Maintenance Assistant (Entry Level Role - We Will Train) in Chicago, Illinois at U.S. Spice Mills, Inc.

Company: US Spice Mills

Location: Chicago, IL

Reports To: Senior Production Manager

Job Type: Full-Time, On-site

Pay Rate Range: $19 - $20 per hour paid weekly

We’ve been flavoring America since 1986. As a major supplier of pure, high-quality spices to the food industry, we combine the stability of an established company with the welcoming, collaborative vibe of a family-centric environment. We care about our products, but we care about our people more. We are looking for a dedicated, detail-oriented Maintenance Assistant to join our team and help keep our production lines running safely and efficiently.

The Maintenance Assistant will play a vital role in ensuring the operational reliability of our production facility. Your primary focus will be executing routine preventive maintenance (PM) programs and addressing minor mechanical issues on our specialized spice milling, grinding, sifting, and blending equipment.

? Preventive Maintenance: Execute scheduled PM tasks on spice mills, hammer mills, roller mills, sifting equipment, conveyors, and industrial blenders to maximize uptime and prevent breakdowns.

? Routine Inspections: Regularly inspect machinery for signs of wear, misalignment, or damage; lubricate bearings, change belts, and replace worn parts as needed.

? Troubleshooting & Repair: Assist in diagnosing mechanical malfunctions and perform basic repairs under the guidance of senior maintenance staff.

? Sanitation & Food Safety Compliance: Ensure all maintenance activities align with food safety standards (GMP, FDA, and OSHA regulations). Clean and sanitize tools and work areas post-repair to prevent cross-contamination.

? Documentation: Maintain accurate, detailed logs of all completed preventive maintenance tasks, parts used, and equipment conditions.

? Team Support: Assist senior technicians with complex equipment overhauls, facility maintenance, and emergency repair situations.

? Must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without employer sponsorship.

? High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification or trade school background in mechanical maintenance is a strong plus.

? Strong mechanical aptitude and familiarity with components like gearboxes, sprockets, chains, bearings, and pneumatic systems.

? Use of multimeter, basic knowledge of electric motor plumbing, some basic electrical maintenance (i.e. replacing fuses, bulbs, ETC).

? Solid understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and safety protocols within a food manufacturing environment.

? Ability to learn how to read and interpret equipment manuals, technical diagrams, and PM checklists.

? Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying potential equipment failures.

Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 51 lbs, climb ladders, work in tight spaces, and stand for extended periods in a production environment that may contain airborne spice dust particles.

? Competitive hourly wage based on experience.

? Comprehensive benefits package (Medical, Dental, Vision).

? Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.

? Opportunities for professional growth and technical training.

U.S. Spice Mills is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, promote a safe and inclusive working environment, and welcome self-starters from all backgrounds to apply.

In accordance with Illinois state regulations, the compensation range provided reflects our good faith hourly rate for this role. Final starting pay is determined by various factors, such as specific shift assignments, relevant transferable skills, and prior operational experience.