Maintenance Multi-Craft Technician Trainee

Charter Manufacturing is a fourth-generation family-owned business where our will to grow drives us to do it better. Join the team and become part of our family!

Maintenance Technician Trainee

POSITION PURPOSE/MISSION:

The Maintenance Technician Trainee serves as an entry-level member of the Maintenance Department and supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plant equipment and systems. This role is responsible for learning and assisting with preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and equipment inspections under the guidance of experienced maintenance team members.

This position supports business operations by helping maintain mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems while following all safety, quality, and environmental requirements. The Maintenance Technician Trainee is expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, continuous learning, good housekeeping, and continuous improvement.

Watch out job description video: Maintenance at Charter Steel - Cleveland

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequent standing and walking.
• Occasional sitting, below-waist-level work, balancing, carrying, reaching away from the body, reaching above the shoulder, use of forceful motion, fine motor skills, and lifting up to 35 lbs.
• Minimal foot use, climbing, pushing, pulling, and lifting over 100 lbs.
• Ability to work at heights.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, as provided in detail in the Job Analysis Database.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• One or more years of related industrial, manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, or maintenance experience preferred.
• Ability to read a ruler and perform basic calculator functions.
• Basic reading, math, and communication skills.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Ability to visually inspect equipment and identify basic mechanical or electrical concerns.
• Basic knowledge of rigging, welding, cutting, and burning preferred.
• Ability to assist with basic piping system repairs and maintenance.
• Demonstrated good housekeeping practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
• Good problem-solving skills and willingness to ask questions when guidance is needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Arc Flash trained.
• CPR trained.
• Ability to solder in an acceptable manner.
• Basic fabrication and construction skills.
• Familiarity with lubrication theory and practices, including the ability to inspect and lubricate couplings, bearings, and gearboxes.
• Basic understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic components such as valves, fittings, filters, and pumps.
• Basic knowledge of motors and drives.
• Exposure to electrical systems and electrical distribution.
• Basic instrumentation, electricity, electronics, and PLC process knowledge.
• Ability to assist with basic preventative and corrective maintenance on overhead cranes, including cable inspections.
• Certification or coursework in mechanical, electrical, industrial maintenance, welding, or a related technical field.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Assist with removing, disassembling, refurbishing, replacing, and aligning machinery and equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance tasks under the guidance of experienced maintenance personnel.
• Support corrective maintenance activities to reduce downtime and improve equipment reliability.
• Learn to read basic mechanical and electrical prints and identify major components.
• Assist with troubleshooting basic hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Learn how to interpret schematics, work instructions, and maintenance procedures.
• Support internal customer requests in a timely, safe, and professional manner.
• Perform routine maintenance assignments while continuing to build technical skills.
• Learn and utilize the computerized maintenance management system, also known as CMMS, for daily maintenance activities.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts within the manufacturing process.
• Follow all Environmental, Quality, and Safety Management System procedures and requirements.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas in accordance with housekeeping expectations.
• Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Meet the essential job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, as outlined in the job description.

POSITION CHALLENGES:

• Learning new equipment, processes, and maintenance procedures.
• Building technical skills across mechanical and electrical disciplines.
• Adapting to future plant expansion and changing business needs.
• Pivoting job duties and schedules based on production and maintenance priorities.
• Meeting the company’s expectations for safety, quality, reliability, and service.
• Cross-training to support multiple maintenance disciplines, including mechanical and electrical maintenance.
• Developing the confidence and skills needed to perform maintenance tasks with increased independence over time.

We offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, along with a 401(k) plan that includes employer matching and profit sharing. Additionally, we offer company-paid life insurance, disability coverage, and paid time off (PTO).