Maintenance Technician

Location: Lake Villa, IL

Department: Maintenance

Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor / Plant Engineer

Employment Type: Full-time | Second Shift About 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 hydraulicand pneumaticsystems, 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 systemswith emphasis on Allen-Bradley (Control Logix/Compact Logix, Micro Logix).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 HMIinterfaces (Panel View/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 systemsunder direction of qualified personnel. Perform routine checks: oil levels, defrost cycles, evaporators, compressors, condensers, purgers, and safety devices. Follow IIARand PSM/RMPprocedures, including log entries, inspections, and emergency response drills as assigned. Electrical Systems Safely work on 480/277V, 240/208V, and 120 Vsystems; troubleshoot motor circuits, VFDs, contactors, overloads, and control panels. Read and update electrical schematics, one-lines, and panel layouts; adhere to NFPA 70 Esafe 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 safetyand GMPcompliance. 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-Bradleyand SiemensPLCs/HMIs; able to read ladder logic and navigate online diagnostics. Familiarity with Studio 5000/RSLogix, Factory Talk. Equipment: Strong mechanical aptitude on mixers/blenders, kettles, ovens, freezers (mechanical), pumps, and VFFS packagingequipment (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/RMPfamiliarity a plus. (RETAs certification is a plus.)Documentation: Ability to interpret mechanical, electrical, and P\&IDdrawings; comfortable using a CMMSfor 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, Factory Talk View, Siemens TIA Portal/Step 7.Drives & Motion: ABB/Power Flex/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 lbsregularly. Tolerate hot, cold, humid, and refrigerated environments; occasional exposure to ammoniawith appropriate PPE.Ability to work off-shifts, weekends, and on-callrotations 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/hourDOE + 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.