Equipment Maintenance Technician

About the role

The Equipment Maintenance Technician is an experienced-level role responsible for advanced maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of production equipment, utilities, and facility systems in a plastics manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on plastics processing and auxiliary equipment, including injection molding machines, extrusion lines, thermoforms, grinders, dryers, blenders, conveyors, chillers, and robotics/automated systems.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical (up to 480V), pneumatic, hydraulic, and control system issues to minimize downtime.
• Set up and adjust vision systems; perform parameter tuning to maintain quality and throughput.
• Calibrate, align, and adjust machine settings to ensure consistent process capability and efficiency.
• Support equipment upgrades, modifications, installations, and commissioning activities.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain utility assets: air compressors, chilled/process water systems, cooling towers, vacuum pumps, and plant air dryers.
• Inspect and service boilers/heating systems (if applicable), circulation pumps, heat exchangers, and filtration systems.
• Coordinate vendors for utility system services, testing, and certifications (e.g., compressor service, water treatment, backflow testing).
• Execute start-up checklists: verify utilities (air, water, power), confirm safety systems (LOTO points, e‑stops, guards), and walk critical areas before production.
• Perform end-of-shift shutdown tasks: secure utilities, document issues, and stage equipment for the next shift.
• Conduct carpentry and facility repairs: doors/hardware, framing, drywall patching, shelving/millwork, and minor flooring.
• Perform facility upkeep: caulking, painting, ceiling tiles, dock plates, safety railings, bollards, and minor masonry.
• Install/repair fixtures, machine bases, operator platforms, and protective guarding.
• Coordinate contractors for larger projects; ensure compliance with safety, quality, and scope requirements.
• Interpret and troubleshoot with mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, equipment manuals, and basic PLC ladder logic/I‑O.
• Complete CMMS work orders, parts usage, utility rounds, and start-up/shutdown records with accuracy and timeliness.
• Comply with OSHA and company safety programs: PPE, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), machine guarding, and hazard communication.
• Support ISO/quality/environmental standards, 5S, and lean/reliability initiatives; maintain clean, organized work areas.
• Communicate equipment status, utility health, and repair timelines to production leadership; escalate critical issues promptly.
• Provide guidance to junior technicians and production operators; share best practices and train on standard work.
• Partner with EHS on safety inspections and with Engineering on equipment installations and upgrades.
• Aid in maintaining spare parts inventory and identifying critical spares.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical certificate or associate degree in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Facilities Maintenance, or related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of maintenance experience in manufacturing; plastics or high-speed production experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with utility systems (compressed air, chilled/process water, pumps) and general carpentry/building maintenance.
• Proficient in mechanical systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, and industrial electrical (up to 480V).
• Working knowledge of PLCs, sensors, VFDs, servos, robotics/automation (intermediate troubleshooting).
• Experience with plastics processes (injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming) preferred.
• Vision system setup and parameter adjustment experience.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and equipment manuals; use precision measuring tools.
• Skilled in safe use of carpentry, hand, and power tools.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in mechanical systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, and industrial electrical (up to 480V).
• Working knowledge of PLCs, sensors, VFDs, servos, robotics/automation (intermediate troubleshooting).
• Experience with plastics processes (injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming) preferred.
• Vision system setup and parameter adjustment experience.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and equipment manuals; use precision measuring tools.

Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 50 lbs.
• Stand, walk, bend, and climb.
• Work in hot/cold and noisy industrial environments.
• Work at heights or in confined spaces as needed.
• Consistent use of PPE.

Other Requirements

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills; attention to detail and documentation discipline.
• Effective communication; ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Flexibility for overtime, weekends, and off-shift coverage to support production and facility needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.