Manufacturing Maintenance Technician

About Sunward Steel

For over 50 years, Sunward Steel Buildings has been doing things differently. We’re a family-owned, American manufacturer and we don’t just sell steel buildings, we partner with our customers to bring their vision to life. From industrial facilities, aircraft hangars, and self-storage complexes to arenas, barndominiums, agricultural buildings, and fitness centers, we engineer and manufacture fully custom solutions delivered to every state in the U.S. and across Canada. No two projects are alike, and that’s exactly how we like it.

Our mission is simple: fulfill our customers’ visions into dreams that last generations. We achieve that by listening first, designing second, and delivering a needs-based solution that actually fits. That commitment to partnership is what’s kept us growing for half a century, and it’s what makes Sunward a place where the work genuinely matters.

Position Summary

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for keeping Sunward’s manufacturing equipment and facilities running at peak performance. You will perform preventive maintenance, diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical failures, and work directly with production leadership to minimize unplanned downtime. This is a skilled trades role that requires broad technical knowledge, strong problem-solving ability, and the kind of ownership mindset that treats every machine as if it’s your own. When a line goes down, you’re the person who gets it back up.

Preventive Maintenance

• Execute scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) programs across all production equipment, including press brakes, roll formers, shears, overhead cranes, conveyors, and ancillary plant machinery.
• Inspect, clean, lubricate, and adjust mechanical components on a regular schedule to prevent failures before they occur.
• Document all PM activities, parts used, and findings in the maintenance log or CMMS system, maintaining accurate and up-to-date service records.
• Coordinate with the Production Supervisor to schedule maintenance windows that minimize impact on production output.

Troubleshooting & Repair

• Diagnose and repair unexpected mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic equipment failures quickly and effectively to minimize production downtime.
• Disassemble, inspect, repair, and reassemble machine components, replacing worn or damaged parts with correct specifications.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, hydraulic diagrams, mechanical drawings, and OEM service manuals to guide troubleshooting and repair work.
• Source, order, and install replacement parts and consumables, maintaining appropriate spare parts inventory to support rapid response.
• Escalate complex or specialized repair needs appropriately, coordinating with outside vendors or OEM technicians when required.

Facilities & Safety

• Perform general facility maintenance tasks including lighting, HVAC, compressed air systems, plumbing, grounds maintenance and building infrastructure as needed.
• Strictly follow all safety protocols, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), arc flash, confined space, and fall protection procedures on every job, every time.
• Maintain a clean, organized maintenance shop, parts room, and work areas; properly store tools, chemicals, and hazardous materials per safety standards.
• Identify and report safety hazards, equipment risks, or code compliance concerns to management immediately.
• Other duties may be assigned as business needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• 2 years of hands-on maintenance experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or heavy equipment environment
• Working knowledge of electrical systems, including reading wiring diagrams and safely troubleshooting electrical faults
• Demonstrated experience with pneumatic and hydraulic systems, diagnosis, repair, and component replacement
• Proficiency with standard hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments
• Strong mechanical aptitude and systematic troubleshooting approach
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, schematics, and equipment manuals
• High school diploma or equivalent required

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree, trade school certificate, or vocational training in Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, or a related field
• Electrical certification (Journeyman or equivalent) or equivalent demonstrated competency
• Experience with PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar), basic troubleshooting and program monitoring
• Forklift and/or overhead crane operator certification
• Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) software for work order and PM tracking
• Background in steel fabrication, metal manufacturing, or heavy industrial environments

Core Competencies

• Problem-Solving - systematic, calm, and effective under pressure when equipment goes down
• Accountability - owns problems through to resolution; doesn’t leave issues half-fixed
• Technical Depth - broad mechanical and electrical knowledge with a drive to keep learning
• Safety Mindset - never bypasses a safety step, regardless of time pressure
• Communication - keeps production leadership informed on status, ETA, and parts needs without being chased
• Reliability - the team counts on you when things break; you show up and get it done

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Group Life Insurance & AD&D - 100% company-paid
• Long-Term Disability - 100% company-paid
• Voluntary Supplemental Benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 128 hours of Paid Time Off
• 8 paid holidays

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching throughout the workday
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly; heavier loads with mechanical assistance
• Ability to work in confined spaces, at heights, and in physically demanding positions for extended periods
• Manual dexterity required for precision mechanical and electrical work
• Close and distance vision required, including color differentiation for electrical wiring
• Capacity to traverse facilities and climb ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms as needed

Work Environment

• Indoor manufacturing facility with regular exposure to noise, heat, metal dust, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and electrical hazards
• PPE required and provided based on task, including safety glasses, steel-toed footwear, gloves, hearing protection, arc flash PPE, and respiratory protection as applicable
• Occasional after-hours or weekend availability may be required for critical breakdowns or scheduled shutdowns
• Fast-paced, high-accountability environment where downtime has direct production and cost impact

Additional Requirements

• Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Background Check: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check
• Drug Screening: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening

Career Path

Maintenance Technicians who build deep equipment knowledge, demonstrate strong reliability, and take initiative on process improvement have a path toward Lead Maintenance Technician, or Maintenance Supervisor as Sunward’s manufacturing operations grow. We support ongoing technical training and certification development.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sunward Steel and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, family or parental status, or any other status protected by law. Sunward Steel is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us prior to your interview.