Maintenance Tech I

Job Title:

Maintenance Technician I — Entry Level / Apprentice

Location:

Crystal Lake, Illinois Compensation:$48,000–$65,000 annually, depending on experience and overtime Position Overview

We are seeking anentry-level Maintenance Technician Ito join a manufacturing maintenance team. This position is ideal for someone who is mechanically inclined, safety-focused, dependable, and interested in developing a long-term career in industrial maintenance.

The Maintenance Technician I supports routine preventive maintenance, basic repairs, and general facility maintenance activities under the direction of experienced maintenance personnel.

This role is focused on learning safe maintenance practices, developing hands‑on mechanical skills, completing assigned preventive maintenance tasks, and becoming familiar with production equipment and facility systems.

• Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks, including:
• Lubrication
• Equipment inspections
• Cleaning
• Filter replacement
• Basic adjustments
• Assist senior technicians with repairs on production equipment, including:
• Welders
• Presses
• Conveyors
• Powder coating lines
• Fabrication equipment
• Facility infrastructure
• Safely and correctly use hand tools, power tools, and basic maintenance equipment.
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures, 5S expectations, PPE requirements, and all applicable safety protocols.
• Complete assigned work orders and preventive maintenance tasks in the CMMS with accurate notes and completion details.
• Assist with parts identification, spare parts staging, maintenance inventory organization, and general housekeeping.
• Perform visual equipment inspections and report abnormal conditions, including:
• Leaks
• Loose guards
• Damaged parts
• Unusual noise
• Vibration
• Excessive heat
• Unsafe conditions
• Respond professionally to basic maintenance requests from production teams and eliminate issues appropriately.
• Participate in training, cross‑training, continuous improvement activities, and hands‑on skill development with experienced technicians.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas in maintenance shops, parts areas, and production support zones.
• Learn the proper use of ladders, lifts, tools, meters, lubricants, fasteners, and maintenance documentation.
• Clearly communicate maintenance concerns to the Maintenance Lead, Maintenance Supervisor, or assigned senior technician.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 0–2 years of industrial maintenance, mechanical, facilities, construction, automotive, military, trade school, or related hands‑on experience preferred.
• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification preferred or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Valid forklift and aerial lift certification preferred or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Ability to safely use common hand tools, power tools, ladders, and basic shop equipment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn industrial maintenance skills.
• Ability to read and follow simple work instructions, preventive maintenance procedures, safety instructions, and equipment checklists.
• Basic computer skills for CMMS work order entry, email, training records, and documentation.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, attendance, teamwork, housekeeping, and reliable work habits.
• Ability to work independently on assigned entry‑level PM tasks after appropriate training and authorization.
• Willingness to cross‑train on production equipment, facility systems, maintenance processes, and safe work practices.
• Ability to ask questions, accept coaching, follow direction, and eliminate problems when they are outside the assigned skill level or authorization.

This position provides hands‑on development in:

• Guards
• Fasteners
• Belts
• Chains
• Bearings
• Lubrication points
• Simple adjustments
• Visual inspection practices

• Conveyors
• Fabrication equipment
• Weld cells
• Presses
• Finishing equipment
• Pumps
• Motors
• Facility support systems

• Work order notes
• PM task completion
• Parts usage
• Follow‑up needs
• Equipment condition reporting

• Lockout/tagout awareness
• PPE use
• Housekeeping
• Tool safety
• Ladder safety
• Lift safety
• Hazard recognition

• Identifying obvious…