Maintenance Technician

Primary Location :

Bolingbrook, Illinois, United States of America

At Solina, our community of close to 5,000 people share a passion for food and live our entrepreneurial culture.

We design customised savoury solutions for our clients operating in the food industry, food service, butchery and nutrition markets. With sustainability at the heart of our business model, we aim to produce food that is good in every sense of the word: delicious, nourishing, affordable, sustainable and convenient.

Solina is a fast-growing business, with around 50 production sites and R&D laboratories present in more than 19 countries mainly in Europe and North America.

By constantly rethinking culinary solutions, we make food matter for people and the planet.

If you're ready for a new adventure in a dynamic, expanding, passionate, international company, join us !

Job Summary

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for the upkeep, troubleshooting, and repair of mechanical, electrical, and automated systems within Solina USA Inc.'s food manufacturing operations. This role ensures the continuous operation of production and packaging equipment while maintaining compliance with safety and food quality standards. The ideal candidate will possess both strong technical skills and a commitment to operational excellence.

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Required Skillsets

• Worker Safety & Food Safety Compliance:

o Strong knowledge of industrial safety standards and practices.

o Adherence to GMPs and food safety protocols (FDA, USDA, HACCP).

• Electrical and Pneumatic Systems:

o Read and interpret electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic diagrams.

o Skilled in using multimeters, frequency measurement instruments, and other diagnostic tools.

o Troubleshoot AC/DC systems (480V/24V), 3-phase motors, variable frequency drives, and motor starters and perform necessary repairs.

• Mechanical Aptitudes:

o Perform preventative and corrective mechanical repairs on equipment such as mixers, pumps (positive displacement, centrifugal, and piston), modular, direct drive, and chain driven variable speed conveyors, horizontal & vertical filling machine, bulk filling machines, metal detectors, X-Ray machines, thermal transfer labeling machines, and rotary sifters.

o Set up and calibrate packaging machines to handle various materials and maintain product quality.

• Communication Skills:

o Communicate effectively equipment status, maintenance needs, and troubleshooting processes to team members and management.

• Computer Skills:

o Proficient in CMMS systems and able to use computers for work assignments and communication.---

Preferred Skillsets

• Automation and PLC Programming:

o Experience with PLCs and VFD troubleshooting & programming.

o Knowledge of SCADA and HMI systems.

• Specialized Equipment Maintenance:

o Experience with air compressors, HVAC, steam & hot water generations systems, burner combustion components, hydraulics, boilers, and CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems.

o Knowledge of food packaging machinery, including vertical form fill and seal (VFFS) systems, horizontal form fill and seal (HFFS) systems, and multi-lane liquid filling equipment.

• Lean Manufacturing Practices:

o Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

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Essential Job Functions

• Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical issues using diagnostic tools and ensure timely repairs.
• Install and maintain communication cables, power distribution systems, and wiring for production equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair burner combustion systems, VFDs, and programmable controllers.
• Maintain records of maintenance activities and log system updates.
• Observe and test equipment during operation to detect malfunctions and ensure safety compliance.
• Ensure all tools and equipment are stored properly after use and work areas are clean.
• Collaborate with contractors and plant operations staff for complex maintenance tasks.
• Adhere to food safety protocols, including equipment sanitation and GMP guidelines.
• Perform safety inspections and audits to ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
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Position Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 3+ years of industrial maintenance experience (preferably in food manufacturing).
• Formal technical trade school training in electrical or mechanical disciplines preferred.
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.) and automation systems.
• Proficiency in reading blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and packaging equipment.
• Proficiency with welding, fabrication, and hydraulics.
• Basic computer skills with the ability to work independently.
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Working Conditions

• Requires working, standing, or walking for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.
• May involve accessing and working in various parts of the plant, both indoor and outdoor, including confined spaces.
• May require occasional weekend work or travel based on operational needs.
• Safety shoes and other PPE are required in the plant area.

We are open to talents of all backgrounds. Our recruitment process is based on competences, and we openly welcome all candidates of all types according to our DEI Commitment