Lead Industrial Maintenance Technologist (Hydraulics & PLC Systems)

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Industrial Maintenance Technologist (Hydraulics & PLC Systems)

Location: Chicago, IL (Onsite) | Schedule: Day Shift, 4:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Employment: Full-Time, Direct Hire

A day in the life

You clock in before dawn and scan your CMMS dashboard to prioritize work orders. You assign tasks to junior techs, then dive into a high-pressure hydraulic press that’s showing erratic pressure due to a sticky proportional valve. By mid-morning, you’re reviewing PLC ladder logic to isolate a misbehaving input, swapping a sensor, and validating operation up to 480V. After lunch, you lead a planned overhaul: swapping a gearbox and large bearing, checking alignment, and coordinating heavy rigging to realign the press. You wrap up by auditing spare parts, documenting preventive maintenance, and coaching a newer technician through LOTO best practices—always with OSHA and NFPA 70E top of mind.

What you’ll own

• Troubleshoot, overhaul, and repair multi-stage high-pressure hydraulic molding presses, accumulators, cylinders, directional valves, and proportional pumps.
• Diagnose and repair automated machinery: I/O devices, VFDs, industrial sensors, relays, and PLC-controlled systems up to 480V; read, interpret, and troubleshoot PLC ladder logic.
• Inspect, maintain, and repair steam boiler lines, electric heating platens, temperature controllers, hot oil heating units, and cooling water tower circuits.
• Lead major machinery rebuilds, including replacing large bearings, gearboxes, drive shafts, and automated transport mechanisms; perform safe heavy rigging to relocate or realign molding presses and related equipment.
• Execute, document, and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Audit parts inventory and maintain accurate maintenance records; lead emergency troubleshooting during active production breakdowns.
• Assign daily work orders, monitor progress, and mentor junior maintenance technicians.
• Adhere to Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), NFPA 70E, OSHA, and all company safety procedures; maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment; perform additional duties as assigned.

What you bring

• Minimum of 5 years of industrial plant maintenance experience, including at least 2 years in rubber molding, plastic injection molding, or heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Technical trade school degree, vocational certification, or formal mechanical/electrical apprenticeship preferred.
• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs; ability to read hydraulic schematics, electrical wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and pneumatic layouts.
• Verified Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training; forklift, aerial lift, and overhead crane certifications preferred.
• Proficiency with digital multimeters, insulation testers, hydraulic pressure gauges, precision micrometers, welding equipment, and heavy rigging tools.
• Intermediate Microsoft Word and Excel skills.

Core strengths

• Expert mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and PLC troubleshooting capability.
• Calm, decisive problem-solving in a fast-paced production environment.
• Clear communicator and hands-on mentor.
• Safety-first mindset and continuous improvement focus.
• Meticulous documentation and attention to detail.

Physical demands & environment

• Lift, carry, and manipulate up to 75 lbs routinely.
• Climb ladders, work at heights, enter confined spaces, and stand/walk on concrete for 8–12-hour shifts.
• Work around elevated temperatures, steam systems, chemical odors, and high noise while wearing required PPE.

Work arrangements

Based at our Chicago, IL facility with no anticipated travel. This is a fully site-based role.

Compensation & benefits

Pay Range: $40.00–$45.00 per hour, full-time hourly.

Benefits include medical and prescription coverage, dental and vision, wellness programs, life insurance, a robust 401(k), paid time off, and an employee stock grant, among other offerings.

About Ingersoll Rand

Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE: IR) is driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and ownership mindset. We deliver technology-driven, mission-critical flow creation and industrial solutions across 40+ respected brands, thriving in complex and demanding environments. Our people build customers for life through expertise, productivity, and efficiency. Learn more at

Equal opportunity

Ingersoll Rand is committed to achieving workforce diversity reflective of our communities. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.