Apprentice Insulator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

• Enroll in an approved Oregon LME apprenticeship program
• Progress toward electrical licensing within 2 years

Licensed Maintenance Electrician (LME/PJ) - preferred-$45.00/hr+ $1.50 shift differential

12-hour rotating shifts - 6a-6p-8 week rotation-6p - 6a (Day/Night)

The Gresham Foam Plant is a high-performance manufacturing facility producing extruded polystyrene insulation. Our success depends on safe, reliable, and efficient equipment operation, driven by strong collaboration between Operations and Maintenance.

The Industrial Maintenance Technician is a key reliability driver responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving plant equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation. This full-time, permanent position involves 12-hour shifts and offers a career-launching opportunity with formal training programs and extensive room for growth.

This position may be filled as either:

• A Licensed Maintenance Electrician (LME/PJ) - preferred, or
• A Mechanical Maintenance Technician with a clear path to obtaining LME licensing

Due to Oregon state regulations, electrical work may only be performed by licensed individuals. Mechanical technicians will partner with licensed electricians while developing toward licensure.

This role goes beyond fixing equipment - it is about:

• Preventing failures
• Improving reliability
• Supporting production performance
• Developing the next generation of skilled technicians

A successful Industrial Maintenance Technician consistently:

• Diagnoses and resolves equipment issues quickly and effectively
• Identifies root causes and eliminates repeat failures
• Improves PM/PdM effectiveness and equipment reliability
• Maintains high-quality, accurate maintenance documentation
• Actively supports production uptime and plant performance goals
• Coaches and develops apprentices and peers

1. Safety Ownership

• Follow all safety policies
• Identify and eliminate hazards
• Stop unsafe work and escalate concerns
• Promote proper use of LTT (Lock, Tag, Try)
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment

1. Equipment Reliability & Maintenance

• Perform routine, non-routine, and emergency maintenance
• Troubleshoot and repair plant systems

For LME (licensed):

• Mechanical and electrical systems, including:
  • Motors, drives, PLCs, instrumentation, controls

For Mechanical Technicians:

• Mechanical systems, including:
  • Gearboxes, bearings, conveyors, belts
  • Pneumatic and hydraulic systems
  • Valves and process equipment
• Coordinate with licensed electricians for all electrical work

1. Troubleshooting & Root Cause Problem Solving

• Diagnose equipment failures
• Participate in root cause analysis (RCA)
• Implement corrective actions
• Improve equipment performance through data and observation

1. Preventive & Predictive Maintenance (PM/PdM)

• Execute and continuously improve PM/PdM tasks
• Identify gaps in maintenance strategies and recommend improvements
• Support condition-based monitoring and early failure detection

1. Continuous Improvement (TPM / RWP Alignment)

• Develop working knowledge of Reliability Work Process (RWP)
• Support TPM restoration and reliability initiatives
• Identify and eliminate waste in maintenance and equipment performance
• Work cross-functionally with Operations to improve efficiency

1. Work Execution & Documentation (SAP)

• Accurately document all work performed in SAP
• Record clear failure causes and corrective actions
• Maintain high-quality data to support reliability analysis

1. Training & Apprenticeship Development

• Coach and mentor maintenance apprentices
• Support skill development using structured training plans
• Complete training validations and sign-offs
• Share knowledge and best practices with the team

1. Teamwork & Communication

• Work effectively in a self-directed team environment
• Build strong working relationships with Operations
• Communicate clearly across shifts and functions
• Support shared ownership of plant performance

DEVELOPMENT EXPECTATION (Mechanical Path):

Mechanical Maintenance Technicians hired into this role are expected to:

• Enroll in an approved Oregon LME apprenticeship program
• Progress toward electrical licensing within 2 years
• Demonstrate continuous skill development and competency growth

Required Qualifications (LME Path):

• State of Oregon LME and/or PJ license
• Experience troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems, including:
  • Motors, drives, controls, instrumentation, PLCs
• Ability to solve complex technical problems with minimal supervision
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, blueprints, and technical drawings
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Basic computer skills (SAP, Outlook, Excel, etc.)

Required Qualifications (Mechanical Path):

• Strong mechanical troubleshooting experience
• Knowledge of:
  • Bearings, power transmission, alignment
  • Hydraulics and pneumatics
• Ability to read mechanical drawings
• Willingness to pursue LME license

Preferred Qualifications (All Candidates):

• Experience in preventive and predictive maintenance programs
• Welding (MIG, TIG, Stick) and basic machining skills
• Experience with alignment, rigging, and equipment installation
• Knowledge of lubrication systems and practices
• Experience with root cause analysis and continuous improvement methods
• Understanding of project management concepts

COMPENSATION:

Compensation will be based on experience, skills, and qualifications, including licensing status.

• Candidates with an Oregon LME/PJ license will be considered at a higher compensation level
• Mechanical candidates will be placed appropriately and eligible for wage progression tied to skill development and licensing milestones

• Lift up to 50 lbs
• Work in high and low temperatures
• Perform physical tasks such as bending, twisting, and repetitive tool use
• Rotating day/night shifts (8 weeks days/8 weeks nights)

Experience / EDUCATION:

• 3-5 years of industrial maintenance experience
• or vocational training + 3 years manufacturing experience
• High School Diploma or GED required

• Multiple comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision & Prescription options
• 401(k) plan with company matching up to 6% with an additional 2%.
• Employee stock purchase program

• VIP Bonus program with up to a 10% quarterly bonus
• Company Paid Basic Life Insurance & Short-Term Disability
• Paid time off (PTO) programs
• Company paid Holidays and Oregon Sick Leave
• Corporate Wellness Incentive of up to $700 per year
• Yearly Plant Wellness Incentive of $300 for employees only and an additional $300 for a spouse or partner
• Clean work environment, with company clothing and laundry service provided, all PPE provided, and a yearly safety shoes allowance.

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.  Employee(s) 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 or assignments.

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.  All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  To perform this job successfully, the incumbents(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others.  The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.