HVAC Mechanic-1st Shift - Itasca, IL

Military Spouse Corporate Career Network•Itasca, IL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The HVAC Mechanic maintains systems that support safe, efficient, and reliable candy manufacturing, including HVAC, steam, compressed air, refrigeration, and other facility utility systems. The role supports product quality, equipment performance, continuous production, and food safety by keeping systems operating effectively. This is an on-site first-shift position in Itasca, Illinois, with core hours Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The position requires overtime, which may involve varying start and end times and weekend work depending on business needs. The mechanic performs preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, testing, and repairs across heating, cooling, humidity control, steam, water treatment, compressed air, and emissions-control equipment. The role also responds to production-related equipment issues and identifies opportunities to improve reliability and energy efficiency.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or one to three months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least one year of experience with chillers and HVAC systems.
Experience with SAP or similar software, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
Proficiency in brazing and copper pipe sweating for HVAC, refrigeration, and process piping systems.
Skill in soldering for mechanical and plumbing applications.
Ability to install, modify, and repair HVAC ductwork.
Proficiency in pipe bending, routing, and installation for refrigeration, steam, hydronic, and condensate systems.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings.
Knowledge of air circulation balancing, airflow optimization, ventilation systems, and hydronic heating and cooling systems.
Skill in fabricating, installing, and maintaining condensate drainage systems.
Ability to clean and maintain evaporator, condenser, and process-cooling coils.
Leak detection and repair skills for refrigerant, water, steam, and compressed-air systems.
Basic air-compressor maintenance knowledge, including oil changes, coil cleaning, and routine inspections.
Ability to perform emergency repairs and temporary corrective actions while minimizing production disruptions.
Ability to prioritize repairs based on production impact, safety, and operational requirements.
Ability to document mechanical issues, photograph equipment conditions, and communicate repair recommendations.
Understanding of preventive maintenance practices that support airflow, system efficiency, and equipment longevity.
Knowledge of EPA refrigerant-handling requirements and commitment to preventing refrigerant releases.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with a focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

Experience troubleshooting, repairing, and rebuilding heat pumps and related HVAC equipment.
Experience troubleshooting and maintaining boiler-room equipment and associated controls.
Experience performing welding repairs and fabrication work on industrial equipment and piping systems.
Experience repairing and maintaining steam traps, filters, strainers, and steam-distribution components.
Experience detecting and addressing refrigerant and oil leaks.

Responsibilities

Maintain and optimize HVAC systems, including condensers, air handling units, refrigerant circuits, heating systems, and DX coils, to support production temperature, humidity, and food-safety conditions.
Troubleshoot and service air compressors, blowers, cooling motors, check valves, air dryers, and filtration systems.
Maintain dehumidifiers, motors, desiccant wheels, filters, and K-bars to support humidity control and product consistency.
Monitor and maintain chiller systems, including water, glycol, and refrigerant circuits.
Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on steam systems, including generators, pumps, deaerator tanks, hot water holding tanks, economizers, valves, steam traps, limit switches, and piping.
Test water quality, including hardness and conductivity, and manage water-treatment chemical programs.
Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair thermal oxidizer components, including gas valves and burners.
Maintain industrial heating equipment, including boilers, heat exchangers, hot water systems, steam radiators, electric heaters, and storage tanks.
Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reduce energy consumption, and increase system reliability.
Respond to equipment issues and production needs to minimize downtime and maintain manufacturing schedules.