Maintenance & Facilities Engineer Operations Cincinnati, OH

At 1872 AI, we are transforming industrial manufacturing in the United States by building AI-native factories capable of lights-out production—from CAD to finished part with minimal human input. Our initial focus targets the energy and infrastructure sectors—power generation, grid infrastructure, and compute facilities—where critical supply chain bottlenecks in steel fabrication are limiting growth.

Reporting directly to the Head of Operations, we are looking for a Maintenance & Facilities Engineer to serve as the critical bridge between maintenance engineering and hands-on technical execution. You will own the day-to-day upkeep, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance of our facility infrastructure and automated production equipment. This is a scrappy, highly independent role perfect for someone who thrives on executing tasks from the ground up.

• Primary Interfaces: Operations Leadership, Automation and Controls Engineers, Operations Team, External Contractors
• Key Systems/Tools: 20-ton overhead bridge cranes, 480V electrical systems, Allen-Bradley PLCs, lifting and rigging equipment (forklifts, scissor lifts), HVAC/mechanical systems, basic shop equipment (tables, bandsaws)
• Schedule: Day shift (typically 6:30 AM start for 8-10 hour days). Predictable hours with no routine weekend or after-call expectations required at this time.

• Facilities & Install: Drive heavy facilities work (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) to get the shop ready, followed by assisting in the installation and commissioning of new manufacturing equipment.
• Equipment Maintenance: Execute PMs and respond to emergency breakdowns for heavy fabrication machinery and automated production equipment.
• Electrical Systems: Serve as our primary in-house electrical expert for everyday tasks and rapid troubleshooting. Provide hands-on support for 480V systems and assist controls engineers with physical work.
• Asset Management: Oversee the condition, usage, and maintenance of lifting and rigging equipment, including our 20-ton overhead bridge cranes, forklifts, and rentals.
• Contractor Management: Vet, schedule, and oversee external facilities and equipment contractors when highly specialized support is required.

• 5+ years of experience in heavy industrial, automotive, or robotics-heavy manufacturing environments.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude to drive heavy facilities work early on, before transitioning into equipment installation, commissioning, and long-term maintenance.
• Strict adherence to industrial safety standards, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and Arc Flash safety.
• Obsessive attention to detail—you take pride in clean wire routing, perfectly level installations, and meticulous PM logs.
• Culturally, you are highly focused, independent, and execution-oriented with a strong ability to block out distractions and get the job done.

• A hybrid "specialist" mindset: you might be an elevated industrial electrician capable of engineering-lite problem solving, or a hands-on engineer who prefers being on the floor over sitting at a desk.
• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley PLCs is a massive plus. Our Automation & Controls Engineer is willing to mentor the right candidate in PLC programming if you have a rock-solid industrial electrical foundation.
• Experience vetting and managing external facilities contractors.

• We provide the best tools: Leave your tools  purchase and provide all necessary tools and equipment, brand new and top-shelf.
• What you'll build first: The foundational facility infrastructure and automated production base that powers our mission to build structural steel skids and e-houses.
• Impact: You ensure our AI-driven systems and heavy machinery…