Maintenance Electrical

Russell Stover Chocolates; Iola (KS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Russell Stover Chocolates is hiring an Electrical Mechanic in Iola, Kansas to ensure optimal performance of production equipment. Responsibilities include electrical maintenance, installation of machinery, and compliance with safety standards and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Qualified candidates should have 2+ years of experience in an industrial setting, knowledge of PLC and VFD, and excellent troubleshooting skills. Join us in creating delicious chocolate products!

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in an industrial plant.
• Experience with 480 volt 3-phase power.
• Formal training emphasizing PLC and VFD.

Responsibilities

• Maintain efficiency of production machinery with minimal downtime.
• Perform electrical maintenance for the entire plant.
• Install new electrical equipment in accordance with NEC.

Skills

Troubleshooting electrical systems

Understanding of PLC and VFD

Knowledge of 480 volt 3-phase power

Electrical wiring training

Communication skills

Education

Electrical or electronic degree or equivalent

Tools

Electrical and mechanical hand tools

Job description

At Russell Stover, not only do we love chocolate, but we love our jobs! Every day we go to work exhibiting our values of excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, responsibility, and collaboration. Working at Russell Stover you’ll be part of the leading manufacturer of boxed, seasonal, and sugar‑free chocolates. For over 100 years, Russell Stover Chocolates, Whitman’s, and Pangburn’s have been crafted with the finest ingredients to bring happiness to generations. Today, we produce over 55 million pounds of chocolate annually, and our legacy brands can be found in 13 company‑owned stores and over 9,000 wholesale accounts. Join our team and let’s continue making chocolate lovers happy!

A day in the life…

As an Electrical Mechanic, you will be responsible for analyzing system requirements and reviewing schematics to ensure equipment meets safety, efficiency, and compliance standards. You will work hands‑on with equipment and implement improvements to enhance performance and reliability.

What You Will Be Doing…

• Keep scheduled production machinery operating efficiently with minimal down time
• Perform electrical maintenance for entire plant
• Install new electrical equipment. Must be able to size wiring, circuits, and breakers and complete all aspects of installation in accordance with National Electric Code (NEC)
• Request, receive, secure and maintain supplies and materials required for job
• Operate and maintain machinery, equipment, and tools in a safe and proficient manner according to standards, guidelines, and instructions
• Involves mandatory overtime, weekend work, and ability to be “on call”
• Responsible for cleaning up after any work performed
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure product quality and maintain compliance with food safety standards
• Complete and follow FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure consumer safety, and support the plant’s food safety and quality objectives
• Promptly report and take appropriate action on any observed or potential food safety hazards, process deviations, or non‑conformities by notifying the designated plant supervisor, in accordance with your role and responsibilities
• Actively contributes to the continuous improvement of the company’s Food Safety Culture through engagement and actions aligned with your role

This job posting is not all inclusive and other duties may be assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience electrical/electronic degree or equivalent experience in an industrial plant.
• 2+ years of experience with industrial electrical systems including 480 volt 3‑phase power
• Must have formal technical training emphasizing PLC and VFD
• Electrical wiring training and use of NEC guidelines
• Experience with wiring electrical control panels, making schematics of panels, and detailing operation of machine in written and drawing formats
• Must have experience using electrical and mechanical hand tools on production equipment
• Must have hands‑on experience working on Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)-controlled machinery, including machine operation and the ability to troubleshoot the machine:
  • Look at I/O cards and/or PC to diagnose machine
  • Troubleshoot and repair machines electrically and mechanically
  • Troubleshoot the machine electrically and make necessary repairs
  • Understand PLC programming to troubleshoot and repair the machine
  • Make mechanical or electrical adjustments to improve machine operation during production
• Must be able to install, replace, and change parameters in a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and download program via PC or handheld to a VFD
• Must have knowledge of pneumatics: Component replacement, pneumatic logic, install and repair mechanical and electrical pneumatic components
• Communicate with both Production team members and Maintenance team members during troubleshooting to explain and make repairs. Be able to specify and obtain data for any parts needed
• Must be willing to be trained on industrial refrigeration equipment and other support equipment throughout the plant
• Certified or ability to be certified to operate a forklift truck
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation

Experience Life at Russell Stover Plants!

• Safety First: Your well‑being is our top priority, and we’ve got you covered with protective gear. On day one, you’ll dive into Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) training, and we’ll keep you on your toes with daily safety tips to ensure you’re always in the know!
• Surroundings: Get ready to work alongside a variety of equipment like automated packing machines, forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and those irresistible chocolate candy banks/steels – it’s a dynamic environment where every day brings something new!
• Active & Engaging Work: Whether you’re on your feet for extended periods, moving around, climbing ladders, or lifting up to 50 lbs, there’s never a dull moment. This is a place where you’ll stay on the move!
• Comfortable Climate: In most roles, you will be comfortable year‑round with our climate‑controlled environment.
• Appealing Smells: The air is filled with sweet aromas of chocolate, and by the time your shift ends, you might just leave smelling like chocolate!
• Dress to Impress (Food Safety Style): A simple yet important dress code ensures safety and hygiene, following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to keep everything running smoothly.
• Allergens: You will be exposed to a variety of ingredients that may be considered food allergens.

At Russell Stover Chocolates, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. Russell Stover Chocolates is proud to be an equal‑opportunity workplace.

We provide equal employment opportunities to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Employment by Russell Stover Chocolates is contingent upon I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, education verification, and satisfactory reference and background checks.