Who is O&K American Corp?
We have been supplying high-quality cold heading steel wire to our customers for over 100 years! Through continuous innovation, a proactive approach to challenges, and the expertise of our exceptional team, we consistently deliver quality products that meet the highest standards. Our facilities are located in Chicago, IL and Seymour, IN.
Would you like to join the O&K Team?
At O&K, our mission is to Think Beyond Impossible. We encourage a mindset that challenges boundaries, transforms the impossible into achievable outcomes, and drives innovation forward.
Is that you? Do you believe in making the impossible possible?
Job purpose
The Maintenance Engineer is responsible for improving manufacturing processes while ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and performance of production equipment and facility systems. This position applies engineering principles to optimize manufacturing operations, reduce costs, improve product quality, minimize downtime, and support continuous improvement initiatives. The role also oversees maintenance strategies, equipment reliability, environmental compliance, and the implementation of new technologies to support operational excellence.
Duties and responsibilities
Process Improvement
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Lead continuous improvement initiatives for manufacturing processes, production flow, facility layout, equipment utilization, and operational efficiency.
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Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and recommend improvements to increase productivity, reduce waste, lower costs, and shorten lead times.
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Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
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Conduct process simulations, testing, validation, and troubleshooting.
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Develop and implement process changes, automation solutions, and new manufacturing technologies.
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Establish best practices, standardized work instructions, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
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Analyze production capabilities and equipment capacity to support operational planning.
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Monitor project timelines, budgets, risks, and implementation schedules.
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Collaborate with leadership to improve manufacturing performance and quality.
Maintenance & Equipment Reliability
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Conduct routine inspections of equipment, machinery, utilities, and facility systems.
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Develop and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
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Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and process-related equipment issues.
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Coordinate repairs to minimize production downtime.
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Collaborate with maintenance, production, and contractors to complete equipment repairs and upgrades.
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Maintain maintenance documentation, repair histories, and equipment records.
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Stay current on maintenance technologies and reliability best practices.
Safety, Environmental & Compliance
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Ensure manufacturing processes and equipment comply with all company safety policies and regulatory requirements.
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Support environmental compliance initiatives including recycling, waste reduction, pollution prevention, and conservation efforts.
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Assist with environmental improvement projects involving air, water, and waste management systems.
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Complete engineering, environmental, and regulatory compliance documentation.
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Promote a safe working environment and participate in safety improvement initiatives.
Training & Collaboration
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Develop training materials related to equipment operation, maintenance, process improvements, quality, and safety.
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Train and support production and maintenance team members on new processes and equipment.
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Work closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance to support production goals.
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Provide support during equipment installations, process improvements, and capital projects.
Other Responsibilities
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Monitor equipment and process performance using engineering analysis and diagnostic tools.
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Interpret technical drawings, blueprints, manuals, and engineering specifications.
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Participate in capital improvement projects from planning through implementation.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
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Associate’s degree in Engineering required.
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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred.
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Preferred disciplines include: Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
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Minimum 5 years of engineering experience in manufacturing.
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Experience with process improvement, equipment reliability, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives preferred.
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Experience with automation, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or predictive maintenance is a plus.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
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Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and industrial manufacturing systems.
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Experience using maintenance management software and engineering diagnostic tools.
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Ability to interpret technical manuals, engineering drawings, and blueprints.
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Strong project management and organizational skills.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Ability to prioritize and lead multiple projects.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Working conditions
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Regularly works inside the manufacturing facility, including production areas, maintenance shop, offices, and outdoor areas.
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Frequently exposed to machinery, moving equipment, noise, dust, fumes, heat, and varying environmental conditions.
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Must wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, metguard shoes, hard hat, any additional PPE required for specific work areas.
Physical requirements
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Frequently stand, walk, bend, climb, kneel, reach, twist, and lift throughout the workday.
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Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
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Manual dexterity sufficient to operate tools, equipment, and computers.
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Ability to distinguish colors for equipment, wiring, and process identification.
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Ability to hear, communicate effectively, and work safely around industrial machinery.
