Plant Reliability Maintenance Specialist

What your day looks like

Step onto a busy production floor where uptime matters. As our Plant Reliability Maintenance Specialist, you’ll keep equipment running at its best through preventive care, rapid troubleshooting, machine overhauls, equipment installations, inspections, services, and thorough cleaning across facility systems.

Position track: This posting may be filled as either Mechanical Maintenance or Electrical Maintenance based on your background and plant needs.

Shift requirement: 2nd and 3rd shift availability required. You’ll also support planned plant shutdowns, which typically occur on weekends and holidays.

Core responsibilities

• Execute preventive maintenance, inspections, and service in a fast-paced, production-focused environment.
• Install new equipment or relocate existing assets to improve production flow and efficiency.
• Document, report, and address damaged, worn, or broken components; source and install replacements.
• Diagnose unexpected breakdowns, identify root causes, and complete efficient repairs to minimize downtime.
• Prepare accurate work reports and time confirmations.
• Maintain clean, organized, and well-inventoried shop areas, parts, tools, and supplies.
• Collaborate with outside contractors on special projects.
• Use computers to create work orders, order parts, monitor systems, submit reports, check email, and track time. Primary programs include Microsoft Office Suite, Indusoft, and SAP.

Mechanical Maintenance focus (if filled in this track)

• Deep-clean equipment and components; remove and reinstall parts as needed.
• Lubricate moving components to maintain optimal performance.
• Repair or replace bearings, belts, chains, gear assemblies, and other mechanical systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical faults on production equipment.
• Assist with mechanical overhauls and machine rebuilds.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Electrical Maintenance focus (if filled in this track)

• Troubleshoot and repair electrical components and control systems on production equipment.
• Conduct electrical inspections, testing, and preventive maintenance.
• Diagnose issues with motors, sensors, drives, PLCs, and control panels.
• Install, wire, and test new electrical equipment and control systems.
• Maintain up-to-date electrical schematics and repair/installation documentation.
• Ensure compliance with electrical safety standards and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics; strong electrical aptitude required.
• Experience with—or willingness to learn—PLCs, robotic programming, and troubleshooting.
• Bend and install conduit (or willingness to learn).
• Identify equipment voltage (120V–24,900V) and place systems in an electrically safe condition.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• This is not an exhaustive list of duties or functions and may not necessarily comprise all the "essential functions" for the purposes of the ADA.

Travel

Minimal travel is required.

Qualifications & experience

• Industrial or electrical maintenance experience preferred.
• Welding, fabrication, plumbing, or pipefitting experience preferred.
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems experience preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn required.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Vocational/technical coursework or equivalent experience preferred.

Skills

• Analytical: Strong problem-solving abilities; diagnose and resolve complex issues.
• Decision-making: Efficiently troubleshoot failures and determine repair timelines for production.
• Communication: Clear oral and written communication.
• Teamwork & organization: Work independently or as part of a team.
• Math/reading/reasoning: Read blueprints/schematics and use a tape measure accurately.

Training & certifications

• Participate in trainings and webinars to stay current.
• Ability to obtain required certifications (e.g., welding, crane, backflow preventer, hydraulic).

Tools & equipment

• Basic hand tools; battery/electric/air tools.
• Saws, drills, grinders, torches, welders, pipe threaders.
• Forklifts, aerial lifts, overhead hoists.
• Electrical test equipment (for Electrical Maintenance track).

Work environment

• Work at heights (aerial lift platforms, catwalks) using appropriate PPE.
• Operate in dusty/dirty areas with required PPE.
• Enter confined spaces with proper PPE.
• Potential exposure to extreme heat near molten iron and hot castings in summer.
• Potential exposure to extreme cold outdoors in winter.
• Fast-paced, demanding, production-focused setting.
• Electrical troubleshooting (for Electrical Maintenance track).

Physical requirements

• Prolonged standing and walking.
• Climb stairs/ladders; bend, stretch, push, pull, pinch, kneel, and maneuver as needed.
• Visually inspect parts and machines.
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Benefits at Waupaca Foundry

• Medical, dental, vision
• Short- and long-term disability
• Life insurance
• 401(k)
• Employer-funded retirement plan
• Paid vacations & holidays
• Wellness program
• Fitness membership
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer-supported career development, including tuition reimbursement

Preferred proficiencies

• Mechanical troubleshooting
• Electrical troubleshooting and repair
• Pneumatics troubleshooting
• Maintenance and repair
• Industrial electrical experience and systems
• Hydraulic systems & components
• Equipment diagnostics & troubleshooting
• Mechanical systems & component repair