Job Description

Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.

At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.

What are we looking for?

The Shift Utility Mechanic position is open for our Jefferson Hills facility located approximately 15 miles south of Pittsburgh. Successful candidate will perform job functions site-wide, assisting the Shift Supervisor and other Operators to carry out assigned duties in a safe, effective manner.

Position Overview

The Shift Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing mechanical equipment that supports continuous chemical plant operations. This role ensures equipment reliability, minimizes downtime, and supports safe production activities. The mechanic works rotating shifts as part of the plant’s maintenance team and responds to equipment issues as they arise.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Maintenance & Repair

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on pumps, compressors, gearboxes, mixers, conveyors, valves, piping, and other mechanical systems.
• Diagnose mechanical failures using root‑cause analysis techniques.
• Repair or replace bearings, seals, couplings, shafts, belts, and alignment-critical components.
• Conduct vibration checks, alignment (laser or dial), and lubrication tasks.
• Inspect and maintain rotating and stationary equipment per maintenance procedures.

Operations Support

• Respond to equipment breakdowns quickly to minimize production loss.
• Work directly with operators and shift supervisors to troubleshoot process issues.
• Support equipment start-ups and shutdowns during batch or continuous operations.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all plant safety rules, including, but not limited to, lockout/ tagout (LOTO), hot‑work, confined space, and chemical-handling procedures.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, environmental, and company-specific safety standards.
• Report hazards, near-misses, and unsafe conditions immediately.

Documentation & Communication

• Record maintenance activities in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Be able to use a computer(email, excel, SAP )
• Communicate equipment conditions and required follow-up actions to incoming shift teams and maintenance supervisors.
• Provide detailed documentation for completed repairs and parts used.

Tools & Equipment

• Use hand tools, powered tools, rigging gear, welding and cutting equipment (if trained), and testing instruments.
• Operate forklifts, man-lifts, scissor lifts, or other plant mobility equipment (training required).

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience

• Industrial mechanic or millwright experience, preferably in chemical, refinery, or heavy industrial environments.
• Strong understanding of rotating equipment, mechanical drives, and hydraulics/pneumatics.
• Ability to read blueprints, P&IDs, equipment manuals, and mechanical schematics.
• Proficiency in alignment, rigging, and mechanical troubleshooting.

Preferred Certifications

• Millwright or industrial maintenance certification
• NEC 70, Electrical journeyman status, or similar trade qualification
• Forklift/man-lift certification
• Welding experience (SMAW/GTAW) is a plus

Work Environment

• Rotating shift schedule (days, nights, weekends, holidays).
• Exposure to chemical processing areas, high-temperature equipment, and noisy environments.
• Use of PPE including respirators, flame-resistant clothing, safety glasses, and gloves.
• Must be able to lift 60+ lbs multiple time a shift and perform physical work including climbing, kneeling, and working in confined spaces.

Pay Rate: $43.00/hr

🌍 Global Benefits Overview

• 💰 Competitive, market-aligned compensation
• 🎯 Discretionary global bonus scheme
• 📈 Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
• 🚗 Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
• 🩺 Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
• 👶 Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
• 🏡 Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
• 📚 Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
• 💙 Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
• 🌱 Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
• 🤝 Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
• 🏆 Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes