Operation Maintenance Specialist

Role Summary

The Operations Maintenance Specialist leads and performs advanced technical operations in the manufacturing maintenance and engineering domain at the Round Lake facility. The role focuses on troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and rapid problem-resolution to ensure quality, reliability, and performance of production processes, with responsibilities for technical project leadership, systems integration, and process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced troubleshooting and repair for mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Support 24/7 production operations through on-call rotation and rapid response to equipment issues.
• Perform preventive maintenance and calibrations to ensure equipment reliability and efficiency.
• Initiate and manage work orders using the CMMS system.
• Troubleshoot, analyze, and repair PLCs, robotics, and automation-controlled equipment.
• Lead and execute complex automation projects, integrating new systems and expanding production capabilities.
• Design, implement, validate, and deploy process/equipment changes under GMP/GDP and automation change management principles.
• Pilot, implement, and share business excellence tools and process improvements across the site.
• Collaborate with teams to expand the commercial production facility by installing new equipment and introducing new products.
• Work with vendors and the automation team to deliver facility projects, new initiatives, and strategic improvements.
• Develop cross-functional partnerships with Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Facilities, Validation, and related teams.
• Communicate equipment status, repairs, and work orders to supervisors, engineering, and management.
• Train and support non-technical users on plant floor automation systems and processes.
• Accurately document engineering changes and maintenance activities.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, safety protocols, and operational guidelines.
• Handle robots in all normal production modes; identify and resolve issues related to robots, machine outputs, and quality defects.
• Perform preventive maintenance (PM) and SFS calibration to maintain equipment reliability and efficiency.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance plans for industrial equipment.
• Manage and execute complex automation projects independently.
• Integrate and improve automation systems for cohesive operation.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance technical operations.
• Configure and manage equipment settings according to operational guidelines.
• Document engineering changes and maintain accurate technical records.
• Lead workflow activities and ensure the quality of technical processes.
• Communicate equipment issues and work status to supervisors, engineering, manufacturing, and management teams.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor’s or college degree in Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field, or the equivalent combination of professional experience and technical certifications.
• Associate degree in a technical discipline with extensive troubleshooting experience will also be considered.
• Relevant certifications in PLCs, robotics, automation systems, or reliability maintenance are highly valued.
• Well-versed in VFDs, PLCs, and PLC programming across multiple platforms (e.g., RS Logix, Studio 5000, RS Linx, CompacLogix, Factory Talk View).
• Proficient in the use of Systech Serialization Software, Zebra/Domino printers, and Cogenx Insight vision inspection systems.
• Familiar with operation and troubleshooting of servo drives, motor controls, pneumatics, hydraulics, and power distribution systems.
• Experienced in managing technical projects from conception through completion.
• Consistent adherence to engineering standards and best practices when implementing projects.
• Ability to train and support non-technical users on the use of plant floor automation systems.
• Excellent communication skills, maintaining collaboration with production and maintenance teams to resolve issues promptly.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, capable of assessing, upgrading, and optimizing technical systems.
• Proficient in process improvement, with a track record of implementing enhancements to operations.
• Effective and innovative problem solver, able to identify issues quickly and develop creative technical solutions.
• Minimize equipment downtime and conduct root cause analyses.
• High level of technical competency to effectively support plant operations.
• Strong documentation skills with consistent attention to legibility and accuracy.
• Demonstrated mechanical and safety aptitude in an industrial environment.
• Advanced knowledge of robotics with the ability to independently manage complex situations and provide coaching to others.
• Proficiency in automation technologies; skilled in integrating and improving automated systems.
• Extensive experience in developing, executing, and managing preventative maintenance plans for industrial equipment.
• Strong background in documenting engineering changes and maintaining accurate technical records.
• Ability to configure and manage equipment settings according to strict operational and safety guidelines.
• Skilled in systems integration, ensuring seamless operation among diverse technologies.
• Knowledgeable in reliability engineering to enhance equipment lifespan and performance.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field (or equivalent combination of experience and certifications).
• Associate degree in a technical discipline with applicable troubleshooting experience considered.

Skills

• Advanced troubleshooting and repair of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Automation project leadership and systems integration.
• CMMS usage and work-order management.
• PLC and robotics troubleshooting; Systech serialization systems; vision inspection systems.
• Process improvement and documentation practices; GMP/GDP awareness.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Technical project management from conception through completion.

Additional Requirements

• Travel up to 5% of the time.
• Ability to work multiple shifts, including weekends and holidays, to support 24/7 operations.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and operate in environments with safety and gowning requirements.
• Willingness to work in controlled environments requiring safety gear and adherence to gowning standards.