Processing Department Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

About Us:

Carl Buddig and Company, a respected name in the meat manufacturing industry, boasts a legacy of over 80 years. Founded as a family-owned company, we have evolved into a leading producer of premium meat products, including renowned lunchmeats, ready-to-eat cooked meats under our Kingsford, LLC division, and savory snack meats from Old Wisconsin.

As a third-generation family business, our success is anchored in our commitment to quality, innovation, and community. With a workforce of 2,500 dedicated team members spread across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, we continue to expand, driven by a vision for excellence and a responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences.

At Carl Buddig and Company, we foster a culture centered around teamwork and innovation. We strive to create an environment that values creativity and collaboration, ensuring every team member is empowered to contribute to our collective goals.

Our dedication extends beyond our business operations. We actively support charitable initiatives and community organizations through direct contributions, volunteer work, and partnerships. We aim to make a positive impact and give back to the communities that have supported us over the years.

Join us at Carl Buddig and Company, where tradition meets innovation, and where our passion for quality meat products is matched by our commitment to our people and communities.

Position Summary:

The Maintenance Mechanic in the Processing Department will have responsibility for repairing, reporting, and making recommendations regarding all of the machinery within the processing area. They will also take responsibility for their work area to help produce a safe and quality food product.

Responsibilities: 

• Install, maintain, and repair equipment using hand and power tools of the plumbing trade such as pipe wrenches, pipe cutters, and torches.
• Install, service, and repair electric motors, heaters, coolers, refrigerators, and other related equipment.
• Maintain central steam and chemical water treatment systems, as well as other systems, using gauges and other test instruments to diagnose malfunctions.
• Fabricate and assemble test parts as needed.
• Troubleshoot, repair and replace electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems to the component level.
• Move and replace machinery and auxiliary apparatus using hand and electric trucks, forklifts, and dollies.
• Replace fuses, light bulbs, circuit breakers, electric switches, and other electrical equipment.
• Disassemble and reassemble process and packaging equipment.
• Ability and willingness to assist in training.
• Resolve problems while providing innovative solutions.
• Ability to safely and effectively work on plant facilities of various forms.
• Perform related work as assigned.
• Maintain records and prepares reports related to the work regarding equipment, supplies, and materials.
• Prepare written reports on projects and equipment conditions.
• Ensure the proper use, care, and storage of tools and equipment.
• Unload equipment off trucks by hand or with the use of a pallet jack/forklift.
• Change over, repair, and/or adjust beehive heads, grinder screws and heads, dumper cylinders and chutes, stuffer feed screws, vacuum pumps and gearboxes, motors for smokehouses, rooftop condensers, motors for kitchen exhaust fans in the loft, and other equipment as needed.
• Maintains work area in a clean and sanitary manner.
• Lubricate equipment as needed.
• Perform preventative maintenance on all forklifts/pallet jacks.
• Repair racks (castors) and Perform building and/or masonry repair.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics and diagrams.
• Understand PLC ladder logic and industrial electrical systems.

Knowledge & Experience: 

• Experience is preferred in processing, packaging, and building facilities/utilities.
• High School Diploma/GED is preferred.
• 4 or more years of related work experience in mechanical and / or electrical trades is preferred.
• Completion of a recognized program in vocational training for the mechanical or electrical trades preferred
• Able to drive any PIT equipment to perform assigned equipment responsibilities.
• Must know the accepted practices, processes, materials, and tools of the maintenance trades.
• Must know about electric motors, generators, pumps, pressure systems, water systems, and other equipment and systems.
• Must know about the servicing and maintenance of simple power, heating, and cooling units.
• Must know occupational hazards and safety precautions of the building and maintenance trades.

Working Conditions: 

• Must be able to stand for 8-9 hours per day.
• Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop and squat as needed for housekeeping responsibilities and other miscellaneous duties.
• Must be able to work in temperatures of 40 degrees or less.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to work mandatory overtime if necessary.
• Must be able to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.
   

Pay range for this position is between $30/hr to $40/hr depending on experience.

Benefits for this role include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Training and Development, Vacation & PTO, Referral Bonus Program, and Tuition Reimbursement.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions Statement 

Carl Buddig and Company does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, performance evaluations, discipline, or termination. All employment decisions are made by trained HR professionals and company leaders to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act.