Maintenance Mechanic Technician (Spice Mill Mfg.)

Description

About US Spice Mills:

Join our amazing US Spice Mills team which has been a major supplier of pure spices in the U.S. food industry and global market space for over 40 years. We are SQF and Kosher Certified. We offer a full line of pure spices, herbs, and customized seasonings. If you are looking for a company where your hard work is seen, your ideas are heard, and your career can actively grow, you’ve found it. As a trusted name in the spice processing industry, we take pride in running a fast-paced, high-energy facility. 

Position summary

We are looking to Hire a Bilingual (Spanish and English) experienced certified Maintenance Mechanic Technician for the 1st Shift in our Glendale Heights, IL location. The Maintenance Mechanic Technician will be responsible for overseeing and executing the installation, programming, and repair, and preventive maintenance of all processing machinery, automated packing lines, quality inspection systems, electrical networks, control systems, and structural facilities within our spice plant. 

As the Maintenance Mechanic Technician, you must have experience as well as have certification trade credentials and be able to demonstrate working knowledge of  PLCs and electrical troubleshooting, cause-and-effect programming, and I/O mapping. This role is fully responsible for ensuring continuous operation, food safety compliance (SQF/GMP), and strict dust hazard control across key processing assets including mills, spice grinders, precision sifters, screw conveyors, box formers, bag inserting machinery, heat sealers, labelers, and critical quality control equipment.

Requirements

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Industrial Controls, PLC Programming & Logic Mapping
  • Control Logic & Cause-and-Effeect understanding; read, modify, and troubleshoot PLC code (Ladder Logic/Function Block) to evaluate machine behavior–understanding exactly how modifying an input parameter or logic rung affects downstream
  • I/O Mapping & Troubleshooting: Basic knowledge of tracing, testing, and calibrating discrete and analog inputs/outputs (sensors, photo eyes, proximity switches, solenoids, VFD speed references, motor contractors) using physical tools and software diagnostics. 
  • HMI & Parameter Management: Configure Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens, set operation parameters, scale analog inputs, and adjust recipe/run parameters without comprising safety interlocks.
  • Automation Hardware: Basic knowledge of programming, configuring, and troubleshooting PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), safety relays, and industrial network communications (EtherNet/IP, Modbus).
• Processing, Milling & Packaging Equipment
  • Milling, Grinding & Sifting: Basic knowledge of serving, aligning, and repairing primary production machinery including  mills, commercial spice grinders, high-efficiency sifters, and vibratory separators.
  • Conveying & Foreign Material Mitigation: Basic knowledge of maintaining screw conveyors, drive augers, hoppers, drive chains, gearboxes, pneumatic transfer components, and in-line flow magnets (magnet separators) for metal contamination prevention.
  • Box Former & Bag Inserter Operations: Basic knowledge of troubleshooting, calibrating, and repairing automated box former machines, mechanical/pneumatic bag inserter units, vacuum pick-and-place mechanisms, and box folding sequences. 
  • Heat Sealing & Labeling: Basic knowledge of servicing industrial heat sealers (temperature controllers, heating elements, pressure jaws, Teflon belts) for paper bag sealing, as well as automatic box/bag labelers (print-and-apply applicators, sensors, timing belts, pressure rollers).
• Dust Collection, Safety & Facility Infrastructure
  • Dust Control & Air Quality: Basic knowledge of maintaining and overhauling central pulse-jet dust collection systems, baghouses, ductwork, and explosion-venting systems critical for airborne spice dust mitigation.
  • Facilities & Utilities: Basic knowledge of repairing industrial compressed air systems, air dryers, hydraulic dock levelers, facility plumbing, lighting and general rooftop HVAC units
• Compliance, Quality & Preventive Maintenance
  • Maintain full compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP, HACCP, and Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards. Ensure all post-repair cleanups and food-grade lubrication protocols are strictly followed.
  • Enforce Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Confined Space Entry, and Hot Work permit safety programs.
  • Execute scheduled Preventive Maintenance (PM) via the plant CMMS, logging all repairs, PLC programs edits, spare parts, usage, and root-cause failure analyses. 

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Must be Bilingual (Spanish and English) with proficient communication skills in both writing and speaking.
• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate Degree in Industrial Maintenance desired
• 3-5 years of industrial maintenance experience in manufacturing, preferably food, ingredient, grain or pharmaceutical processing.
• Must be Licensed and/or Certified in any of the following:
  • Licensed Industrial Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright
  • Licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician
  • Certified Automation Professional (CAP) or accredited PLC/Automation Certification (Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Allen Bradley, SMRP)
  • Mechatronics
  • Industrial Automation
• Skill with precision measuring tools (micrometers, calipers, dial indicators) and shaft alignment methods.
• Basic computer skills for CMMS entries, email and electronic SOPs.
• Working knowledge of mechanical power transmission, pumps, bearings, gearboxes and conveyors.
• Ability to troubleshoot 120–480V AC electrical circuits, motors and controls safely a plus
• Working knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Basic welding and fabrication skills.

Benefits: Group Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance;  Paid Time Off (PTO), and Paid Holidays

Physical demands and work environment

Physical Demands

• Must be able to work around strong spice aromas. 
• Stand, walk, climb ladders and stairs, kneel, crawl and work in awkward positions for extended periods.
• Lift and carry up to 50lbs regularly and up to 75lbs with assistance or lifting aids.
• Work at heights up to 20-feet on platforms, ladders and lifts.
• Use both hands for fine and gross motor tasks; distinguish wire colors and read gauges.

Work Environment

• Production floor with airborne spice dust and strong aromas and irritants (e.g., chili, black pepper, garlic).
• Strict GMP dress code: hairnets and beard nets, no jewelry, plant-issued uniforms and safety footwear.  

Tools and equipment used: hand and power tools, multimeters and clamp meters, megohmmeters, laser alignment tools, vibration analyzers, infrared thermometers, welders and torches, drill presses, grinders, lathes, chain hoists, forklifts and aerial lifts. Mechanics.

Disclaimer: This description summarizes the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, and management may assign other related tasks. Employment is at will.

Equal Opportunity: U.S. Spice Mills, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. We believe that diversity of thought, background, and experience strengthens our team and helps us better serve our customers.