Job Description

Maintenance Mechanic – Lithography

Location: Rockford, IL

Job Type: Full Time

Industry: Manufacturing

Pay Scale: $25.31 - $27.95

Position Summary

The Maintenance Mechanic – Lithography is responsible for ensuring the reliable operation of mechanical systems and equipment in a lithography printing environment. This includes performing preventive and corrective maintenance on printing presses, coating lines, ovens, conveyors, and associated machinery. The role focuses on minimizing downtime and ensuring production efficiency through timely diagnostics, repairs, and equipment upgrades. A strong mechanical aptitude, commitment to safety, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing setting are essential.

Supervision

• Reports To: Facilities Manager
• Supervises: None
• Interacts With: Litho, Tin Stores, and Art departments

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED (Required)
• Technical/Trade School Certification in Industrial Maintenance or Mechanical Technology (Preferred)
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing or printing environment
• Forklift license or ability to obtain one

Core Responsibilities

Oven Maintenance

• Start ovens, ensuring all safety systems are operational
• Adjust pilot lights and maintain air/gas mixing devices
• Clean filters, relay blocks, ducts, burners, vortex blades, and gearboxes
• Maintain, lubricate, and repair oven chains, conveyors, rollers, and fans
• Replace thermocouples, temperature probes, and design or fabricate oven components when needed

Coating Lines

• Maintain coating and solvent pumps; repack and re-pipe systems
• Repair or replace bearings, belts, sprockets, and idlers on conveyors
• Service spot coaters, gates, gears, bushings, and lubrication systems
• Maintain feeders, stackers, and stripper gates (e.g., belts, cams, sensors, vacuum forwarders)

Printing Press Maintenance

• Replace guide rails, pushers, chains, and ink agitator mechanisms
• Lubricate drive chains, gears, and air cylinders
• Maintain Dahlgren systems and ink fountains
• Assist in press rebuilds and cylinder overhauls

Load/Bundle Turner

• Service hydraulic and plumbing systems, ensuring fluid levels are maintained
• Repair chains, sprockets, mounts, and rollers

General Maintenance Duties

• Maintain and clean electrical panel filters and indicator bulbs
• Prepare composition rollers and spare parts for shipment or repair
• Build shipping boxes, fabricate chains, and wooden press feeder sticks
• Overhaul and inventory spare parts, lubricants, and maintenance supplies
• Participate in preventive maintenance programs using the CMMS system
• Move/install machinery and lines when needed
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace
• Monitor equipment safety and report uncorrectable hazards
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills & Qualifications

• Proficient with mechanical systems: gears, bearings, conveyors, drive components
• Skilled in use of hand/power tools, calipers, gauges, micrometers, and machine shop equipment
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and equipment manuals
• Familiar with pneumatics, hydraulics, and basic electrical systems
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance and root cause analysis
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Capable of working independently and responding to emergencies
• Comfortable working at heights and in confined spaces (with proper training)
• Ability to push, pull, or lift items up to 70 lbs
• Flexible with schedule, including early morning, late evening, or unplanned hours

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