Maintenance Associate

American Axle & Mfg., Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly performance bonus

Job summary

American Axle & Mfg., Inc. in Chicago, IL is seeking a Maintenance Associate with hands-on experience in mechanical systems and factory safety in a forge shop.

The role involves reading blueprints, troubleshooting drives and systems, and working with presses, PLCs, and heat-treating equipment. You will perform preventive and corrective maintenance, follow lockout/tag-out, operate lifting equipment, and participate in metal fabrication as required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
• Basic math skills including decimals in inches and metrics.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, machinery, and equipment.
• Strong planning and organizational abilities.
• Analytical ability to solve complex problems.
• Willingness to demonstrate S4 principles in daily duties.

Responsibilities

• Follow Lockout/Tag-out procedures to ensure safety during maintenance tasks.
• Use maintenance tools and equipment (hand tools, power tools, grinders, welders, torches, drill presses).
• Safely operate lifting equipment (cranes, forklifts, man lifts).
• Monitor and maintain shop service equipment and fluid levels (air compressors, cooling systems, lubricants).
• Diagnose and repair malfunctioning or broken machinery components.
• Inspect machine parts for defects like excessive wear or damage.
• Reassemble machinery after inspections, testing, or repairs.
• Conduct advanced troubleshooting of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Perform metal fabrication tasks as needed.
• Assist with or lead advanced maintenance tasks.
• Disassemble, repair, replace, and maintain motors, conveyors, pumps, belts, and chains.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow in advanced maintenance techniques.

Skills

Basic math

Manufacturing knowledge

Planning & organization

Analytical ability

S4 principles

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

At AAM, the POWER is in our people. We believe that an equitable and inclusive workplace benefits everyone, and that the diversity of our Associates drives creativity and innovation. Our global team is made of dreamers, doers and innovators who are Delivering POWER for a safer, brighter and more sustainable tomorrow.

Maintenance Associate

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a skilled Maintenance Associate with experience in mechanical systems and a strong understanding of safety protocols, particularly in a Forge Shop environment. The ideal candidate will be able to read and interpret machine blueprints, schematics, and pneumatic diagrams and have hands‑on experience troubleshooting and repairing mechanical drives and systems. Familiarity with vertical stamping/forging presses, PLCs, die protection systems, tonnage monitors, and process monitoring equipment is essential. Experience in repairing induction heating coils and heat‑treating systems is highly desirable.

Job Description

• Follow Lockout/Tag-out procedures to ensure safety during maintenance tasks.
• Use various maintenance tools and equipment, including hand tools, power tools, grinders, welders, torches, and drill presses.
• Safely operate lifting equipment such as cranes, forklifts, and man lifts.
• Monitor and maintain shop service equipment and fluid levels (e.g., air compressors, cooling systems, lubricants).
• Diagnose and repair malfunctioning or broken machinery components.
• Inspect machine parts for defects like excessive wear or damage.
• Reassemble machinery after inspections, testing, or repairs.
• Conduct advanced troubleshooting and repair of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Perform metal fabrication tasks as needed.
• Assist with or lead other advanced maintenance tasks.
• Disassemble, repair, replace, and maintain mechanical equipment such as motors, conveyors, pumps, belts, and chains.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow in advanced maintenance techniques.

This position has an estimated pay rate of $27.19 - $34.87 per hour. In addition, this role has an opportunity for a monthly performance bonus.

Required Skills and Education

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent
• Basic math skills. (i.e. addition and subtraction, working with decimals in both inches and metrics)
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, machinery, and equipment
• Strong level of planning and organizational abilities
• High level of analytical ability to solve complex problems
• Must show a willingness to demonstrate S4 principles in daily job duties

About AAM:

As a leading global Tier 1 Automotive and Mobility Supplier, AAM designs, engineers and manufactures Driveline and Metal Forming technologies to support electric, hybrid and internal combustion vehicles. Headquartered in Detroit with over 80 facilities in 18 countries, we are Bringing the Future Faster for a safer and more sustainable tomorrow. To learn more, visit AAM.com.

Why Join #TeamAAM:

As a member of #TeamAAM, you’ll get to make a difference on day one. From your first day with us, you’ll have the opportunity to grow, embrace challenges, build your skills, and bring your authentic self to work every day, all while helping to shape the future of mobility for AAM...and the world.

AAM will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. AAM will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail [e-mail]. AAM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.