MANUFACTURING SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Inteplast•Waukegan, IL

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manufacturing Support Specialist will support, develop, and optimize plant operations with a focus on equipment reliability, safety, and long-term performance. This role is ideal for a hands-on technical professional with a strong background in equipment reliability, plant maintenance systems, and machine installation across multiple facilities. The successful candidate will play a key role in improving equipment performance, reducing downtime and costs, and establishing best-in-class maintenance practices while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Requirements

15+ years of experience in maintenance, reliability, or engineering technician roles within an industrial or manufacturing environment
Proven experience setting up maintenance organizations, including PM programs, work management systems, and storeroom processes
Strong hands-on troubleshooting skills across electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems
Experience with machine installation, relocation, and commissioning
Demonstrated ability to improve equipment reliability, productivity, and safety
Strong problem-solving skills with a results-driven, self-starter mindset
Ability to work independently, travel as required, and support multiple sites
Ensure consistent, dependable attendance and demonstrate a willingness to accommodate non-standard work hours as necessary.
Capable of effectively managing job-related stress and fostering productive workplace interactions.

Nice To Haves

Experience in paper converting or similar high-speed manufacturing environments
Familiarity with CMMS systems and maintenance best practices
Strong communication skills for working with plant teams, contractors, and vendors

Responsibilities

Works closely with plant maintenance teams to oversee and perform breakdowns, rebuild, relocation, and installation of industrial and paper converting equipment
Lead and support new machine installations, coordinating with rigging, electrical, plumbing, and startup contractors
Verify machine performance and support production handover, including operator and maintenance training
Troubleshoot and upgrade mechanical, electrical (24V–480V), pneumatic, and hydraulic systems
Provide remote and on-site technical troubleshooting for equipment and facility issues
Identify and implement improvements to enhance machine reliability and performance
Develop, implement, and manage preventive maintenance (PM) programs
Establish and improve maintenance work management systems
Create and maintain Safe Work Procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and guarding, in collaboration with safety teams
Train maintenance and plant personnel on PM procedures, safety systems, and best practices
Support and fill in for Maintenance Managers as needed across multiple locations
Assist with day-to-day maintenance department operations during staffing shortages
Participate in interviewing, hiring, and onboarding maintenance personnel
Work closely with plant leadership, engineering, safety, and vendors to ensure operational success
Establish and manage maintenance storeroom stocking systems
Improve spare parts organization, inventory accuracy, and cost control