Pusher Furnace Maintenance Technician

American Axle & Manufacturing•Fort Wayne, IN

73d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Maintenance Technician to ensure the reliable and efficient operation of our pusher furnaces in our Fort Wayne facility. This role involves performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on complex mechanical, electrical, and control systems to minimize downtime and optimize production.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; associate's degree or vocational training in industrial maintenance, electrical technology, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in industrial maintenance, with significant experience maintaining heat treat furnaces, specifically pusher furnaces, being a strong asset.
Strong mechanical aptitude with proven ability to troubleshoot and repair complex mechanical systems.
Proficiency in industrial electrical systems, including 480V three-phase power, motor controls, and PLCs (Allen-Bradley preferred).
Experience with pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical manuals.
Familiarity with refractory repair and maintenance is a plus.
Basic welding and fabrication skills are desirable.
Proficient in using hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

Responsibilities

Perform routine preventative maintenance (PMs) on pusher furnaces, including inspections, lubrication, cleaning, and calibration of components.
Diagnose and troubleshoot all system issues on pusher furnaces using blueprints, schematics, and diagnostic tools.
Execute repairs and replacements of furnace components such as burners, fans, refractory, conveyors, motors, sensors, and PLC-controlled systems.
Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns and perform emergency repairs to restore production quickly and safely.
Read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and P&IDs to understand system operations and identify root causes of failures.
Utilize a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to document work performed, track parts usage, and schedule future maintenance activities.
Collaborate with production personnel to understand operational issues and provide technical support to optimize furnace performance.
Adhere to all safety protocols, lockout/tagout procedures, and company policies to ensure a safe working environment.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance furnace reliability, efficiency, and safety.
Maintain a clean and organized work area.