Maintenance Tech in Spartanburg, South Carolina at STAR COMPOSITES CORPORAT ION

Summary

The Maintenance Technician performs hands-on preventive and corrective maintenance on carbon fiber composite manufacturing equipment, including autoclaves, curing ovens, hydraulic and pneumatic presses, vacuum systems, and CNC cutting/trim equipment. This role ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of production equipment to support manufacturing schedules, and works closely with the Maintenance Manager to execute preventive maintenance plans, respond to equipment breakdowns, and maintain a safe working environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) on autoclaves, curing ovens, hydraulic/pneumatic presses, vacuum pumps, CNC cutting and trim equipment, and material handling systems per the PM schedule.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic failures to minimize unplanned equipment downtime.
• Complete and close out work orders in the CMMS (computerized maintenance management system) with accurate labor, parts, and downtime data.
• Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns and production line calls; troubleshoot root cause and implement corrective repairs.
• Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and OSHA safety procedures on all maintenance, repair, and equipment servicing work.
• Support calibration schedules and maintenance documentation required for AS9100/ISO 9001 compliance.
• Perform basic PLC and control-panel troubleshooting on automated production equipment.
• Maintain, organize, and track spare parts and maintenance supply inventory; requisition parts as needed.
• Assist with installation, setup, and commissioning of new equipment and tooling.
• Perform welding, fabrication, plumbing, and general facility repairs as needed.
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, service records, and equipment history files.
• Support the Maintenance Manager with capital improvement projects and equipment upgrades.
• Train and mentor junior maintenance staff on equipment-specific procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical/vocational certification in industrial maintenance, electrical, or mechanical trades preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of industrial maintenance experience; experience in composites, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Hands-on experience with autoclaves, ovens, hydraulic presses, or vacuum systems is a plus.
• Basic understanding of PLCs, motor controls, and electrical schematics.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, and equipment manuals.
• Proficiency with hand and power tools, precision measuring instruments, and diagnostic equipment.
• Forklift certification a plus, or willingness to obtain.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and respond to after-hours emergency calls as needed.
• Basic computer skills for CMMS work order entry and documentation.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work is performed primarily on a manufacturing floor with exposure to composite dust, resins, adhesives, and fumes; required to wear PPE including respirators, safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection as needed.
• Exposure to high heat near autoclaves and curing ovens, and to cold temperatures in prepreg freezer/cold storage areas.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces or at heights.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift heavier loads with assistance or equipment.
• May be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, or be on-call for emergency equipment repairs.
• Exposure to moving machinery, electrical systems, and pressurized equipment; must strictly follow LOTO and all facility safety protocols.