Department: Maintenance
Classification: Non-Exempt
Status: Full Time
Schedule: As Assigned
Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor
Backup: Maintenance Supervisor
JOB PURPOSE:
The Maintenance Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and improving manufacturing equipment and facility systems in a plastics manufacturing environment. This position serves as a higher-level technical resource within the Maintenance Department and is expected to independently diagnose complex mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and controls-related issues.
The Maintenance Technician supports reliable production by minimizing equipment downtime, completing preventive and predictive maintenance, assisting with equipment installations and modifications, and identifying opportunities to improve equipment reliability and operating efficiency. This position works closely with Production, Engineering, and other Maintenance team members to resolve equipment issues and support continuous improvement.
ESSENTIAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Troubleshoot, diagnose, repair, and maintain thermoforming, extrusion, material handling, and other manufacturing equipment.
- Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and basic PLC/control system issues.
- Perform preventive and predictive maintenance according to established schedules and manufacturer recommendations.
- Respond to equipment breakdowns and production issues in a timely manner to minimize downtime and production losses.
- Troubleshoot and repair motors, gearboxes, pumps, conveyors, heaters, sensors, valves, cylinders, drives, and related equipment.
- Read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, manuals, and equipment documentation to identify and correct equipment problems.
- Assist with equipment installation, startup, modification, relocation, and commissioning.
- Perform equipment adjustments, alignments, fabrication, welding, machining, and other repairs as required.
- Identify recurring equipment problems and participate in root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Assist Engineering and Production with equipment improvements, process changes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, equipment histories, and parts usage.
- Maintain adequate inventory of critical maintenance parts and communicate replacement needs to the Maintenance Supervisor.
- Provide technical guidance and support to Maintenance Mechanics and other employees when troubleshooting complex equipment issues.
- Assist with training maintenance personnel on equipment operation, troubleshooting, safety procedures, and maintenance practices.
- Follow all company safety procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, PPE requirements, and applicable OSHA regulations.
- Maintain compliance with SQF/ISO requirements and company quality standards.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe maintenance work area.
- Perform other maintenance-related duties and projects as assigned.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- High School Diploma or GED required; technical degree, certificate, or formal apprenticeship in industrial maintenance, electrical, mechanical, or related field preferred.
- 5+ years of industrial maintenance experience, preferably in a plastics manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience troubleshooting and repairing complex manufacturing equipment.
- Experience with thermoforming, extrusion, conveyors, material handling, or other plastics manufacturing equipment preferred.
- Experience with electrical systems, motors, drives, sensors, controls, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
- Experience reading electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical manuals.
- Experience with PLCs and industrial control systems preferred.
- Welding, fabrication, machining, or millwright experience preferred.
- Ability to work independently and provide technical assistance to other maintenance personnel.
SKILLS:
- Advanced mechanical troubleshooting and repair skills.
- Strong electrical troubleshooting skills, including the ability to use electrical test equipment.
- Working knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
- Ability to troubleshoot motors, drives, sensors, controls, pumps, conveyors, and related industrial equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, blueprints, and equipment manuals.
- Basic PLC troubleshooting and understanding of industrial control systems.
- Strong understanding of preventive and predictive maintenance practices.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to identify the root cause of equipment failures.
- Ability to use hand tools, power tools, precision measuring equipment, and maintenance equipment safely and effectively.
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple maintenance issues based on safety, production impact, and urgency.
- Strong computer skills and ability to use computerized maintenance management or work-order systems.
- Ability to work effectively with Production, Engineering, Quality, and other Maintenance personnel.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENT:
- Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods during a work shift.
- Frequently required to bend, stoop, kneel, crawl, climb, reach, and work in confined or elevated areas.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to safely climb ladders, stairs, and elevated platforms as required.
- Frequent use of hands and fingers for tools, equipment, controls, and repair activities.
- Must have sufficient visual and auditory ability to inspect equipment, read gauges and technical information, and identify abnormal equipment conditions.
- Ability to work in areas with heat, noise, dust, moving machinery, electrical equipment, and other typical manufacturing hazards.
- May be required to work around hot surfaces, chemicals, compressed air, hydraulic systems, and other industrial equipment.
- Must wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, safety footwear, and other PPE as required.
- May be required to work overtime, weekends, holidays, or respond to emergency equipment breakdowns based on business needs.
Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. Physical Requirements (ADA-Compliant).
PERFORMANCE AND BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES:
Accuracy and Attention to Detail
- Diagnoses equipment problems accurately and completes repairs according to established specifications.
- Carefully documents maintenance activities, repairs, equipment conditions, and parts used.
Accountability and Ownership
- Takes ownership of assigned maintenance issues from diagnosis through completion.
- Responds promptly to equipment problems and follows through to ensure repairs are effective and lasting.
Integrity and Professionalism
- Performs maintenance work safely, honestly, and in accordance with company procedures.
- Maintains a professional attitude and treats coworkers, equipment, and company property with respect.
Communication and Collaboration
- Clearly communicates equipment conditions, repair requirements, and production impacts to supervisors and other departments.
- Works effectively with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance team members to resolve problems.
Leadership and Influence
- Serves as a technical resource for Maintenance Mechanics and other employees.
- Shares knowledge and provides guidance to less experienced maintenance personnel.
Problem Solving and Decision-Making
- Uses systematic troubleshooting and root cause analysis to identify equipment failures.
- Makes sound decisions regarding repairs, equipment conditions, and when additional technical support is required.
Adaptability and Continuous Improvement
- Adapts to new equipment, technologies, processes, and maintenance requirements.
- Identifies opportunities to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and increase maintenance efficiency.
Work Ethic and Reliability
- Demonstrates dependable attendance, punctuality, and responsiveness to production needs.
- Completes maintenance assignments safely, efficiently, and with minimal supervision.
- Maintains a strong sense of urgency when responding to equipment failures and production interruptions.
At-Will Employment: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions.