Maintenance Mechanic
International Paper · Lexington, KY
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Reliability
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 3+ years
- Industry
- Packaging
- Posted
- Yesterday
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level reliability role at International Paper (packaging) in Lexington, KY.
- They ask for
- 3+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Root cause, PLC, Robotics, Welding
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Maintenance Technician roles in the US: typical posted base $57k–$86k.
Median of the low and high ends of 59 live postings that list pay, out of 2258 maintenance technician openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Kentucky plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 42 other live reliability postings in Kentucky.
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (3+ vs 4+)
Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ PLC 51%
- ✓ Welding 37%
- Team leadership 37%
- ✓ Robotics 35%
- ✓ Root cause 33%
- Automation 30%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
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 International Paper
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 does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- 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 at International Paper in other locations
International Paper lists this title in 8 places. Pick the plant you can get to.
Full description from International PaperAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Key Responsibilities
- ◆Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on corrugating and converting equipment
- ◆Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, control system, and robotic issues to minimize downtime
- ◆Diagnose equipment failures and apply structured problem-solving and root cause analysis
- ◆Accurately completing administrative documents and following directions are important work traits.
- ◆Work with Allen Bradley and Siemens PLC’s to identify faults and support basic troubleshooting
- ◆Maintain and troubleshoot systems operating from 24V to 480V, following International Paper safe work practices
- ◆Install, maintain, and repair the following:
- ◆Variable Frequency Drives
- ◆Photo Eyes
- ◆Limit Switches
- ◆Servo Motors and motion control systems
- ◆Basic understanding of FANUC robots to collaborate on troubleshooting and basic teach pendant use.
- ◆Responsible for preventative maintenance on equipment, such as any servicing of conveyors, presses, stackers, etc.
- ◆Be able to read and understand mechanical prints, pneumatic diagrams, and hydraulic diagrams.
- ◆Troubleshoot, repair and install mechanical components, three and four phase motors, pneumatic equipment, hydraulic equipment, bearings, and power transmission.
- ◆Support equipment installations, upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives
- ◆Collaborate with operations and maintenance team members to resolve equipment concerns
- ◆Clearly and effectively communicate will all levels at the facility
- ◆Follow all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout and company safety standards
- ◆Accurately document maintenance activities, repairs, and parts usage
- ◆Perform fabrication of equipment (welding both arc and gas) to desired needs. Be able to make adjustments on equipment to improve productivity. Be able to identify and locate unusual sounds that indicate potential trouble. Be able to dismantle equipment to gain access to defective parts.
- ◆Drill presses, welding, gas, arc, pneumatics, hydraulics, conveyor systems, lubrication/preventive maintenance, and predictive maintenance.
- ◆Other duties assigned
responsibilities
- ◆Must be willing to work alternative shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime as required.
Requirements
- ✓Ability to perform tasks that include standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs
- ✓Ability to work in an industrial environment with noise, heat, and moving equipment
- ✓Ability to work at heights or in confined spaces, with appropriate safety measures
The Culture You Will Experience
International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Maintenance Mechanic
Pay Rate
Starting at $30.00
Category/Shift
Hourly Full-Time ( 12-hour Night Shift 24/7 Rotating Schedule )
Physical Location
Lexington Container
2575 Palumbo Drive
Lexington, KY 40509
The Skills You Will Bring
- •High School diploma or GED equivalent required
- •1–3 years of hands-on maintenance experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment (or equivalent combination of training and experience)
- •Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills
- •Familiarity with PLC systems (Allen Bradley and/or Siemens)
- •Experience with industrial electrical systems (24V–480V)
- •Familiarity with VFDs, sensors, servo motors, and motor controls
- •Experience supporting or troubleshooting FANUC robots
- •Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics
- •Problem-solving and root cause analysis skills
- •The ability to perform the duties/
Preferred Skills
- +3 to 5 years hands-on maintenance experience.
- +Experience in corrugated, packaging, or high-speed production environments
- +Technical certification or associate degree in industrial maintenance, electrical technology, robotics, or a related field
Physical
Work Environment
- •This position operates in a continuous manufacturing environment requiring flexible scheduling, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Work involves exposure to mechanical systems, electrical equipment, and automated/robotic cells.
The Benefits You Will Enjoy
International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets
The Career You Will Build
Leadership training, promotional opportunities
The Impact You Will Make
We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 125 years. Join our team and you’ll see why our team members say they’re Proud to be IP.
The Company You Will Join
International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) creates sustainable packaging solutions that enable our customers, teammates and shareowners to thrive in an ever-changing world. We are a leader in corrugated packaging, partnering with customers across industries to protect what matters most, strengthen supply chains and create lasting value. Learn more at internationalpaper.com.