Lead Operations & Maintenance Specialist Chicago, IL 60620
Pay: $48.00 - $52.00 per hour
Full job description
Operations and Maintenance Specialist (Hands-On) — Food Waste Anaerobic Digester
Shifts: 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM or 11:00 PM – 7:30 AM (Mon–Fri) On-call rotation for emergencies
Company Overview
Chastain’s client transforms packaged food waste into renewable energy and nutrient-rich compost, creating local jobs and healthier neighborhoods. Their award-winning campus operates one of the region’s only integrated depackaging and anaerobic digestion systems.
The Role
This is not a desk job. You’ll be the go-to O&M Specialist on the floor -- installing, aligning, troubleshooting, and improving equipment. If you love solving tough problems with your hands (and a multimeter), you’ll thrive here.
What You’ll Do
Install, align, and maintain pumps, tanks, screens, conveyors, filtration, gearboxes, motors, and utilities.Diagnose & repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical (24V–480V) systems; coordinate with licensed electricians as needed.Work with industrial controls: PLCs (e.g., Allen-Bradley), VFDs, HMI/SCADA, instrumentation, sensors, and control logic.Perform preventive/predictive maintenance using a CMMS; keep accurate work logs and parts usage.Weld, fabricate, and rig (mild/stainless); safely operate hoists/cranes/forklifts to move heavy equipment.Drive root-cause analysis and continuous improvement to reduce downtime and boost throughput.Enforce LOTO, Confined Space, Hot Work, NFPA 70E, OSHA 1910 and site PPE requirements.What You Bring
3–10 years hands-on experience in industrial maintenance, millwrighting, or mechanical engineering (manufacturing, waste processing, food/beverage, chemicals, or similar).Strong mechanical fundamentals plus working knowledge of 24V–480V equipment and VFDs/controls.Proficiency in welding/fabrication/rigging, reading prints/schematics/P&IDs, and using precision tools.Experience with CMMS, parts kitting, and maintenance planning.Proven people leadership: setting priorities, training, and holding a team to high standards.Valid driver’s license; ability to lift 50+ lbs and work at heights/in confined spaces (with permits).Degree paths: Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering (preferred); technical/vocational training strongly valued.Nice to Have
Experience with anaerobic digestion, pumps/centrifuges, depackaging systems, or process plant.Allen-Bradley programming, basic ladder logic edits, instrumentation calibration.Forklift/crane/signalperson certifications; CWI or pressure vessel welding experience.Schedule & Working Conditions
Primary shift 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM or 11:00 PM – 7:30 AM (Mon–Fri) On-call rotation for emergencies; occasional OT/weekends/holidays during turnarounds or breakdowns.Industrial environment: noise, odors, heat, dust, chemicals; rigorous adherence to safety protocols.On-call rotation for urgent equipment issues._______________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________
How to Apply
Send your resume and brief cover note to humanresources@chastainengineers.com with subject “O&M Specialist Opportunity”.
Equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can contribute their fullest potential each day. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Keywords: Mechanical Engineer, Maintenance Technician, Millwright, Industrial Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Welding, Fabrication, Electrical (24V–480V), PLC, VFD, CMMS, Rigging, OSHA 1910, NFPA 70E, LOTO, Confined Space.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Market competitive
Benefits:
Dental insuranceHealth insurancePaid time offVision insuranceWork Location: In person