Automation Maintenance Mechanic

Pay: $35-$38/hr

• 1st Shift: Monday – Friday | 6:30am – 3:00pm

• 2nd Shift: Monday – Friday | 3:00pm – 11:30pm

We're looking for an experienced Automation Technician to help keep our food production and packaging equipment operating at peak performance. In this role, you'll troubleshoot, repair, and maintain automated production systems in a USDA-regulated manufacturing environment while ensuring equipment reliability, safety, and production efficiency.

If you're mechanically inclined, enjoy electrical troubleshooting, and have experience with PLCs, VFDs, and automated packaging equipment, we'd love to hear from you.

• Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain food processing and packaging equipment.

• Perform preventive maintenance, equipment setup, and repairs on conveyors, stackers, baggers, check weighers, UPC barcode systems, and case erectors.

• Diagnose and repair 110V, 230V, and 460V electrical systems including motors, starters, relays, timers, breakers, panels, conduit, and wiring.

• Read and interpret electrical schematics and control drawings to troubleshoot equipment issues.

• Perform basic PLC and VFD programming and troubleshooting.

• Dismantle, clean, lubricate, and reassemble equipment according to preventive maintenance schedules.

• Respond quickly to equipment breakdowns to minimize production downtime.

• Ensure all production equipment is operational before scheduled production starts.

• Fabricate replacement parts and modify equipment as needed to improve performance.

• Maintain facility equipment and support compliance with city, fire, and USDA regulations.

• Follow all safety procedures including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), ladder safety, and company safety programs.

• Support SQF Food Safety Code requirements and maintain a clean, food-safe work environment.

• Assist with training and mentoring maintenance and production team members.

• 5+ years of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic maintenance experience in a USDA or FDA food manufacturing environment.

• Experience troubleshooting automated production and packaging equipment.

• Strong understanding of electrical controls, motors, wiring, relays, control panels, and industrial electrical systems.

• Ability to read electrical schematics, blueprints, and technical documentation.

• Basic PLC and Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) troubleshooting experience.

• Safe and proficient use of hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and within a team.

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Valid Illinois Driver's License preferred.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

• Must be available to work any shift as business needs require.

• Competitive pay based on experience

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid vacation and company benefits

• Stable, clean, USDA-regulated manufacturing environment

• Ongoing training and opportunities for career growth

• Join a collaborative maintenance team where your technical expertise makes a direct impact every day

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources.

Please note:

The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight…