Maintenance Mechanic
Zekelman Industries · Rantoul, IL
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Reliability
- Experience asked
- 18+ years
- Industry
- Metals
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level reliability role at Zekelman Industries (metals) in Rantoul, IL. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.
- They ask for
- 18+ years
- Tools it names
- Lean, PLC, Welding, Extrusion, EHS / safety
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Maintenance Technician roles in the US: typical posted base $58k–$84k.
Median of the low and high ends of 37 live postings that list pay, out of 1616 maintenance technician openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Illinois plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 77 other live reliability postings in Illinois.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (18+ vs 4+)
Typical $70k–$98k, from 8 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Team leadership 50%
- ✓ PLC 47%
- ✓ Welding 33%
- Automation 21%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Lean, Extrusion, 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 Zekelman Industries
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.
Full description from Zekelman IndustriesAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
requirements
- ✓Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times
- ✓Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to team problem-solving efforts
Additional
Responsibilities
- ◆Collaborate with the production team to minimize downtime and maximize productivity
- ◆Participate in company meetings and training sessions
- ◆Maintain accurate records and documentation
- ◆Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor
- ◆Must be able to work any 12-hour rotating shift; must be at least 18 years of age
- ◆Support implementation of Lean manufacturing principles
Required qualifications
Education: High school diploma or GED required. Apprenticeship, journeyman training, military service, or equivalent mechanical/electrical training preferred. Trade certificates preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a heavy manufacturing environment, preferably in a maintenance role. Must have proficiency in hand and power tools, precision measuring devices, and interpreting technical drawings.
English language proficiency is required for safety compliance, understanding work instructions, and effective communication with team members and management. Must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Ability to pass job-related testing, an employment physical, and a drug screening.
Preferred qualifications
- ✓Previous experience as a manufacturing maintenance mechanic in an extrusion or PVC manufacturing environment
- ✓Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- ✓Welding and machine shop experience
- ✓Familiarity with PLCs and electrical control systems
- ✓Prior experience in a 24/7 manufacturing environment with rotating shifts
- ✓Prior experience in a 24/7 manufacturing environment with rotating shifts
requirements
at all times
- ✓Strong teamwork skills and willingness to collaborate to achieve team success
- ✓High integrity, accountability, and strong work ethic
- ✓Adaptability and flexibility to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- ✓Attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday.
Zekelman is a family of companies — 100% domestic manufacturers — with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.
We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.
Come build a career you believe in.
Job title
Maintenance Mechanic
Summary
The Maintenance Mechanic plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe repair and rebuild of PVC extrusion production equipment. The primary focus is to maximize equipment quality, uptime, rate, and yield. This position is ideal for individuals with a strong mechanical aptitude, excellent troubleshooting skills, and the ability to identify and resolve both electrical and mechanical issues. A keen attention to detail and adherence to safety procedures are essential for success in this role.
Department
Maintenance
Report to
Dir of Extrusion/ Process Engineer/ Shift Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Hourly-Non-Exempt
C Shift (Days) and D Shift (Nights)
$31.00-32.00 / Hour
Equipment Maintenance & Repair
- •Perform mechanical and electrical maintenance on all production equipment in compliance with established safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
- •Ensure all guards and safety devices are in place and fully functional before returning equipment to operators
- •Execute routine preventive maintenance, breakdown repairs, and changeover tasks on production equipment
- •Conduct regular inspections to proactively identify potential equipment issues before they result in downtime
- •Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and quality-related issues, escalating concerns to supervisors when needed
Technical & Diagnostic Skills
- •Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, manuals, and technical drawings to accurately diagnose and repair equipment and machinery
- •Observe mechanical devices in operation and use precision instruments to identify and correct problems
- •Fabricate repair parts using machine shop tools and equipment as needed
- •Utilize manual and computerized maintenance management systems to track, inspect, and report equipment status
- •Operate powered industrial trucks, overhead cranes, and portable cranes as required
- •Monitor inventory levels of parts and supplies; place orders and verify receipts as needed
Safety & Compliance
- •Comply with OSHA standards including hazard communication, lockout procedures, and ergonomic guidelines
- •Identify and report safety, quality, operational, or output issues that cannot be independently corrected
- •Maintain a clean and safe work environment in compliance with all safety regulations and company procedures
- •Promote a culture of health and safety consistent with company policies and regulatory
Mechanical Aptitude & Technical Skills
- •Strong mechanical aptitude and familiarity with electrical systems, hydraulics, and pneumatics
- •Proficiency with hand and power tools and precision measuring instruments
- •Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment
- •Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals
- •Knowledge of safety regulations (OSHA) including hazard communication and lockout/tagout procedures
Safety & Work Ethic
- •Strict adherence to safety procedures and PPE
Communication
- •Effective English communication skills — verbal, written, and reading
- •Ability to communicate effectively with operators, supervisors, and all levels of the organization
- •Ability to