Lead Maintenance Technician

Maintenance Lead

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

Located just outside of Chicago, our Melrose Park location is part of our Meat division and creates batter blends, pastry blends, and breadcrumbs. We are a fast paced, never a dull moment manufacturing facility that comes together as a team to get the job done. With a growing portfolio, comes need to grow our team! If you're looking to build a career in manufacturing with a team you can make a difference with, we might be the place for you!

3rd Shift Opening. The days and hours are Monday - Friday, 10:00PM 6:00AM.

What You'll Do

As a Maintenance Lead you'll work with the Maintenance team to complete building repairs, equipment installation, troubleshooting and installation, fulfilment of assigned work orders and unforeseen repairs in a timely fashion. You'll follow good manufacturing practices to maintain inventory, preventative maintenance, good housekeeping and ensure compliance with all safety and environmental laws and regulations. We strongly believe in "Safety First, Quality Always" for our employees, products, and customers. If this is something you're passionate about also, this could be your next great opportunity!

Important areas of operations you'll work on (but are not limited to):

• Clean and lubricate shafts, bearing, gears, and other parts of machinery
• Install and maintain pipe systems, hydraulic steam, pneumatic equipment
• Repair and replace gauges, valves, pressure regulators, and other related equipment
• Building maintenance including minor plumbing, welding, and general upkeep
• Troubleshoot and repair machinery such as extruders, mixers, conveyors, and metal detectors
• Repair and assess electrical issues as they arise

What You'll Need To Be Successful And Safe

5-10 years of maintenance mechanic experience, in the food industrial and/or bakery work environment preferred. High school diploma or GED is required; Apprenticeship or applicable certifications preferred. Possess and demonstrate basic technical knowledge of some or all of the following:

• Stainless Steel Welding/Fabrication
• Experience in high-speed packaging, welding, refrigeration (ammonia) and mechanical power transmission
• Experience with and ability to use all types of welding, cutting, machine, and hand tools
• PLC's (Programmable logic controllers) a plus
• Process control instrumentation
• Process equipment
• Personal Computing

What's In It For You

• We are currently offering a $5,000.00 Sign on Bonus. You will receive $2,500.00 after 90 working days, $2,500.00 after 9 months of employment!
• Union wage guaranteed pay increases at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months of employment!
• Career advancement and growth opportunities
• Friendly, close-knit team and supervisors invested in your success
• Full benefits, including mental health, employee assistance program & more!

Compensation Data

The pay rate for this position is $38.18 per hour. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance. This job posting is anticipated to expire on 9/30/2026.

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at .