Maintenance Associate Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Plant Maintenance Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and improving production equipment, utility systems, and facility infrastructure to support safe and efficient manufacturing operations. This multi-craft position requires strong mechanical and electrical skills, with an emphasis on electrical troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement. The technician plays a key role in maximizing equipment reliability while ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Responsibilities:

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on production equipment and facility systems to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Troubleshoot, repair, install, and maintain mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and process equipment used in manufacturing operations.
• Inspect, diagnose, and repair pumps, motors, gearboxes, mixers, compressors, piping systems, and other industrial equipment.
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot industrial electrical systems, including motors, PLCs, variable frequency drives (VFDs), sensors, and control devices.
• Perform facility maintenance activities, including HVAC, plumbing, utility systems, lighting, and general building repairs.
• Read and interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, P&IDs, technical manuals, and maintenance documentation.
• Complete preventive maintenance activities and accurately document work performed using the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Maintain compliance with all company safety policies and applicable OSHA, EPA, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Process Safety Management (PSM), and environmental regulations.
• Identify equipment improvement opportunities and recommend solutions that improve safety, reliability, productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Operate forklifts, aerial lifts, and other maintenance equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
• Maintain tools, equipment, work areas, and spare parts inventory in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, and other departments to support production goals and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in emergency repairs, scheduled shutdowns, and after-hours maintenance activities as required.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or vocational certification in Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, or a related field preferred.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of progressive experience in industrial, manufacturing, or chemical plant maintenance.
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing mechanical and electrical equipment in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting skills, including experience with PLCs, variable frequency drives (VFDs), HMIs, sensors, and three-phase power systems.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, mechanical blueprints, electrical schematics, ladder logic diagrams, and other technical documentation.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose and repair industrial equipment.
• Working knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance practices.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong time management and organizational abilities with the capacity to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a multi-craft manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and adherence to all company policies and regulatory requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, climb stairs and ladders, and work at elevated heights.
• Ability to lift and move heavy objects in accordance with company safety guidelines.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and other required safety equipment.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving machinery, chemicals, varying temperatures, and other industrial conditions.