Lead Operations & Maintenance Spe

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.

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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 insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person