations.
• Respond to emergency maintenance situations and equipment breakdowns as needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, automation, maintenance processes, and operating efficiency.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe maintenance work area.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification, electrical training, or associate degree preferred.
• 7+ years of industrial, manufacturing, or facility maintenance experience, ideally in a food manufacturing environment
• Strong electrical troubleshooting and repair experience.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled machinery and automated systems.
• Working knowledge of PLC programming and ladder logic; experience with platforms such as Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Mitsubishi, or similar is preferred.
• Experience with VFDs, motor controls, sensors, relays, contactors, HMIs, control panels, and industrial automation equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical manuals, and equipment documentation.
• Experience with preventive maintenance programs and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Previous leadership, mentoring, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills in addition to electrical and controls expertise.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work independently while effectively leading and supporting a maintenance team.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to safely use electrical testing equipment, hand tools, power tools, and maintenance machinery.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends, or on-call shifts when required.

Working conditions

Greenhouse/Outside/Coolers/Office. Maintenance will have exposure to seasonal conditions which may range from extreme heat and humidity in the summer to cold in the winter. They will often work near moving mechanical parts including in the vicinity of high noise environments.