Maintenance Assistant

Department: Maintenance | Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor | Location: Elkhorn, WI | FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

About the role

Palmer Hamilton, LLC is seeking a dependable and mechanically inclined Maintenance Assistant to support our manufacturing operations in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. This hands-on, entry-level position assists the Maintenance team with routine preventative maintenance, basic equipment and facility repairs, and general maintenance activities to help ensure a safe, efficient, and well-maintained work environment. The ideal candidate has a strong mechanical aptitude, willingness to learn, and a safety-focused mindset. This position provides an opportunity to develop industrial maintenance skills while working alongside experienced Maintenance Technicians in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist Maintenance Technicians with preventative, routine, and corrective maintenance on manufacturing equipment and facility systems.
• Perform basic maintenance and repairs on company vehicles and mobile equipment, including forklifts, man lifts, carts, and trucks, under appropriate direction.
• Assist with maintenance of plant equipment, including CNC machine tools, power tools, presses, cranes, and compressed air systems.
• Perform routine facility maintenance such as replacing lights, minor plumbing repairs, basic carpentry, painting, furniture repairs, and general building upkeep.
• Assist Maintenance Technicians with mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic repairs and troubleshooting.
• Complete routine preventative maintenance tasks, inspections, lubrication, cleaning, and equipment checks as assigned.
• Assist with equipment installations, relocations, facility improvement projects, and other maintenance-related projects.
• Retrieve, organize, and maintain maintenance parts, tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Help maintain accurate maintenance records and communicate completed work or identified concerns to the Maintenance Supervisor or Maintenance Technicians.
• Identify and report equipment, facility, or safety concerns requiring additional maintenance attention.
• Safely operate hand tools, power tools, forklifts, man lifts, and other equipment when properly trained and authorized.
• Follow all applicable safety procedures, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), PPE requirements, and company safety policies.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized maintenance shop and work areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Basic mechanical aptitude and interest in industrial maintenance.
• General knowledge of hand tools, power tools, and basic maintenance practices.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and learn from experienced Maintenance Technicians.
• Basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems preferred.
• Ability to identify equipment or facility issues and appropriately escalate concerns.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safe work practices.
• Good communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize assigned tasks and work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and willing to learn new skills.

Qualifications

• Previous maintenance, mechanical, manufacturing, construction, automotive, or related hands-on experience preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to safely use basic hand and power tools.
• Willingness and ability to learn industrial maintenance processes and equipment.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain company-required certifications for equipment such as forklifts and man lifts.

Education and Certifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Coursework, technical training, or certificate in Industrial Maintenance, Mechanical Technology, Electrical Technology, Automotive Technology, or a related field is a plus but not required.
• Relevant maintenance or equipment certifications are a plus.

Career Development

The Maintenance Assistant position is intended to provide hands-on experience and development in industrial maintenance. Employees who demonstrate proficiency in preventative maintenance, equipment repair, troubleshooting, safety practices, and other required technical competencies may have opportunities to advance into a Maintenance Technician role as skills and experience are developed.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• Stable and growing organization with a strong industry reputation.
• Collaborative, team-oriented work environment.
• Hands-on training and opportunities to develop industrial maintenance skills.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.