The Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing preventive, predictive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on plant process equipment used in manufacturing operations. This role evaluates equipment performance, troubleshoots process and mechanical issues, and repairs equipment to maximize reliability, efficiency, and product quality.

The Maintenance Technician works closely with operations, maintenance, and technical teams to minimize downtime, identify root causes of equipment failures, and ensure safe and efficient plant operations. This position reports to the Maintenance Supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Safety and Compliance

• Follow company safety policies, SOPs, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), electrical safety requirements, work permits, and applicable site procedures.
• Participate in safety meetings, safety observations, audits, and other safety-related activities.
• Recognize and report unsafe conditions and follow requirements for confined space, fall protection, hot work, line breaking, combustible dust, and other hazardous work.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Perform preventive, predictive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on production and facility equipment.
• Disassemble, inspect, repair, align, adjust, assemble, and install mechanical equipment and components.
• Troubleshoot and maintain bearings, gearboxes, couplings, belts, chains, shafts, pumps, valves, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, conveyors, material-handling equipment, and other rotating/process equipment.
• Troubleshoot industrial electrical systems up to 480 VAC, including motors, starters, contactors, overloads, relays, control circuits, sensors, switches, and variable-frequency drives (VFDs).
• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment by evaluating field devices, I/O, interlocks, sensors, and control circuits. PLC programming experience is preferred but not required.
• Perform basic welding, cutting, grinding, and fabrication as qualified and required.
• Assist with equipment installations, modifications, upgrades, and reliability improvements.
• Safely operate forklifts and powered industrial trucks, including all-terrain/rough-terrain forklifts, after required training and authorization.

Documentation and Inventory Management

• Create and update maintenance records, equipment history, timekeeping, and parts/inventory information.
• Document repairs, troubleshooting findings, parts used, and follow-up needs accurately.
• Maintain a clean, organized maintenance shop and properly store tools, parts, lifting equipment, and materials.
• Anticipate future maintenance needs and assist with ordering necessary parts, supplies, and equipment.

Teamwork and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain continuity between work shifts and teams through effective documentation and communication of maintenance activities, issues, and operational needs.
• Train and mentor team members on proper maintenance techniques, equipment care, and safe work practices.
• Analyze equipment performance and manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reliability, and overall operational effectiveness.
• Maintain a clean, organized maintenance shop and properly store tools, parts, lifting equipment, and materials

Experience and Education

• Minimum of one (1) years of experience in an industrial maintenance role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills; industrial electrical maintenance experience strongly preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, blueprints, diagrams, manuals, and manufacturer instructions.
• Working knowledge of industrial motors, motor controls, VFDs, bearings, gearboxes, pumps, valves, conveyors, pneumatic systems, and related equipment.
• PLC troubleshooting experience preferred.
• Strong computer skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with supervisors, coworkers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, solve problems, communicate effectively, and complete work within established deadlines.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license and reliable attendance.
• Availability for overtime, weekends, call-outs, and on-call assignments as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb stairs and ladders and work at heights of 50 feet or greater.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, including shifts of up to 12 hours, and perform bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, pushing, pulling, and twisting.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, and move heavier components using appropriate lifting equipment and mechanical assistance.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor industrial manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, dust, loud noise, and strong odors.
• Must be willing and able to participate in respiratory fit testing programs.

Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including:

• Flame-resistant (FR) clothing
• Safety-toed boots
• Hard hat
• Safety glasses/goggles
• Hearing protection
• Gloves
• Any additional PPE required by site safety standards

Specialty Powders is committed to maintaining a safe, productive, and inclusive work environment. The Maintenance Technician plays a critical role by ensuring equipment reliability, operational excellence, and workplace safety.