Entry Level Maintenance Technician

Job Title:

Entry-Level Maintenance Technician (Apprentice) Job Description This entry-level maintenance technician apprenticeship offers the opportunity to develop strong mechanical and electrical skills while supporting production operations in a clean GMP food manufacturing environment. You will assist with troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining a variety of production and utility equipment used to manufacture confectionery products, while learning from experienced maintenance professionals. Responsibilities Respond to repair requests for production machinery and building equipment in all areas of the facility. Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical issues on production and utility equipment and perform appropriate repairs to restore equipment to safe, reliable operating condition. Work from drawings, blueprints, electrical schematics, job layouts, and written or verbal instructions to complete assigned tasks accurately. Perform moderate to complex adjustments, maintenance, and repairs on plant equipment such as bagging machines, conveyors, case erectors, kitchen equipment, and utility equipment. Perform basic rebuilding and repair of gearboxes, motors, and small pneumatic equipment. Analyze equipment problems and contribute ideas to develop innovative and effective solutions. Unload powdered and liquid raw materials from rail cars as needed, following safety and quality procedures. Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on process and utility equipment, including lubrication, filter changes, and equipment inspections. Assist with installation, modification, and upgrades of plant equipment, including bagging machines, conveyors, kitchen equipment, and utility systems. Use hand tools and power tools safely and correctly while performing maintenance tasks. Support continuous improvement and reliability efforts by documenting work performed and communicating equipment issues clearly. Essential Skills Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues on industrial production equipment. Basic knowledge of mechanical systems, pneumatics, and hydraulics. Strong ability in electrical maintenance, including work with 3-phase motors, variable frequency drives, controls, and electrical troubleshooting. Ability to read and understand blueprints, electrical schematics, and equipment manuals. Proficiency in the safe use of hand tools and power tools. Capability to work from technical drawings, schematics, and written or verbal instructions. Physical ability to climb ladders and stairs, work at heights including rooftops and silos, and safely lift up to 70 pounds. High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent education. Willingness to work 3rd shift (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), Monday through Friday. Comfort working in an industrial environment that can be warm and somewhat loud while maintaining focus on safety and quality. Additional Skills & Qualifications Vocational training or an AA/AS degree in industrial maintenance, electrical, mechanical, or a related field is a plus. Industrial maintenance experience is preferred. Experience in the food industry or confectionery manufacturing is a plus. Familiarity with PLC troubleshooting is beneficial. Experience with robotics, packaging machinery, and conveyors is advantageous. Familiarity with vertical bagging and scale equipment is a plus. Familiarity with Allen-Bradley control platforms is a plus. Experience with installation, maintenance, and repair of motors, gearboxes, and other drive components is helpful. Background in electrical maintenance, including 3-phase systems and industrial controls, is preferred. Open to trade school graduates and entry-level candidates who are eager to learn and grow in industrial maintenance. Why Work Here? You will join a stable, long-standing organization that has been in business for more than a century and exports products to over 80 countries, offering strong long-term career potential and internal promotion opportunities. The company provides an excellent, company-paid benefits package for employees and their families, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term disability, a 401(k) plan, safety bonuses, paid vacation, paid holidays, sick days, and weekly pay. There is no cost to employees for medical, dental, short-term disability, or vision coverage. The vacation program grows significantly with tenure, and a structured retention bonus program rewards your commitment at 6 months and 1 year. You will work in a supportive environment that values safety, reliability, and skill development, with a clear path to grow your maintenance career over the long term. Work Environment This role is based in a GMP-compliant food manufacturing facility that produces confectionery products, including marshmallows. The position works on 3rd shift, from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. The plant maintains a very clean environment and follows strict quality and safety standards; conditions can become warm and somewhat loud at times, but overall remain comfortable. The site operates with a close-knit team of approximately 60 employees at each of its local facilities, creating a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. You will work around industrial equipment such as bagging machines, conveyors, case erectors, kitchen equipment, utility systems, motors, gearboxes, and pneumatic and hydraulic components, using a variety of hand tools and power tools. Work may require climbing ladders and stairs, accessing rooftops and silos, and handling rail car unloading of powdered and liquid raw materials while adhering to all safety procedures and personal protective equipment requirements. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elk Grove Village, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $26.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Elk Grove Village,IL.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 2, 2026. About Aerotek We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.