Maintenance Technician
Location: Lake Villa, IL
Department: Maintenance
Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor / Plant Engineer
Employment Type:
Full-time | Second ShiftAbout C&F PackingC&F Packing is a fast-paced food manufacturing operation focused on quality, safety, and innovation. We operate high-volume processing lines including blending and cooking systems, industrial ovens, mechanical freezers, and vertical form-fill-seal packaging. We're growing and looking for a hands-on Maintenance Mechanic who thrives in a team environment and takes pride in reliable, safe equipment performance.
What You'll Do:- (Key Responsibilities)
- Maintain & Repair Production Equipment
- Troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on blending and cooking equipment, continuous/batch ovens, mechanical freezers, and vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) packaging lines.
- Diagnose and repair hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including cylinders, valves, regulators, manifolds, and air preparation units.
- Perform mechanical work: bearings, chains/sprockets, belts, gearboxes, conveyors, seals, pumps, and heat exchangers.
Controls & Automation (PLCs/HMI):- Troubleshoot and support PLC-based control systems with emphasis on Allen-Bradley (ControlLogix/CompactLogix, MicroLogix).Read and interpret ladder logic, monitor I/O, and make minor logic adjustments under engineering guidance.
- Diagnose faults with VFDs, servo drives, sensors (photoelectric, inductive, RTDs/thermocouples), and HMI interfaces (PanelView/WinCC).Maintain accurate backups of PLC/HMI programs and document changes per change-control procedures.
- Ammonia Refrigeration Support (NH3)
- Assist with operation and maintenance of ammonia-based refrigeration systems under direction of qualified personnel.
- Perform routine checks: oil levels, defrost cycles, evaporators, compressors, condensers, purgers, and safety devices.
- Follow IIAR and PSM/RMP procedures, including log entries, inspections, and emergency response drills as assigned.
Electrical Systems:
Safely work on 480/277V, 240/208V, and 120V systems; troubleshoot motor circuits, VFDs, contactors, overloads, and control panels. Read and update electrical schematics, one-lines, and panel layouts; adhere to NFPA 70E safe work practices and lockout/tagout.
Reliability & Safety:
Execute preventive and predictive maintenance (PM/PdM): vibration checks, thermal scans, lubrication routes, and condition-based inspections.
Complete high-quality work orders in CMMS with root-cause notes, parts used, and follow-up actions.
Partner with Production, Sanitation, and QA to minimize downtime and ensure food safety and GMP compliance.
Support continuous improvement (5S, Kaizen) and assist with spare parts identification and kitting.
What You'll Bring (Qualifications)
Experience:
3–5+ years as an industrial maintenance mechanic/technician in food, beverage, packaging, or process manufacturing. Controls: Hands-on troubleshooting experience with Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs/HMIs; able to read ladder logic and navigate online diagnostics. Familiarity with Studio 5000/RSLogix, FactoryTalk.
Equipment:
Strong mechanical aptitude on mixers/blenders, kettles, ovens, freezers (mechanical), pumps, and VFFS packaging equipment (e.g., forming tubes, sealing jaws, film tracking, date coders, and baggers).Systems: Proficiency in hydraulics and pneumatics, including schematic reading and component replacement.
Electrical: Solid background in industrial electricity and controls, including VFDs, motor controls, sensors, and panel wiring; able to use multimeters and test equipment safely.
Refrigeration: Experience with ammonia (NH3) systems preferred; IIAR, PSM/RMP familiarity a plus. (RETAs certification is a plus.)Documentation: Ability to interpret mechanical, electrical, and P\&ID drawings; comfortable using a CMMS for work orders and PMs.
Compliance: Knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, OSHA, LOTO, and NFPA 70E.
Education/Certifications:- High school diploma or GED required.
- Technical diploma/apprenticeship or equivalent military training preferred.
- Relevant certifications (RETAs, OSHA 10/30, forklift/aerial lift, ARC flash) are a plus.
- Tools & Technology You'll UsePLC software: Studio 5000/RSLogix 500/5000, FactoryTalk View, Siemens TIA Portal/Step 7.Drives & Motion: ABB/PowerFlex/Siemens VFDs; servo systems (as applicable).Instrumentation: Temperature, pressure, level, and flow devices; RTD/TC signal conditioning.
- Diagnostic tools: Multimeter, megger, thermal camera, vibration meter, IR thermometer, leak detectors (NH3).CMMS: [e.g., eMaint, MP2, Fiix, Maximo, SAP PM].Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Stand/walk for extended periods; climb ladders; work on elevated platforms and in confined spaces as needed.
- Lift/push/pull up to 50 lbs regularly.
- Tolerate hot, cold, humid, and refrigerated environments; occasional exposure to ammonia with appropriate PPE.Ability to work off-shifts, weekends, and on-call rotations to support production.
What We Offer:- Competitive pay with shift differential (if applicable)
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- Retirement PlanPaid time off and holidays
- Training and development (PLC upskilling, OEM training, refrigeration safety)
- Schedule & PaySchedule: [e.g., 2nd shift, Mon–Fri, 3:00 PM–11:30 PM; weekend OT as needed]
Compensation: [e.g., $30–$48/hour DOE + shift differential]
EEO Statement:
C&F Packing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
