Entry Level Maintenance Technician

Entry Level Maintenance Technician

This entry-level Maintenance Technician role is within a large food processing facility that operates high-speed packaging equipment, sizing equipment, hopping, splitting, cutting, frying, and other shaping equipment for chicken products that may be frozen, chilled, or partially fried. You will perform both preventative maintenance and troubleshooting/repair work on mechanical and electrical systems, including electrical panels and equipment operating up to 480V. Approximately 70% of your time will focus on mechanical work and 30% on electrical work, helping to keep production running safely and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Perform all aspects of maintenance work to keep the facility and equipment running reliably for production needs.
• Carry out both preventative maintenance and reactive repairs on high-speed packaging and processing equipment.
• Work under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and consistently follow all health and safety standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with high-speed packaging equipment and related machinery to minimize downtime.
• Safely work with electrical panels and systems, including 480V and other electrical issues that arise during operations.
• Follow a preventative maintenance plan and schedule as directed by leadership.
• Read and interpret blueprints and electrical schematics to diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical problems.
• Use hydraulic and pneumatic principles to maintain and repair relevant equipment components.
• Participate in written and practical troubleshooting tests to demonstrate the ability to diagnose electrical and mechanical problems.
• Collaborate with supervisors, fellow technicians, and production staff to prioritize maintenance tasks and support continuous operations.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in compliance with facility and food safety standards.
• Use basic hand tools and maintenance equipment appropriately and safely to perform repairs and adjustments.

Essential Skills

• Foundational knowledge of industrial electricity, gained through trade school or technical training, with a focus on maintenance applications.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and electrical schematics for troubleshooting and repair.
• Capability to troubleshoot and diagnose electrical and mechanical problems, including through a written test.
• Comfort and competency working with electrical systems up to 480V and 3-phase power in a safe manner.
• Basic understanding of high-speed packaging equipment and the ability to identify and resolve equipment issues.
• Hands-on skills in troubleshooting and performing preventative maintenance on mechanical and electrical systems.
• Ability to work with hydraulics and pneumatics in an industrial environment.
• High School Diploma or technical school education preferred.
• Strong attention to safety, adherence to GMPs, and compliance with health and safety standards.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment and handle multiple maintenance tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Completion of a trade school program in industrial electricity or industrial maintenance is strongly preferred.
• Education from Coyne College is strongly preferred for candidates pursuing entry-level maintenance roles.
• Experience or coursework involving 480V systems, 3-phase power, and 220V electrical work.
• Exposure to high-speed packaging equipment and food processing machinery is beneficial.
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance programs and documentation.
• Ability to read and work from schematics, diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Ownership of a basic set of tools is beneficial for entry-level candidates, though not strictly required.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn and apply new maintenance techniques.
• Ability to collaborate with a team of maintenance technicians, supervisors, and other departments.

Why Work Here?

You will join a company that actively invests in developing entry-level maintenance talent, providing on-the-job training in industrial maintenance repairs and best practices. Employees can study equipment manuals during work and, when appropriate, take materials home to deepen their technical knowledge. As you transition to permanent status, you gain access to a structured vacation and PTO program, including 5 days after one year, 10 days between two and ten years, and 15 days after ten years, plus 5 paid sick days upon hire as a permanent employee. This environment supports continuous learning, long-term growth, and a stable career path in industrial maintenance.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large food processing facility with over 400 employees working across two different shifts. The operation includes multiple loading docks and a continuous flow of inventory through sizing, hopping, splitting, cutting, partial frying, and instant freezing processes for chicken products. You will be part of an established maintenance team that includes leadership and a group of approximately 17 technicians, providing a collaborative and supportive environment. Work involves regular interaction with high-speed packaging equipment, electrical panels up to 480V, hydraulics, and pneumatics in a production setting that adheres to GMPs and strict health and safety standards. The facility operates in a fast-paced, industrial environment where reliability, cleanliness, and adherence to food safety practices are essential.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of FRANKLIN PARK, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.50 - $26.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in FRANKLIN PARK, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.