Job Title: Maintenance Technician – Plastic Recycling (Electrical & Mechanical)
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Compensation: $30.00/ per hour to $40.00/ per hour depending on skill set.
We are seeking an experienced Maintenance Technician with electrical and mechanical expertise to support our plastic recycling operations. The ideal candidate will ensure the reliability, efficiency, and safety of sorting, shredding, wet separation, grinding and extrusion equipment. This role involves troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and repairs to minimize downtime in a fast-paced recycling environment.
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Key Responsibilities:
Electrical Maintenance (Plastic Recycling Focus):
· Troubleshoot and repair 480VAC, 3-phase motors, VFDs, and control panels for shredders, extruders, and conveyor systems.
· Diagnose electrical faults in production equipment, balers, and pelletizers using multimeters, meggers, and PLC diagnostics.
· Maintain and repair sensors, relays, solenoids, and safety interlocks on production equipment
· Ensure compliance with NFPA 70E (Arc Flash Safety) and lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures.
Mechanical Maintenance (Plastic Processing Equipment):
· Perform bearing replacements, gearbox repairs, and belt/chain adjustments on conveyors and granulators.
· Weld (MIG/TIG) and fabricate repairs on hopper liners, screw augers, and shredder blades.
· Troubleshoot hydraulic/pneumatic systems for shredders, forklifts, and material handlers.
· Align and maintain extruder barrels, dies, and cooling systems to prevent production defects.
Plastic Recycling-Specific Duties:
· Address material jams, contamination issues, and wear-related failures in production lines.
· Optimize equipment to handle varied plastic feedstocks (PET, HDPE, PP, etc.).
· Work with hot melt systems, filtration screens, and pelletizing equipment.
· Document maintenance in CMMS and track recurring issues for continuous improvement.
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Qualifications & Skills:
· Experience: 3+ years in industrial maintenance, preferably in plastic recycling, waste processing, or related manufacturing.
· Electrical: Strong knowledge of motor controls, PLCs (Allen-Bradley/Siemens), and industrial wiring.
· Mechanical: Proficiency in pump repairs, welding, and mechanical power transmission systems.
· Problem-Solving: Ability to diagnose issues caused by contaminated plastics or abrasive wear.
· Certifications (Preferred):
NFPA 70E
o Welding (AWS)
o Forklift/Manlift Certification
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
· Lift 50+ lbs, climb ladders, and work in dusty/noisy conditions near moving machinery.
· Exposure to plastic particulates, heat (extruders), and occasional odors.
· Flexibility for overtime or emergency call-ins during breakdowns.
James Hardie Industries is the world’s #1 producer and marketer of high-performance fiber cement and fiber gypsum building solutions. We employ a diverse global workforce of approximately 5,800 employees across operations in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and generated more than $3.9 billion in net sales during our 2024 financial year.
We believe that home is a sanctuary and a canvas for self-expression without compromise. As the trusted innovator and industry leader in the markets where we operate, James Hardie empowers homeowners and building professionals alike to achieve their dream home with premium quality solutions that enable endless possibilities for design and aesthetics, while also delivering trusted protection and long-lasting beauty.
Key to this effort is our dedication to our customers, market driven innovation, an inclusive and empowering company culture, and an unwavering commitment to our Zero Harm safety initiative. We also recognize the company’s ability to influence the communities in which we live and work around the world. While operating with a global mindset, we put great care into how our business impacts the local communities in which we operate and serve by sourcing locally, employing locally and delivering locally.
