Maintenance Technician I (Plastics Manufacturing)

At Schaefer Plastics, we manufacture industry-leading solutions while driving responsible practices for a more sustainable future. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are committed to quality, innovation, and exceptional customer care. As a global injection molding manufacturer, we produce durable waste and recycling carts and reusable packaging systems designed to reduce environmental impact. Our Charlotte facility is a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment where maintenance plays a critical role in keeping our operation running safely, efficiently, and reliably.

Job Summary

The Maintenance Technician I supports the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, and facility systems. This entry- to intermediate-level industrial maintenance role is for candidates with strong mechanical aptitude and developing skills in electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic troubleshooting.

The ideal candidate can perform preventive maintenance, assist with equipment repairs, use hand and power tools safely, and begin reading basic electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical diagrams. This role requires a willingness to learn, strong attention to safety, and the ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Schedule: Overnight 2-2-3 rotating schedule (7:00 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.)& (7:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m)

Job Duties

• Perform preventive maintenance on injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, and facility systems.
• Assist with troubleshooting and repair of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical equipment.
• Support maintenance team members with equipment repairs, mold change support, and machine start-up issues.
• Learn to read and interpret basic hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical schematics, including common symbols and diagrams.
• Use basic electrical testing equipment and diagnostic tools under guidance.
• Assist with identifying worn, damaged, or failed components.
• Operate shop equipment, including drill presses, band saws, grinders, welders, electrical testers, and other maintenance tools as trained.
• Use a variety of powered and non-powered hand tools.
• Complete assigned work orders using a computerized maintenance system.
• Monitor facility services, including water, compressed air, and electrical supply, and report concerns to maintenance leadership.
• Assist with housekeeping, organization of tools and parts, and maintaining a safe work area.
• Follow all safety rules and procedures, including lockout/tagout, fall protection, PPE, and company safety standards.
• Perform additional duties as assigned based on business needs.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–2 years of industrial maintenance, manufacturing maintenance, mechanical repair, or related technical experience preferred.
• Completion of a maintenance training program, technical school program, military technical training, or apprenticeship-related coursework may be considered.
• Experience in plastics, injection molding, manufacturing, or equipment repair is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn.
• Basic understanding of mechanical systems and shop equipment, with the ability to identify and properly use common hand tools.
• Developing knowledge of electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret basic work instructions, maintenance manuals, diagrams, and technical documents.
• Ability to recognize basic electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical symbols with training.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance systems.
• The ability to navigate and close out work orders properly in the CMMS system.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow instructions, ask questions, and work safely as part of a team.
• Ability to obtain forklift and aerial lift certification.
• Ability and willingness to work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and overtime as needed.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moderate to loud noise, moving mechanical parts, vibration, and work at heights.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods, walk, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, talk, see, hear, and use hands to handle tools, parts, and equipment.
• Must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, or otherwise move up to 50 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Schaefer Plastics is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Applicant Data and Privacy Notice / Equal Opportunity Employer: Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC collects and uses the personal information you provide during the application and recruiting process to evaluate your qualifications, communicate with you, schedule interviews, make hiring decisions, and, if selected, complete offer and onboarding activities. Applicant information may include your resume, contact information, work history, education, skills, interview notes, references, and other information you choose to provide or that is needed for the position. Please do not submit sensitive personal information irrelevant to the role, such as Social Security numbers, banking information, medical information, copies of identification, or other unnecessary personal documents, unless specifically requested at the appropriate stage of the hiring process. We will share your information only with individuals who need to know it for recruiting and hiring purposes, such as Human Resources, recruiters, hiring managers, interview participants, and approved service providers or systems used in the recruiting process. Applicant information will not be forwarded to other departments, locations, or legal entities, or considered for unrelated future openings unless permitted by law or you have provided the required consent. We will retain applicant records only as long as necessary for recruiting, legal, compliance, and recordkeeping purposes, then delete or destroy them in accordance with applicable retention requirements. If we would like to keep your information on file for future opportunities, we will request your consent where required. Direct questions about how applicant data is handled to Human Resources or the appropriate SSI SCHAEFER data protection contact.