We are a medium-sized, stable business looking for a skilled maintenance mechanic to join a team dedicated to work on triplex pumps and other rotating machinery. We sell a mix of new and used process equipment to the food, beverage, brewing, and pharmaceutical industries.
We're deliberately posting this "chatty" style description to find someone who doesn't quite fit into the big-business mold and would enjoy the autonomy and diverse workload of a small business. We're around 50 people and we've been here 40+ years. This description was written by the owner (me), so it will tell you how much and/or how little I know about all the stuff we do here.
About the work:
==
We have a team dedicated to rebuild and repair of reciprocating piston pumps ranging in size from 15HP up to 200 HP and occasionally beyond. We have consistent business (and a backlog) for tear down and complete frame-up rebuilds of these specialized food processing machines - a special piston pump known as a Homogenizer.
These machines involve not only the basic mechanics of rotating machinery (crankshaft, bearings, pistons, etc), but also several auxiliary systems require a little knowledge of hydraulics, electrical, lubrication systems, etc. So any knowledge you have in those areas will be put to use.
We work on these machines under different circumstances: We commonly buy machines and then do a frame-up rebuild before selling them. Some customers will disconnect the machine and "send it in". And we do have members of that team who travel to customers' facilities all around the country to perform field repairs. If you are the type that you can be self-directed and interface well with customers, we are looking for people to travel and do this same kind of work in the field. You'd receive plenty of hands-on training before that, of course, but for this position, you must be willing and capable to travel.
We already have both in-house and field service mechanics and we looking to expand the team with people who can fill both roles. Our goal is to keep the travel time to 20%-ish; this shares the workload which means you'll have backup, when needed. We have plenty of work lined up for our current mechanics, so we are looking to grow our capabilities. Many of our customers for this service are out of state and some form of travel will be necessary, so you'll need to get through the basics of air travel, renting a car, short stays at hotels, etc.
The machines we work on are often critical pieces of equipment that are needed back in service quickly, so rebuilding one in the field on a tight schedule can be long, grueling work. Therefore, we pay a 'shift bonus' for work on-site which also applies to overtime. The idea is for you to be well-compensated for an extra-hard day's work.
There are many "trades" represented here to serve as support, when needed. We employ welders, machinists, fabricators, polishing experts, riggers, etc. If you have skills in those arenas, we'll likely put 'em to good use, so let us know.
==
As far as the workplace:
==
We aren't a black hole of a workshop, but we're also not some efficiency-dictated "factory floor" where you're halfway to a being a robot. We have standards and expectations, but you get to choose which tool you use and where you store it you're the mechanic, after all.
We also employ engineers, technical sales people, and people from many different disciplines. If you (or a customer) have a question about how something works, there's usually someone in the building you can rely on.
We're located at about I-76 and Sheridan. Hours can be flexible ranging from 6am-ish to 5pm-ish. 7am-4pm is pretty standard. Note that days working in the field may involve unpredictable timing/hours based on customers needs.
You'll have some degree of autonomy to set things up "your way" but will have to consider the sometimes-strong opinions of the grumpy old men who run the place.
We don't have meetings-for-the-sake-of-meetings, constant status updates, complicated hierarchies, or any of the other standard corporate difficulties. But that also means we don't have glass-walled offices, dedicated parking spots, gym memberships, or any of the corporate niceties.
We do have employer-paid health insurance, generous profit sharing, and a reasonably stress free environment. Bosses always say that last part, but in this world, there are people who yell and people who don't. We don't have any people who yell they just don't fit in here.
We have employees ranging in age from 22 to 80 and from different backgrounds around the world. You have to be able to communicate in English, but if you have other language skills, that may come in handy both in our workplace and potentially with customers. Again, let us know if you speak other languages.
==
Requirements:
==
Valid Driver's License
Ability to pass basic hard drug testing
Ability to pass a basic background check or at least be able to discuss any issues in your past.
Communicate with team members in English
Read maintenance manuals and schematics; be able to write short reports
Lift and move heavy objects like crankshafts and gearboxes. Lifting equipment is available (and encouraged), but some muscle power will always be required.
==