
Electrical Technician
Plastipak · Plastipak - Ottumwa, IA
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Reliability
- Degree
- Required
- Industry
- Packaging
- Posted
- Yesterday
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level reliability role at Plastipak (packaging) in Plastipak - Ottumwa, IA. Proficient reading, writing, math and computer skills (including SAP or equivalent systems) in order to understand and manipulate documents including reports, safety rules, operating instructions and procedure manuals.
- They ask for
- degree required
- Tools it names
- Root cause, PLC, AutoCAD, SAP
- 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 $58k–$86k.
Median of the low and high ends of 64 live postings that list pay, out of 2478 maintenance technician openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Iowa plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 56 other live reliability postings in Iowa.
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Team leadership 60%
- ✓ PLC 46%
- Welding 37%
- ✓ Root cause 26%
- TPM 21%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for AutoCAD, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with 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 Plastipak
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.
This plant: Plastipak in Plastipak - Ottumwa
1 other open role at this site.
- Production Tech · Production · Technician
Full description from PlastipakAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Qualifications
Associate’s degree in Engineering, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, Trade School or a related field.
Three to five years of related experience in manufacturing or industrial electrical maintenance. Required:
Proficient reading, writing, math and computer skills (including SAP or equivalent systems) in order to understand and manipulate documents including reports, safety rules, operating instructions and procedure manuals.
Demonstrates intermediate to advanced electrical aptitude with strong troubleshooting skills for PLC, HMI, servo, and vision systems. Capable of reading and interpreting electrical schematics, blueprints, and ladder logic.
Working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and advanced electrical safety practices. Skilled in installing, programming and troubleshooting PLC logic, vision systems, and automated equipment setup and maintenance, with experience in Allen Bradley and Siemens control platforms.
Familiar with AutoCAD and electrical drafting or documentation tools. Collaborates and works well with others in a team environment.
Effective communication skills, ability to mentor others and strong attention to detail.
Strong commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement. Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays and evenings as required, based on production needs.
Must submit and pass drug screen and background check.
Physical Demand: Medium / Heavy
Ability to meet the following
requirements
- ✓Lift up to 50 lbs. individually and up to 70 lbs. with a team lift.
- ✓Stand and walk on concrete surfaces for extended periods.
- ✓Sit, stand, walk, stoop, balance, push, pull, carry, squat, kneel, twist and reach.
- ✓Climb and descend stairs and ladders. May occasionally work from high lifts.
- ✓Wear and work in personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to: safety glasses, side shields, hearing protection, bump cap, hair net, beard net, arc-rated and flame-resistant (AR/FR) clothing, face shields, insulated gloves (often with leather protectors), and non-conductive safety shoes or boots, etc.
Specific vision
requirements
include: normal vision in both eyes (corrected) and normal field of view. Work Environment:
Exposed to low to moderate noise level. Hearing protection required at all times.
Must remain alert and aware of moving equipment and a fast-paced production environment.
As a Plastipak Associate, you receive a benefits package offering the following:
- ✓Wellness Programs
- ✓Health Insurance Coverage, including Medical, Dental & Vision
- ✓EAP, Employee Assistance Program
- ✓Life Insurance
- ✓Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
- ✓Disability Insurance: Short-Term & Long-Term
- ✓Accidental Insurance
- ✓Critical Illness Insurance
- ✓Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- ✓401(k) Plan, with Company Matching Contribution & Profit Sharing feature
- ✓Paid Time Off - 80 hours within 1st year & subsequent increases
- ✓Paid Company Holidays
- ✓Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
- ✓Caregiving via Care.com
- ✓Pet Insurance
- ✓Tuition Assistance Program
- ✓Sons and Daughters Scholarship Program
- ✓Travel Assistance
- ✓Employee Discount Programs
- ✓Some benefits are subject to eligibility
requirements
In order to process your job application, Plastipak collects and stores the personal information that you submit via this website. Please refer to Plastipak’s Privacy Policy to understand how Plastipak uses and protects the information that you provide.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
The Electrical Technician is responsible for performing intermediate-level maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and installation of electrical and electronic systems, circuits, and equipment. Independently supports plant operations and engineering through the configuration, programming, and optimization of electrical control systems. Performs complex diagnostics on automated systems to identify root causes of malfunctions and implements corrective actions. Participates in equipment installations, upgrades, and power distribution projects in compliance with company and regulatory standards. . Key focus is demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of electrical and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, and servo drives across multiple platforms (Allen Bradley, Siemens, etc.).Provides functional support to other technicians as needed and assists higher-level electrical technicians with complex projects.
