Mechanical Journeyman / Industrial Mechanic

Sappi; Cloquet (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and Dental Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with generous匹配

2 to 6 Weeks Paid Vacation

10 Paid Holidays + 2 Floating Holidays

Free Access to Online Learning

Job summary

Sappi Cloquet in Minnesota seeks a Mechanical Journeyman/Industrial Mechanic to ensure safe, efficient operation of production equipment through mechanical troubleshooting and preventive maintenance. 2+ years in heavy industry preferred; related two-year technical degree encouraged.

Day shift first year, with potential rotation to nights/weekends later. Competitive hourly pay, progression to higher classifications, and benefits including medical, pension/401(k) match, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 2+ years mechanical maintenance experience in an industrial or military environment.
• Related 2-year technical degree strongly preferred.
• Candidates with related degree and limited hands-on experience may still be considered.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain industrial equipment.
• Strong safety mindset and adherence to established procedures and standards.
• Valid driver's license with demonstrated safe driving.
• Ability to work in physically demanding conditions.
• Willingness to work day shift (Mon-Fri) with potential to transition to rotating shifts.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States; no visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair a wide range of mechanical equipment including pumps, conveyors, gearboxes, and motors.
• Experience with power transmission systems such as belt drives, chain drives, gearboxes, and couplings.
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot piping systems.
• Perform pipefitting, welding, and rigging tasks as needed.
• Experience with hydraulics and pneumatic systems, including troubleshooting and repair.
• Repair, install, and align centrifugal pumps, including shaft alignment and seal replacement.
• Replace bearings, align shafts and couplings.
• Read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics.
• Work safely and collaboratively as part of a maintenance team.

Skills

Mechanical maintenance

Troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Education

2-year technical degree

Tools

Pumps

Conveyors

Gearboxes

Motors

Job description

Mechanical Journeyman / Industrial Mechanic

Country: United States

City: Cloquet

Location: Mill Cloquet

Division: Maintenance

Pay Range: $36.03 - $38.57

Sappi North America Sappi Cloquet, established in 1898, produces high-quality graphic papers used in premium magazines, catalogs, books, direct mail and high-end print advertising for the fashion, automotive and travel industries, as well as speciality papers. Cloquet manufactures Verve, a dissolving pulp used for the textile and home goods markets. Energy saving and clean water initiatives at Cloquet have won environmental recognition, aligning with the mill's commitment to sustainability.

The Mechanical Journeyman is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of production equipment through mechanical troubleshooting, repairs, and preventative maintenance. This role requires experience in heavy industrial environments and a solid foundation in mechanical systems.

Wages and Progression Opportunities

$36.03/hr or $38.57/hr based on experience

Progression opportunities up to $43.31/hr

• Advancement to top pay possible in as little as 2 years based on performance and skill development
• Stable employment - no cyclical or seasonal layoffs

Work Schedule for Newly Hired Mechanical Journeyman:

All newly hired Mechanical Journeymen are guaranteed to work a day shift, for their first full year of employment at Sappi. During this period, the available day‑shift schedules may include:

After completing one year of service, employees become eligible to work a 12‑hour rotating shift and may be assigned to this schedule if an opening occurs and no one more senior elects to take the opening.

The 12‑hour rotating shift consists of two 12‑hour days, two 12‑hour nights, followed by four days off. This schedule includes built‑in overtime, which generally results in a higher annual income. This is considered an earned opportunity as employees on rotating shifts work nights and weekends with fewer onsite resources and are required to operate more autonomously across multiple mill areas. This schedule also provides the broadest exposure to equipment and processes, allowing Mechanical Journeymen to gain the most knowledge and better prepare for progression to higher‑level, higher‑pay classifications.

Key Responsibilities:

Troubleshoot and repair a wide range of mechanical equipment including pumps, conveyors, gearboxes, and motors

Experience with power transmission systems such as belt drives, chain drives, gearboxes, and couplings

Install, maintain, and troubleshoot piping systems

Perform pipefitting, welding, and rigging tasks as needed

Experience with hydraulics and pneumatic systems, including troubleshooting and repair

Repair, install, and align centrifugal pumps, including shaft alignment and seal replacement

Replace bearings, align shafts and couplings

Read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics

Work safely and collaboratively as part of a maintenance team

Minimum Qualifications:

2+ years mechanical maintenance experience in an industrial or military environment (e.g., millwright, multi‑craft mechanic, or similar mechanical trade)

Related 2‑year technical degree strongly preferred

Candidates with a related technical degree and limited hands‑on experience may still be considered

Candidates without a technical degree must have a minimum of 2+ years of relevant mechanical maintenance experience

Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain industrial equipment

Strong safety mindset and adherence to established procedures and standards

Valid driver's license with demonstrated safe driving

Ability to work in physically demanding conditions (climbing, lifting, standing, etc.)

Willingness to work day shift (Monday–Friday) with future potential to transition to a rotating shift schedule, including nights and weekends

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sappi does not provide visa sponsorship.

Medical and Dental Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with generous employer match

2 to 6 Weeks Paid Vacation (based on verified prior experience)

10 Paid Holidays + 2 Floating Holidays

• Free Access to Online Learning across a wide range of professional, technical, and personal development topics

Safety-Sensitive Position

This is a safety-sensitive position within a heavy industrial manufacturing environment. Candidates must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the job while working in operational areas that contain magnetic and electromagnetic field exposure, moving equipment, vehicular traffic, elevated work areas, and other industrial hazards.

As a safety-sensitive employer, Sappi maintains a drug-free workplace. Successful candidates for safety-sensitive positionsmust pass all required pre-employment screeningsanddrug testing, which includes testing for marijuana/cannabis.

Salary is determined by a number of factors including the value of the job to the organization, market forces, internal equity and skills brought to the job.

Sappi provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Sappi complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

ABOUT SAPPI

Sappi isa leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products, we are building a more circular economy by making what we should, not just what we can.