Maintenance Mechanic - 2nd shift

Ferrara Candy · DeKalb, IL

Apply on Ferrara Candy ↗

Level: Technician
Team: Reliability
Degree: Required (or equivalent experience)
Experience asked: 1+ years
Industry: Food & beverage
Posted: 21 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A technician-level reliability role at Ferrara Candy (food & beverage) in DeKalb, IL.

They ask for: 1+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
Tools it names: FDA / GMP, Tooling

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Maintenance Technician roles in Illinois: typical posted base $92k–$107k.

Median of the low and high ends of 3 live postings that list pay, out of 122 maintenance technician openings in Illinois, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Illinois plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 131 other live reliability postings in Illinois.

Base pay: Not listed in this posting
Experience asked: Less than usual (1+ vs 5+)

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ Team leadership 53%
PLC 40%
Welding 31%
Root cause 20%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for FDA / GMP, Tooling, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 1+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Promotion path mentionedLifts up to 50 lbs

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Reliability team at Ferrara Candy
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

Maintenance Mechanic - 2nd shift at Ferrara Candy in other locations

Ferrara Candy lists this title in 3 places. Pick the plant you can get to.

Full description from Ferrara CandyAs posted on their careers site.Show

requirements

on motors, pneumatic components, conveyor systems, and production machines; follow diagrams, sketches, operations manuals, manufacturer’s instructions, and engineering specifications; troubleshoot malfunctions

✓Locate sources of problems by observing mechanical devices in operation, listening for problems and using precision measuring and testing instruments
✓Install new machinery and/or equipment by installing utilities to and between machines and equipment using hand and power tools and test equipment
✓Repair electrical systems and equipment by diagnosing malfunctioning apparatus, such as transformers, motors, and lighting fixtures; determining faulty wiring; inspecting and testing malfunctioning machinery
✓Repair and replace faulty electrical components by using testing equipment and hand tools to install relays, switches, motors, printed circuit boards, and position-sensing devices
✓Troubleshoot and maintain equipment including but not limited to:
✓High-speed horizontal and vertical carton machines
✓Bag machines
✓Pumps, conveyors, printers, tapers etc.
✓Rebuild machinery as wear and tear occurs
✓Perform routine preventative maintenance per established PM program
✓Fabricate and repair parts by using machine shop instrumentation and equipment
✓Maintain equipment, parts and supplies inventories by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipate needed equipment, parts, and supplies; placing and expediting orders; verifying receipt
✓Understand and demonstrate the Company’s core values and operating principles
✓Adhere to all company policies and procedures, GMP and safety standards; ensure adherence with FSSC 22000 and other relevant standards
✓Perform other duties as assigned to support Ferrara Candy Company business objectives

Experiences that will support your success

✓Minimum of 1 year experience in the maintenance and repair of related manufacturing and material handling equipment required; food manufacturing experience strongly preferred
✓High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center

The rate for this role is $38 - $41.50 per hour

Show full description ↓

Work Location: DeKalb

Position requires the ability to work overtime. As a result, it may require working varying start times, end times, and weekends dependent on business needs.

This is a second shift position - core hours are 1pm to 9:30pm

Want to make an impact?

As a Maintenance Mechanic, reporting to the Maintenance Supervisor, you will help keep our production running smoothly by maintaining and repairing critical plant equipment, performing preventive maintenance, and supporting projects that ensure the reliable operation of mechanical and electrical systems throughout the facility.

Ways you will make a difference

•Ensure operation of machinery and mechanical equipment by completing preventive maintenance

Skills that will make you successful

•Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting abilities, as well as a working knowledge of machinery repair practices, shop practices, use of hand and power tools and electrical testing instruments
•Knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems, hydraulics, and pneumatics
•Basic mathematical skills
•Ability to pass certification test on pallet jack and forklift
•Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop, reach and lift up to 50 pounds
•Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to understand detailed written and/or oral instructions
•Able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
•Promote teamwork; possess a good attitude, and exhibit flexibility and willingness to perform tasks as needed
•Ability to problem solve by adjusting variables in standardized situations