Maintenance Mechanic - Automation 1st Shift
Waukegan, IL
Full Time
Mid Level
Title: Maintenance Mechanic - Automation
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports to: Director of Manufacturing
Supervises: n/a
Travel: As needed (minimal)
Department: Maintenance Department
JOB PURPOSE:
This role is primarily responsible for ensuring the continuous, reliable, and optimal operation of all plant equipment, facilities, and automation systems. The Mechanic will execute building and grounds maintenance and mechanical repair while applying expertise in PLC troubleshooting, control systems, and process optimization to maximize production line efficiency, reduce downtime, and maintain strict safety and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Maintenance & Mechanical Responsibilities
Automation & Controls Focus
Qualifications:
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here represent those an employee must meet to successfully perform this job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
This position's performance requires exposure to the manufacturing and warehouse areas that may require personal protective equipment under certain conditions.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This position does not allow for remote work.
Woodland Gourmet hires exceptional people to perform a wide variety of important functions that contribute to the success of our organization. We offer a competitive compensation package with benefits. The hourly rate for this role will be $29 to $35. This position is eligible for an annual bonus (based on the incentive program terms and conditions). Based on your qualifications, previous experience, and transferable skills, the company will determine, at its discretion, the hourly rate offered and will reflect the market conditions and cost of living for your geographic location.
Our benefits program is designed to support our team in leading healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. We deeply value the contributions of our team members and are committed to offering a competitive total compensation package. Additionally, we offer medical, prescription drug plans, dental, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, vision insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits (hospital, critical illness, personal accident, legal & identify theft), 401k with company match, paid family leave, paid holidays and paid time off.
Woodland Gourmet is a participant in the federal E-Verify program. As part of the hiring process, we will verify the information provided on your Form I-9 to confirm your eligibility to work in the United States. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from your Form I-9 to government records to confirm employment eligibility. For more information on E-Verify and your rights, please visit the E-Verify website.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports to: Director of Manufacturing
Supervises: n/a
Travel: As needed (minimal)
Department: Maintenance Department
JOB PURPOSE:
This role is primarily responsible for ensuring the continuous, reliable, and optimal operation of all plant equipment, facilities, and automation systems. The Mechanic will execute building and grounds maintenance and mechanical repair while applying expertise in PLC troubleshooting, control systems, and process optimization to maximize production line efficiency, reduce downtime, and maintain strict safety and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Maintenance & Mechanical Responsibilities
- Troubleshoot and Repair: Perform hands-on inspection, repair, installation, and maintenance of mechanical systems and general building facilities equipment (e.g., Metal detectors, Conveyor Belts, Baggers, Pumps, Mixers, Sealers, and Scales).
- Preventive Maintenance: Execute and contribute to the improvement of preventive maintenance programs for both mechanical systems and basic automation/control systems.
- System Diagnostics: Assist employees with diagnosing malfunctions in general machinery and equipment, performing root cause analysis and final fixes on industrial machinery.
- System Interpretation: Interpret instructions, specifications, and blueprints/schematics (both mechanical and electrical) for equipment installation, operation, and repairs.
- Facilities: Perform a range of mechanical duties, including working with gear reducers, conveyor belts, bearings, fluid power systems (hydraulic/pneumatic), and basic metalworking/fabrication.
- Compliance: Adhere to all safety, housekeeping, environmental rules, and food safety regulations.
Automation & Controls Focus
- Electrical/Controls Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot, maintain, and install electrical controls for industrial machinery. This includes working with PLCs (reading/analyzing logic), VFDs, HMIs, motor control circuits, discrete I/O, and 3-phase/single-phase electrical distribution systems.
- System Optimization: Collaborate with the maintenance manager and engineering to identify and implement opportunities for process optimization and minor automation enhancements to improve efficiency and consistency.
- Control Support: Provide basic training and technical support to operators and production staff on the use and basic troubleshooting of automation and control systems.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, and basic modifications/upgrades to both mechanical and control systems.
Qualifications:
- A minimum of 3-5+ years of progressive experience in an Industrial Maintenance and/or Automation/Controls role, preferably in food production or manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of control systems, instrumentation, and automation equipment (e.g., PLCs, HMIs, VFDs).
- Expertise in PLC troubleshooting and maintenance (preferably Allen-Bradley), with the ability to read and analyze logic.
- Thorough working knowledge of all electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic/pneumatic systems.
- Strong understanding of food safety standards and compliance requirements.
- Ability to read and interpret both mechanical and electrical/instrumentation schematics.
- Experience with Continuous Improvement methodologies (e.g., TPM, Lean) is a plus.
- Education & Skills
- High School Degree Required; Associate degree or Electrical/Mechanical/PLC certification preferred.
- Analytical and mechanically inclined with excellent problem-solving skills.
- Good verbal and written communication skills; Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here represent those an employee must meet to successfully perform this job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and frequently bend and move about the facility
- Frequently required to lift to 55 pounds (anything over 55 lbs, team lift)
- Must be able to climb ladders and maneuver in small spaces
This position's performance requires exposure to the manufacturing and warehouse areas that may require personal protective equipment under certain conditions.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This position does not allow for remote work.
- Works in an office and manufacturing environment
- Occasional exposure to dust, odors, and noise
- Occasional exposure to a plant that is not temperature-controlled
Woodland Gourmet hires exceptional people to perform a wide variety of important functions that contribute to the success of our organization. We offer a competitive compensation package with benefits. The hourly rate for this role will be $29 to $35. This position is eligible for an annual bonus (based on the incentive program terms and conditions). Based on your qualifications, previous experience, and transferable skills, the company will determine, at its discretion, the hourly rate offered and will reflect the market conditions and cost of living for your geographic location.
Our benefits program is designed to support our team in leading healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. We deeply value the contributions of our team members and are committed to offering a competitive total compensation package. Additionally, we offer medical, prescription drug plans, dental, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, vision insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits (hospital, critical illness, personal accident, legal & identify theft), 401k with company match, paid family leave, paid holidays and paid time off.
Woodland Gourmet is a participant in the federal E-Verify program. As part of the hiring process, we will verify the information provided on your Form I-9 to confirm your eligibility to work in the United States. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from your Form I-9 to government records to confirm employment eligibility. For more information on E-Verify and your rights, please visit the E-Verify website.
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