Hydraulics Mechanic

PHOENIX PAPER WICKLIFFE LLC•Wickliffe, KY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Hydraulics Mechanic is responsible for maximizing the reliability, runtime, and safety of our paper and pulp manufacturing machinery. Working in a fast-paced mill environment, you will oversee complex, high-pressure fluid power systems that drive our critical production processes. This hourly role requires precision troubleshooting, specialized diagnostic skills, and flexibility to support a continuous-run manufacturing plant.

Requirements

Minimum 3–5 years of heavy industrial mechanical maintenance experience, with an explicit specialization in large-scale fluid power or hydraulic machinery.
Prior experience working in paper mills, steel mills, power generation, or similar high-pressure chemical/environmental processing plants.
Skilled in basic fabrication, torch cutting, and pipe fitting required to replace, seal, or modify heavy-walled hydraulic lines.
Flawless execution of safety protocols including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry rules, and OSHA standards for safety-sensitive manufacturing environments.
Capable of safely lifting, moving, and handling parts or heavy tools weighing up to 50 lbs.
Comfortable working inside a demanding industrial mill setting exposed to extreme heat, humidity, dust, and highly pressurized fluid systems.
Able to work at high elevations, climb ladders, and execute repairs in tight or confined spaces

Nice To Haves

An Associate degree in Mechanical Technology or an International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) certification is highly beneficial.
A 4-year mechanical engineering degree with hydraulics curriculum is also suitable for a hands-on mechanically inclined candidate.

Responsibilities

Conduct periodic system inspections tracking core metrics like main pump pressure variations, fluid temperature spikes, case drain flows, and minor leaks to stop failures before they start.
Troubleshoot, calibrate, and fine-tune electro-hydraulic components, including proportional valves, servo valves, and modern automated machinery loops.
Dismantle, rebuild, and align heavy-duty hydraulic pumps, high-pressure cylinders, accumulators, and fluid line carriers, using safe rigging practices for large, complex machinery parts.
Manage dedicated oil filtration systems, handle oil sampling, and maintain zero-tolerance cleanliness standards to prevent mill environmental contaminants from damaging fluid power systems.
Interpret intricate mechanical and hydraulic circuit blueprints to efficiently trace system lines, plan modification layouts, and adjust pressure limits.
Respond quickly to unexpected breakdowns in production assets and actively participate in scheduled mill maintenance outages to ensure fast, safe machine turnarounds.
Maintain clear, up-to-date service history logs, tracking diagnostic measurements and parts utilized within our systems.