Maintenance Technician

Location: Lake Villa, IL

Department: Maintenance

Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor / Plant Engineer

Employment Type: Full-time | Second Shift

About C&F Packing

C&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 Use

• PLC 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 Plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Training and development (PLC upskilling, OEM training, refrigeration safety)

Schedule & Pay

• Schedule: [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.

Pay: $30.00 - $48.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person