Maintenance Technician III (Plastics Manufacturing)

About the role

As a Maintenance Technician III, you will be responsible for advanced troubleshooting, repair, and reliability support for injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, robotics, automation, and facility systems. This role requires a high level of technical skill in electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electronic systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced troubleshooting and repair of injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, robotics, automation, and related production systems.
• Diagnose complex mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, electronic, and control system issues.
• Read, interpret, and apply hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical schematics, including advanced symbols, wiring diagrams, component layouts, sequence of operations, and technical manuals.
• Troubleshoot electrical circuits, motors, drives, controls, sensors, relays, switches, heaters, thermocouples, safety circuits, and related machine components.
• Troubleshoot complex hydraulic systems, including pumps, valves, proportional valves, cylinders, hoses, fittings, accumulators, pressure issues, flow issues, leaks, and repeat failures.
• Support troubleshooting of robotics, automation, material handling systems, conveyors, dryers, loaders, grinders, chillers, compressors, and other auxiliary equipment.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance and recommend improvements to reduce downtime and repeat failures.
• Lead or support root-cause analysis for major equipment breakdowns and recurring maintenance issues.
• Complete assigned work orders using a computerized maintenance system and document findings, repairs, parts used, and follow-up needs.
• Assist with mold changes, machine start-ups, equipment adjustments, and complex production support issues.
• Operate shop equipment, including milling machines, band saws, drill presses, lathes, welders, concrete drills, torches, electrical testers, and other maintenance tools.
• Use advanced diagnostic tools, meters, electrical testing equipment, and technical resources to resolve equipment issues.
• Monitor and maintain facility services, including water, compressed air, and electrical supply.
• Identify and communicate the need for spare or replacement parts and provide input on critical spare parts needs.
• Mentor and support Tier I and Tier II technicians through technical guidance, troubleshooting support, and on-the-job training.
• Provide input on equipment reliability improvements, safety improvements, preventive maintenance updates, and maintenance best practices.
• Follow all safety rules and procedures, including lockout/tagout, fall protection, PPE, and company safety standards.
• Support housekeeping, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement efforts throughout the facility.
• Perform additional duties as assigned based on business needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 5+ years of industrial maintenance, manufacturing maintenance, or related technical experience preferred.
• Strong injection molding maintenance experience strongly preferred.
• Technical school, maintenance certification, electrical certification, military technical training, or apprenticeship experience is a plus.
• Experience with hydraulics, electrical troubleshooting, robotics, automation, controls, and computerized maintenance systems strongly preferred.
• Prior experience serving as a senior technician, lead technician, technical trainer, or subject matter expert is a plus.

Qualifications

• Advanced mechanical aptitude and strong hands-on troubleshooting ability.
• Strong working knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, mechanical, electronic, robotic, and automation systems.
• The ability to navigate and close out work orders properly in the CMMS system.
• Strong ability to read, understand, and troubleshoot from hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical symbols, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• The ability to diagnose and repair complex mechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, robotic, and control system issues.
• The ability to use electrical testing equipment, diagnostic tools, meters, and computerized maintenance systems.
• A strong understanding of machine safety systems, sensors, controls, motors, drives, heating systems, and industrial equipment components.
• The ability to support root-cause analysis and recommend practical corrective actions.
• The ability to read and interpret operating instructions, maintenance manuals, procedure manuals, diagrams, and technical documents.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to document work accurately.
• The ability to work independently, prioritize urgent equipment issues, and communicate effectively with production, maintenance, and leadership teams.
• The ability to mentor and support less experienced maintenance technicians.
• The ability to obtain forklift and aerial lift certification.
• The ability and willingness to work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and overtime as needed.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moderate to loud noise, moving mechanical parts, vibration, and work at heights.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods, walk, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, talk, see, hear, and use hands to handle tools, parts, and equipment.
• Must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, or otherwise move up to 50 pounds.