Maintenance Technician Co-op

Maintenance Technician Co-op

Position Information

Position Title: Maintenance Technician Co-op
Department: Maintenance
Company: Protocase Inc.
Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia
Work Arrangement: On-site
Employment Type: Full-Time, 16-Week Work Term
Shift: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, 40 hours per week
Level: Junior 

Compensation: $19.50/hour + $1.50 per hour incentive target

Full Transparency: We Work a Little Differently Around Here.

This isn't just another job where you punch in and punch out. We come to work every day because we strive to earn a living in a meaningful way. Too many people exist without finding joy or purpose in their work, and we believe that's just wrong. After all, we spend at least a third of our lives working—so why not create workplaces where people want to come to work in the morning and feel good when they leave at the end of the day?

At Protocase, your ideas don't just matter—they shape our future. We thrive on collaboration and innovation, where every voice is heard, valued, and makes a real impact. Does this sound like something you'd want to be a part of and help grow?

Protocase specializes in custom sheet metal enclosures, panels, and parts for engineers and innovators worldwide, built with unmatched speed and quality. We take the impossible and make it possible for some of the brightest minds on the planet.

Learn more about us: https://workdifferently.info/

About the Role

We're looking for a motivated and mechanically inclined Maintenance Technician Co-op Student  from Dalhousie University to join our team for a 16-week work term at our Sydney, Nova Scotia facility.

Working alongside our senior maintenance technicians, you'll gain hands-on experience maintaining manufacturing equipment and supporting the day-to-day operation of our facility. You'll be exposed to mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems while learning how preventative maintenance and troubleshooting help keep a fast-paced custom manufacturing environment running smoothly.

This is an opportunity to build practical technical skills, learn from experienced technicians, and apply what you've learned in the classroom to real-world manufacturing equipment and maintenance challenges.

Full-time, permanent employment may be possible following completion of your degree.

What You'll Do

• Assist senior technicians with preventative maintenance on manufacturing machinery, including CNC machines and press brakes.


• Support troubleshooting and minor repairs involving mechanical and electrical faults.


• Perform routine facility upkeep and general shop maintenance.


• Use common hand and power tools safely and effectively.


• Assist with maintenance activities involving mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems.


• Record completed maintenance activities and support accurate maintenance documentation.


• Keep tools, equipment, and work areas clean, safe, and organized.


• Support senior technicians and the broader maintenance team with additional hands-on tasks as required.

What You Need

Education

• Currently enrolled in a relevant technical program, such as Electronics & Controls, Instrumentation, Industrial Mechanical/Millwright, Mechanics, or a related field at Dalhousie University.
  

Experience

• Previous professional maintenance experience is not required.


• Demonstrated interest in mechanical systems, industrial equipment, maintenance, or hands-on technical work.

Technical Skills

• Basic proficiency using common hand and power tools.


• Foundational understanding of mechanical, pneumatic, or electrical systems.


• Basic understanding of industrial health and safety practices.


• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn.


• Ability to follow instructions and perform hands-on technical work safely and carefully.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work on-site at our Sydney, Nova Scotia facility for the full 16-week term.


• Availability to work full-time, 40 hours per week, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.


• Ability to stand for extended periods.


• Ability to bend and kneel as required.


• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.


• Ability to work independently while also supporting senior technicians and contributing as part of a team.


• Comfortable working in a fast-paced custom manufacturing environment.

What Would Be Considered an Asset

The following qualifications are not required, but would be considered an asset.

• Previous hands-on experience with manufacturing equipment, machinery, or industrial maintenance.


• Exposure to CNC machines, press brakes, or other manufacturing equipment.


• Experience working with mechanical, pneumatic, or electrical systems through coursework, labs, previous employment, or personal projects.


• Familiarity with preventative maintenance practices.


• Experience working in a manufacturing, industrial, mechanical, or shop environment.

What Success Looks Like

By the end of your 16-week work term, you will:

• Develop a practical understanding of preventative maintenance in a manufacturing environment.


• Safely and confidently use common hand and power tools.


• Build familiarity with mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems used throughout our facility.


• Assist senior technicians with routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting tasks.


• Demonstrate strong safety awareness and maintain clean, organized work areas.


• Build productive working relationships with maintenance technicians and other team members.


• Take increasing ownership of routine maintenance tasks as your skills and confidence develop.


• Leave the term with meaningful hands-on experience working with real manufacturing equipment.

Why Us?

At Protocase, we believe in recognizing and rewarding hard work and dedication.

For this 16-week Co-op position, the wage is $19.50 per hour plus an incentive target of $1.50 per hour, based on a 40-hour work week.

In addition, you can look forward to:

Training & Growth: Build hands-on technical skills by working directly with experienced technicians, while gaining practical experience that supports your future career development.

️ Wellness Support: Take part in wellness initiatives and activities such as skiing, skating, wildlife park visits, and other team events.

Social Events: Enjoy regular social events, including Protojams, seasonal parties, team lunches, office events, and team celebrations.

Rewards & Recognition: Celebrate individual and team accomplishments through recognition programs such as Performer of the Month.

Community Discounts: Access exclusive discounts at local businesses and restaurants.

Lifestyle of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia: Enjoy beaches, hiking trails, skiing, live music, beautiful scenery, and a vibrant community while building your career in Cape Breton.

If you're ready to take your technical skills beyond the classroom and gain real-world experience working with manufacturing equipment, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and spend your co-op term learning, troubleshooting, and supporting the equipment that keeps Protocase moving.