Maintenance Technician – Plastic Recycling (Electrical & Mechanical)

Shift- 2nd shift (Mon-Fri 3:30pm-12am)

Pay- $38/hr

Key Responsibilities:

Electrical Maintenance (Plastic Recycling Focus):

- Troubleshoot and repair 480VAC, 3-phase motors, VFDs, and control panels for shredders, extruders, and conveyor systems.

- Diagnose electrical faults in production equipment, balers, and pelletizers using multimeters, meggers, and PLC diagnostics.

- Maintain and repair sensors, relays, solenoids, and safety interlocks on production equipment

- Ensure compliance with NFPA 70E (Arc Flash Safety) and lockout/tagout (LOTO)

Mechanical Maintenance (Plastic Processing Equipment):

- Perform bearing replacements, gearbox repairs, and belt/chain adjustments on conveyors and granulators.

- Weld (MIG/TIG) and fabricate repairs on hopper liners, screw augers, and shredder blades .

- Troubleshoot hydraulic/pneumatic systems for shredders, forklifts, and material handlers .

- Align and maintain extruder barrels, dies, and cooling systems to prevent production defects.

Plastic Recycling-Specific Duties:

- Address material jams, contamination issues, and wear-related failures in production lines.

- Optimize equipment to handle varied plastic feedstocks (PET, HDPE, PP, etc.) .

- Work with hot melt systems, filtration screens, and pelletizing equipment .

- Document maintenance in CMMS and track recurring issues for continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Skills:

- Experience: 3+ years in industrial maintenance , preferably in plastic recycling, waste processing, or related manufacturing .

- Electrical: Strong knowledge of motor controls, PLCs (Allen-Bradley/Siemens), and industrial wiring .

- Mechanical: Proficiency in pump repairs, welding, and mechanical power transmission systems .

- Problem-Solving: Ability to diagnose issues caused by contaminated plastics or abrasive wear .

- Certifications (Preferred):

NFPA 70E

- Welding (AWS)

- Forklift/Manlift Certification

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

- Lift 50+ lbs , climb ladders, and work in dusty/noisy conditions near moving machinery.

- Exposure to plastic particulates, heat (extruders), and occasional odors .

- Flexibility for overtime or emergency call-ins during breakdowns.

Equal Opportunity Employer

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie, TimberTech, AZEK Exteriors, Versatex, fermacell, and StruXure.

With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, were united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.