Hvac Mechanic

HVAC Mechanic

The HVAC Mechanic plays a critical role in maintaining and optimizing the systems that keep a candy manufacturing facility running safely, efficiently, and reliably. This role supports product quality, equipment performance, and continuous production by ensuring the optimal operation of HVAC, steam, compressed air, refrigeration, and utility systems throughout the plant.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize HVAC systems, including condensers, air handling units (AHUs), refrigerant circuits, heating systems, and DX coils to ensure consistent temperature and humidity conditions that support candy production quality and food safety.
• Troubleshoot and service air compressors, blowers, cooling motors, check valves, air dryers, and filtration systems to provide reliable compressed air for manufacturing equipment and minimize production downtime.
• Support critical humidity control by maintaining dehumidifiers, motors, desiccant wheels, filters, and K-bars to preserve product consistency, prevent moisture-related defects, and maintain ideal processing conditions.
• Monitor and maintain chiller systems, including water, glycol, and refrigerant circuits, to ensure efficient cooling performance and stable operating temperatures throughout the facility.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on steam systems, including generators, pumps, deaerator tanks, hot water holding tanks, economizers, valves, steam traps, limit switches, and piping networks to maximize system reliability and energy efficiency.
• Conduct water quality testing, including hardness and conductivity analysis, to protect equipment from scale buildup, corrosion, and performance loss while supporting safe and efficient plant operations.
• Manage water treatment chemical programs to maintain system integrity, extend equipment life, and ensure compliance with operational and safety standards.
• Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair thermal oxidizer components, including gas valves and burners, to support environmental compliance and efficient emissions control.
• Maintain industrial heating equipment, including boilers, heat exchangers, hot water systems, steam radiators, electric heaters, and storage tanks to ensure dependable process heat for manufacturing operations.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve equipment performance, reduce energy consumption, and increase system reliability through proactive maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Respond quickly to equipment issues and production needs to minimize downtime and maintain uninterrupted manufacturing schedules.
• Perform emergency repairs and temporary corrective actions to keep critical equipment operational while minimizing production disruptions.
• Document mechanical issues clearly, including photographing equipment conditions and communicating repair recommendations effectively to appropriate stakeholders.
• Apply strong judgment to prioritize equipment repairs based on production impact, safety considerations, and operational requirements.
• Follow preventive maintenance practices that promote proper airflow, system efficiency, and equipment longevity across HVAC and utility systems.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on HVAC experience, including troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems, refrigeration systems, and air conditioning equipment.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and maintenance of compressed air and refrigerant systems.
• Experience with condensers, air handling systems, and filtration systems in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Ability to perform preventive maintenance, installation, and service on mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Skill in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, blueprints, and mechanical drawings.
• Strong leak detection and repair skills for refrigerant, water, steam, and compressed air systems.
• Basic maintenance knowledge of air compressors, including oil changes, coil cleaning, and routine inspections.
• Ability to perform emergency repairs and temporary corrective actions on critical equipment.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills to prioritize repairs based on production, safety, and operational needs.
• Knowledge of EPA refrigerant handling requirements and commitment to preventing refrigerant releases through responsible maintenance and repair practices.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Consistent focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement in all maintenance activities.

Nice to Have

• Proficient in brazing and copper pipe sweating for HVAC, refrigeration, and process piping systems.
• Skilled in soldering techniques for mechanical and plumbing applications.
• Ability to install, modify, and repair HVAC ductwork systems.
• Proficient in pipe bending, routing, and installation for refrigeration, steam, hydronic, and condensate systems.
• Knowledge of air circulation balancing and airflow optimization for HVAC systems.
• Strong understanding of ventilation systems maintenance and performance optimization.
• Working knowledge of hydronic heating and cooling systems, including pumps, valves, and piping networks.
• Skilled in the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of condensate drainage systems.
• Proficient in cleaning and maintaining evaporator, condenser, and process cooling coils to maximize system efficiency and airflow.
• Strong understanding of preventive maintenance practices that promote proper airflow, system efficiency, and equipment longevity.
• Ability to clearly document mechanical issues, including photographs and written repair recommendations.
• Familiarity with installation and service practices for boilers and related heating equipment.
• Comfort working from blueprints and schematics to install, repair, and optimize mechanical and electrical systems.

Benefits

Employees benefit from comprehensive health and dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off that supports work-life balance. Eligible team members may also receive an annual bonus tied to company performance, reflecting a culture that values contribution, rewards results, and invests in long-term employee well-being.

Work Environment

This role operates within a high-volume candy manufacturing facility that relies on complex HVAC, refrigeration, steam, compressed air, and utility systems to maintain precise temperature, humidity, and process conditions. Work is hands-on and equipment-focused, involving frequent interaction with chillers, boilers, air compressors, dehumidifiers, thermal oxidizers, and a variety of mechanical and electrical components. The environment is fast-paced and production-driven, requiring responsiveness to equipment issues and coordination with operations to minimize downtime. Technicians use tools and test equipment for water quality analysis, leak detection, and system performance checks, and follow established safety and preventive maintenance procedures while working around industrial machinery and process lines.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Forest Park, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $39.00 - $42.00/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 Forest Park, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.