Maintenance Mechanic - Maintenance
$31 - $32/hr+ Bonus plan + 401(k) match
Senior
Rantoul, IL, USA
In PersonWork is in a manufacturing plant; rotating 12-hour shifts, overtime, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-ins may be required.
General Maintenance & RepairEquipment Maintenance
About the job
Requirements
- A high school diploma or GED is required.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in a heavy manufacturing environment is required, preferably in a maintenance role.
- Proficiency with hand and power tools, precision measuring devices, and interpreting technical drawings is required.
- English proficiency is required for safety compliance, understanding work instructions, and communication with team members and management.
- A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.
- The ability to pass job-related testing, an employment physical, and a drug screening is required.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and able to work any 12-hour rotating shift.
- Previous experience as a manufacturing maintenance mechanic in an extrusion or PVC manufacturing environment is preferred.
- Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic systems is preferred.
- Welding and machine shop experience is preferred.
- Familiarity with programmable logic controllers and electrical control systems is preferred.
- Prior experience in a 24/7 manufacturing environment with rotating shifts is preferred.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and familiarity with electrical systems, hydraulics, and pneumatics are required.
- Proficiency with hand and power tools and precision measuring instruments is required.
- The ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals is required.
- Knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, including hazard communication and lockout/tagout procedures, is required.
- Effective English communication skills, including verbal, written, and reading skills, are required.
- The ability to perform basic math calculations relevant to maintenance and repair tasks is required.
- The ability to accurately document maintenance logs, work orders, and incident reports is required.
- Basic proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems and Microsoft Office is required.
- The ability to work on-call or overtime as operational needs require is required.
- Physical stamina to perform repetitive tasks, stand and walk for extended periods, and lift up to 50 pounds is required.
- The ability to work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, noise, and conditions is required.
- The ability to bend, twist, stoop, sit, kneel, crawl, and reach in all directions as needed is required.
- The ability to wear required personal protective equipment and sufficient visual and auditory acuity to monitor equipment and operations are required.
- Associates must have performed competently for at least 30 days in their current position to be eligible for a job bid. Associates with more than 3 attendance points are not eligible for a job bid.
Responsibilities
- Perform mechanical and electrical maintenance on production equipment in compliance with safety procedures, including lockout/tagout.
- Ensure all guards and safety devices are in place and functional before returning equipment to operators.
- Perform routine preventive maintenance, breakdown repairs, and changeover tasks on production equipment.
- Inspect equipment regularly to identify potential issues before they cause downtime.
- Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and quality-related issues, escalating concerns to supervisors when needed.
- Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, manuals, and technical drawings to diagnose and repair equipment and machinery.
- Observe mechanical devices in operation and use precision instruments to identify and correct problems.
- Fabricate repair parts using machine shop tools and equipment as needed.
- Use manual and computerized maintenance management systems to track, inspect, and report equipment status.
- Operate powered industrial trucks, overhead cranes, and portable cranes as required.
- Monitor parts and supply inventory, place orders, and verify receipts as needed.
- Comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards, including hazard communication, lockout procedures, and ergonomic guidelines.
- Identify and report safety, quality, operational, or output issues that cannot be corrected independently.
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment in compliance with safety regulations and company procedures.
- Use personal protective equipment properly at all times.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to team problem-solving efforts.
- Collaborate with the production team to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
- Participate in company meetings and training sessions.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.
- Support implementation of Lean manufacturing principles.
Desired Qualifications
- Apprenticeship, journeyman training, military service, or equivalent mechanical/electrical training is preferred.
- Trade certificates are preferred.
- Previous experience as a manufacturing maintenance mechanic in an extrusion or PVC manufacturing environment is preferred.
- Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic systems is preferred.
- Welding and machine shop experience is preferred.
- Familiarity with programmable logic controllers and electrical control systems is preferred.
- Prior experience in a 24/7 manufacturing environment with rotating shifts is preferred.
About the company
Zekelman Industries manufactures steel pipes and tubes for the construction and manufacturing sectors through a family of specialized brands. The company produces structural sections, electrical conduits, and mechanical tubes in domestic facilities and distributes them through a strategic network to enable next-day delivery. Unlike many competitors, Zekelman maintains an entirely North American manufacturing base, which provides superior control over the supply chain and faster shipping times. Its goal is to provide reliable, domestically produced steel solutions while continuously optimizing its facilities to meet evolving industrial needs.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Founded
1877
Get referred to Zekelman Industries
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- April 2026 hire Jim Marsh targets data centers, AI infrastructure, and skid manufacturing.
- August 2026 Rochelle plant runs near 75% capacity, with 5,000-ton weekly conduit target.
- Data-center demand lifted electrical conduit about 20% in July 2026, accelerating orders.
What critics are saying
- Zekelman’s November 2025 Mexico victory still depends on enforcement across public agencies.
- CEO delays an $80 million Harrow warehouse until Canada-U.S. trade certainty returns.
- Conduit demand concentration in data centers ties growth to hyperscaler capex cycles.
What makes Zekelman Industries unique
- Zekelman controls 17 North American plants; domestic steel conduit delivery beats import lead times.
- The company spans HSS, conduit, modular construction, and real estate under one platform.
- Its trade litigation and public-policy focus protects domestic conduit pricing versus Mexican imports.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- 401(k) Company Match
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Performance Bonus