Maintenance Electrician - Chicago, IL

General Position Summary

North Coast Container is seeking a highly skilled Maintenance Electrician with experience in industrial manufacturing environments. This role is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing electrical, automation, and control systems throughout the facility. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with PLCs, robotics, motor controls, VFDs, sensors, and industrial automation equipment and be capable of diagnosing complex electrical issues to minimize downtime and maximize production efficiency.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain industrial electrical systems, manufacturing equipment, and automation controls.
• Diagnose and resolve issues involving PLC-controlled machinery, robotic systems, conveyors, motors, drives, sensors, and control panels.
• Install, modify, and maintain electrical equipment and control systems in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, ladder logic, and technical manuals.
• Troubleshoot and repair variable frequency drives (VFDs), motor starters, relays, contactors, and control circuits.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Inspect equipment to identify potential failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist with equipment installations, machine start-ups, automation upgrades, and continuous improvement projects.
• Collaborate with production, operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to improve equipment performance and plant efficiency.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, complete work orders, and document repairs and modifications.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, NEC, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and all company safety procedures.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns, production interruptions, and maintenance emergencies as required.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of a technical, vocational, or apprenticeship program in electrical maintenance preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of industrial electrical maintenance experience.
• Strong knowledge and troubleshooting skills of electrical systems, motor controls, PLCs, and industrial automation.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings and schematics.
• Proficient with electrical testing equipment, including multimeters and megohmmeters.
• Knowledge of lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and electrical safety standards.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Journeyman Electrician license or equivalent certification.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or other PLC platforms.
• Industrial manufacturing experience.
• Familiarity with robotics, automated systems, and VFDs.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.

 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work at heights and in varying environmental conditions.
• Availability to work overtime, weekends, and on-call schedules as required.

 

Key Competencies

• Electrical Troubleshooting
• Preventive Maintenance
• Safety Awareness
• Technical Aptitude
• Attention to Detail
• Teamwork and Communication
• Time Management
• Continuous Improvement

 

Work Environment

Manufacturing, warehouse, distribution center, or industrial facility environment with exposure to moving machinery, electrical equipment, noise, and varying temperatures. The employee must follow all safety practices and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).