Maintenance Mechanic

The Experienced Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for independent troubleshooting, maintaining, repairing, rebuilding, and improving production equipment and facility systems within a paper converting manufacturing operation. This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, electrical troubleshooting, advanced industrial maintenance experience, and the ability to diagnose complex equipment failures with minimal supervision.

The mechanic plays a critical role in maximizing equipment reliability, minimizing unplanned downtime, maintaining product quality, and ensuring safe and efficient plant operations. The position works closely with production personnel, other maintenance technicians, and management to resolve equipment issues, perform preventive maintenance, and implement long-term corrective actions.

• Independently diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair complex mechanical failures on high-speed manufacturing and packaging equipment.
• Maintain and repair rewinders, unwinders, slitters, sheeters, folders, conveyors, overwrap machines, banders, tapers, and other production machinery.
• Repair, replace, and rebuild mechanical components, including bearings, shafts, rollers, gears, gearboxes, chains, sprockets, belts, couplings, clutches, and brakes.
• Perform precision alignment of shafts, bearings, rollers, and mechanical drive systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including cylinders, valves, pumps, hoses, regulators, and actuators.
• Perform major mechanical repairs, equipment overhauls, component rebuilds, and emergency repairs.
• Execute preventive maintenance programs, equipment inspections, lubrication, adjustments, and component replacements.
• Identify equipment wear, vibration, overheating, misalignment, and other conditions that could lead to machinery failure.
• Investigate recurring equipment failures, identify root causes, and recommend long-term corrective actions to reduce downtime.
• Assist with equipment installations, machinery modifications, production line upgrades, and equipment improvements.
• Perform welding, cutting, drilling, grinding, and metal fabrication as qualified.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, assembly diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Support machine changeovers, equipment adjustments, production startups, and post-maintenance testing.
• Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns and work directly with production personnel to restore equipment to safe operating conditions.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, repair documentation, and equipment history.
• Recommend improvements to preventive maintenance procedures, equipment reliability, and critical spare parts inventory.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance personnel, and management to resolve equipment issues and improve operational efficiency.
• Follow all company safety procedures, including OSHA requirements, lockout/tagout (LOTO), machine guarding, and safe maintenance practices.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical school, industrial maintenance training, or apprenticeship preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of industrial mechanical maintenance experience preferred.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting high-speed manufacturing equipment strongly preferred.
• Previous experience in paper converting, paper manufacturing, printing, packaging, or a comparable manufacturing environment preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Extensive knowledge of mechanical power transmission, bearings, gearboxes, shafts, rollers, chains, belts, couplings, and drive systems.
• Hands-on experience with hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Demonstrated ability to independently diagnose and repair complex machinery failures with minimal supervision.
• Experience with precision alignment, equipment rebuilds, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and maintenance work orders.
• Welding and fabrication experience preferred.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and commitment to workplace safety.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience maintaining high-speed paper converting machinery and web-handling systems.
• Knowledge of roll tension, nip pressure, roller alignment, web tracking, and material feed systems.
• Experience with root-cause analysis and reliability improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with vibration analysis, thermal inspections, and predictive maintenance techniques.
• Ability to identify mechanical issues affecting product quality, waste, machine speed, and production efficiency.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work around industrial machinery.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, precision measuring instruments, and maintenance equipment.
• Ability to lift and handle tools, parts, and equipment within established company lifting limits.
• Comfortable working in an industrial manufacturing environment with machinery noise, paper dust, and lubricants.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or emergency call-ins as needed.