Mediabistro logo
job logo

Maintenance Mechanic

Mauser Packaging Solutions, Elk Grove Village, IL, United States


Preventive Maintenance

Execute scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) programs for all 30 injection molding lines and associated auxiliary equipment including chillers, dryers, conveyors, and hot runner systems

Inspect, lubricate, adjust, and replace mechanical components (gears, bearings, seals, hydraulic cylinders, tie bars, toggle mechanisms) per manufacturer specifications and PM schedules

Maintain and update accurate maintenance records, PM logs, and work orders in the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)

Monitor and track equipment performance data to identify trends, predict failures, and proactively schedule maintenance activities

Perform routine inspections of hydraulic systems, cooling circuits, and electrical panels to identify early signs of wear or malfunction

Corrective & Emergency Maintenance

Respond promptly and effectively to equipment breakdowns to minimize production downtime — a strong sense of urgency is essential in this role

Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and basic electrical failures on injection molding machines and peripheral equipment

Troubleshoot barrel and screw wear, mold clamping issues, ejector system failures, hot runner malfunctions, and hydraulic pressure problems

Coordinate with production supervisors to schedule corrective work with minimal disruption to output goals

Escalate complex electrical or PLC-related issues to the appropriate team while providing mechanical support during troubleshooting

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) & Safety Compliance

Strictly adhere to all LOTO/LOTOTO (Lockout/Tagout/Tryout) procedures on every piece of equipment before performing maintenance or repairs — zero exceptions

Serve as a knowledgeable resource and positive role model for LOTO compliance among peers and production staff

Participate in LOTO audits and inspections; identify and report any unsafe conditions, near‑mises, or potential hazards immediately

Maintain compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, GMP standards, and all applicable environmental guidelines

Consistently use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel‑toe footwear

Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, and training sessions; support a culture of safety‑first on the plant floor

Injection Molding Equipment Support

Perform mold changes, mold installations, and mold alignments in collaboration with the tooling and production teams

Assist in troubleshooting process‑related issues including short shots, flash, sink marks, warping, and cycle time deviations that may have mechanical root causes

Maintain and service hot runner controllers, temperature control units (TCUs), and auxiliary equipment

Support nozzle, barrel, and screw maintenance including removal, inspection, cleaning, and reinstallation

Work with tooling team to maintain mold integrity, cooling lines, and ejector components

Facilities & General Maintenance

Perform general facility maintenance including compressed air systems, cooling towers, plant utilities, and infrastructure as needed

Support installation, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment, production lines, and facility upgrades

Maintain cleanliness and organization of the maintenance shop, tool crib, and spare parts inventory

Monitor and manage inventory of critical spare parts; notify supervision when reorder points are reached

Support 5S initiatives and contribute to a clean, organized, and efficient work environment

Continuous Improvement & Teamwork

Collaborate with engineering and production teams to identify root causes of recurring equipment failures and implement lasting corrective actions

Participate in kaizen events, reliability improvement projects, and maintenance strategy reviews

Share technical knowledge and best practices with fellow maintenance technicians and cross‑functional teams

Provide input on equipment purchases, PM program improvements, and facility upgrades based on hands‑on experience

Required Qualifications

Minimum 3–5 years of hands‑on maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment

Demonstrated experience maintaining injection molding machinery and auxiliary plastics processing equipment

Thorough knowledge and strict application of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures — non‑negotiable safety requirement

Proven ability to work with urgency and prioritize effectively in a high‑demand production environment

Solid understanding of mechanical systems: gears, bearings, couplings, conveyors, hydraulics, and pneumatics

Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, engineering drawings, schematics, and parts catalogs

Experience with preventive maintenance programs and CMMS platforms

Basic electrical troubleshooting capability (motors, relays, sensors, limit switches)

Strong attention to detail, self‑motivation, and ability to work independently or as part of a team

Ability to communicate effectively with production, engineering, and supervision teams

Preferred Qualifications

Vocational/technical degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent hands‑on training in industrial mechanics, millwright, or mechatronics

3+ years of experience specifically in injection molding maintenance within a high‑volume plastics or packaging facility

Experience with PLC troubleshooting (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens) and HMI interfaces

Knowledge of hot runner systems, mold temperature control, and process monitoring equipment

Experience with hydraulic system repair including pump replacement, valve adjustment, and cylinder servicing

Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), or Six Sigma methodologies

Experience with mold change procedures, including mold alignment and qualification

Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs regularly and up to 75 lbs occasionally with assistance

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and work in confined spaces for extended periods

Must be able to climb ladders and work at heights as needed

Mauser Packaging Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

#J-18808-Ljbffr