Maintenance Engineer I: Optimize Machines & Uptime

Idaho Forest Group; Idaho; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho Forest Group in Kentucky is seeking a Maintenance Engineer I to oversee upkeep, repair, and optimization of mechanical and electrical systems in the facility. This role aims to minimize downtime, improve efficiency, and ensure safety and compliance.

Under supervision, you will participate in RCA investigations, support safety practices, document changes, and coordinate with vendors and other departments. 0-3 years' experience and a BS in mechanical/manufacturing engineering preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering is required.
• 0-3+ years of engineering experience including project management in an industrial setting.

Responsibilities

• Comply with rules, regulations, and JSAs and follow safety protocols.
• Assist in RCA investigations and implement resulting actions.
• Investigate equipment failures and diagnose issues for the Maintenance department.
• Analyze production bottlenecks to increase productivity and reduce downtime.
• Recommend design modifications to prevent malfunctions and improve efficiency.
• Design and model machine assemblies and components.
• Document equipment changes and update drawings.
• Interface with consultants, suppliers, and vendors.
• Gather field information and stay current on new technology for mills.
• Assist in vendor selection and equipment specifications and purchasing decisions.
• Support safety procedures and contractor safety standards.

Skills

Solid Works

AutoCAD

Project Management Software

Collaboration across levels

Problem-solving

Mechanical aptitude

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering

Tools

Solid Works

AutoCAD

Project Management Software

Job description

The Maintenance Engineer I under direct supervision is responsible for the upkeep, repair, and optimization of all mechanical and/or electrical systems, machinery, and equipment within the facility. This role ensures minimal downtime, enhances operational efficiency, and guarantees the safety and longevity of equipment while maintaining compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Comprehend and perform all duties in accordance with rules, regulations, and JSAs.
• Follow safety protocols and report hazards to ensure a safe work environment.
• Assist in RCA (root cause analysis) investigations, implement & manage resulting action items.
• Assist with investigating equipment failures and diagnose difficult or faulty operations and make resulting recommendations to the Maintenance department.
• Analyze production bottlenecks and repetitive maintenance problems to increase productivity, help reduce downtime and costs and arrive at a better solution.
• Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
• Design and model machine assemblies and components.
• Properly document equipment changes, update equipment, and drawing files.
• Interface with consultants, equipment suppliers, and vendors.
• Gather field information (equipment cycle times, models, capacities, site surveys, dimensions).
• Research and keep current on latest available technology and materials for possible uses in the mills.
• Assist in selecting vendors and equipment, which includes preparation of specifications for machinery and equipment, requests for quotes, analyze orders, and making purchase recommendations.
• Support safety procedures and practices and ensure that contractor safety standards are complied with.
• Coordinate as needed with other departments & inspectors during annual safety & insurance audits.
• Duties vary by location.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering.
• 0-3+ years of engineering experience including project management experience in an industrial setting.
  • Beginning to working knowledge of subject matter.
• Skills:
  • Working knowledge of Solid Works, AutoCAD and/or Project Management Software
  • Must be able to collaborate effectively with personnel at all levels at the plant locations as well as outside contractors.
  • Problem-solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities to address operational challenges creatively and effectively.
  • Mechanical aptitude: capable of understanding how a machine or process works. Familiar with maintenance tools and techniques.
• Ability to occasionally work varied shifts for projects as needed
• Ability to pass a hair follicle drug test, post-offer pre-employment physical, and background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity of the wood and forest products industry.
• Valid driver’s license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to sit and/or stand for shift, reach with hands and arms, stoop, squat, bend at the waist, kneel, walk varying distance, and climb stairs.

• Bend at waist – occasional
• Repetitive use of hands – frequent for clerical duties
• Stand/walk – frequent
• Vision – near and far correctable; depth perception
• Hearing – preferred for awareness of surrounding machinery, mobile equipment, emergencies

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to tolerate all weather elements, loud conditions, airborne particles (sawdust).

Idaho Forest Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, family medical history, or any other status protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.