Maintenance Technician III (Plastics Manufacturing)

Maintenance Technician III

At Schaefer Plastics, we manufacture industry-leading solutions while driving responsible practices for a more sustainable future. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are committed to quality, innovation, and exceptional customer care.

As a global injection molding manufacturer, we produce durable waste and recycling carts, as well as reusable packaging systems designed to reduce environmental impact. Our Charlotte facility is a fast-paced, highly technical manufacturing environment where senior maintenance talent is essential to equipment reliability, production uptime, safety, and long-term operational performance.

Maintenance Technician III is a senior-level maintenance role responsible for advanced troubleshooting, repair, and reliability support for injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, robotics, automation, and facility systems. This position requires a high level of technical skill in electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electronic systems, with the ability to independently diagnose complex equipment failures and lead repairs.

The ideal candidate will have advanced hydraulic and electrical troubleshooting knowledge, including the ability to read, interpret, and apply electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical schematics, symbols, wiring diagrams, component layouts, and technical documentation. This role is expected to serve as a technical resource for the maintenance team, support root-cause analysis, mentor less experienced technicians, and help improve equipment reliability across the Charlotte operation.

Schedule: Overnight 2-2-3 rotating schedule, 7:00 p.m. 7:30 a.m.

Job Duties

• Perform advanced troubleshooting and repair of injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, robotics, automation, and related production systems.
• Diagnose complex mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, electronic, and control system issues.
• Read, interpret, and apply hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical schematics, including advanced symbols, wiring diagrams, component layouts, sequence of operations, and technical manuals.
• Troubleshoot electrical circuits, motors, drives, controls, sensors, relays, switches, heaters, thermocouples, safety circuits, and related machine components.
• Troubleshoot complex hydraulic systems, including pumps, valves, proportional valves, cylinders, hoses, fittings, accumulators, pressure issues, flow issues, leaks, and repeat failures.
• Support troubleshooting of robotics, automation, material handling systems, conveyors, dryers, loaders, grinders, chillers, compressors, and other auxiliary equipment.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance and recommend improvements to reduce downtime and repeat failures.
• Lead or support root-cause analysis for major equipment breakdowns and recurring maintenance issues.
• Complete assigned work orders using a computerized maintenance system and document findings, repairs, parts used, and follow-up needs.
• Assist with mold changes, machine start-ups, equipment adjustments, and complex production support issues.
• Operate shop equipment, including milling machines, band saws, drill presses, lathes, welders, concrete drills, torches, electrical testers, and other maintenance tools.
• Use advanced diagnostic tools, meters, electrical testing equipment, and technical resources to resolve equipment issues.
• Monitor and maintain facility services, including water, compressed air, and electrical supply.
• Identify and communicate the need for spare or replacement parts and provide input on critical spare parts needs.
• Mentor and support Tier I and Tier II technicians through technical guidance, troubleshooting support, and on-the-job training.
• Provide input on equipment reliability improvements, safety improvements, preventive maintenance updates, and maintenance best practices.
• Follow all safety rules and procedures, including lockout/tagout, fall protection, PPE, and company safety standards.
• Support housekeeping, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement efforts throughout the facility.
• Perform additional duties as assigned based on business needs.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 5+ years of industrial maintenance, manufacturing maintenance, or related technical experience preferred.
• Strong injection molding maintenance experience strongly preferred.
• Technical school, maintenance certification, electrical certification, military technical training, or apprenticeship experience is a plus.
• Experience with hydraulics, electrical troubleshooting, robotics, automation, controls, and computerized maintenance systems strongly preferred.
• Prior experience serving as a senior technician, lead technician, technical trainer, or subject matter expert is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced mechanical aptitude and strong hands-on troubleshooting ability.
• Strong working knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, mechanical, electronic, robotic, and automation systems.
• The ability to navigate and close out work orders properly in the CMMS system.
• Strong ability to read, understand, and troubleshoot from hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical symbols, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Ability to diagnose and repair complex mechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, robotic, and control system issues.
• Ability to use electrical testing equipment, diagnostic tools, meters, and computerized maintenance systems.
• Strong understanding of machine safety systems, sensors, controls, motors, drives, heating systems, and industrial equipment components.
• Ability to support root-cause analysis and recommend practical corrective actions.
• Ability to read and interpret operating instructions, maintenance manuals, procedure manuals, diagrams, and technical documents.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to document work accurately.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize urgent equipment issues, and communicate effectively with production, maintenance, and leadership teams.
• Ability to mentor and support less experienced maintenance technicians.
• Ability to obtain forklift and aerial lift certification.
• Ability and willingness to work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and overtime as needed.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moderate to loud noise, moving mechanical parts, vibration, and work at heights.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods, walk, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, talk, see, hear, and use hands to handle tools, parts, and equipment.
• Must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, or otherwise move up to 50 pounds.