Lead Maintenance Technician

Schaeffer Manufacturing-Schaeffer's Oil
Du Quoin, IL

Job Description

Job Description

Step Up and Lead the Way

Are you the kind of person who takes pride in fixing what’s broken, keeping machines running, and making sure the team around you succeeds? This is your chance to step into a Lead Maintenance role where your hard work, know-how, and leadership will directly impact production and open the door for future promotions.

We’re looking for someone who’s ready to take charge, stay hands-on, and guide a small team while keeping our plant running smoothly and safely.

What You’ll Do

  • Be the go-to person for the Plant Manager, Shift Leads, and Maintenance Team when issues come up.
  • Keep production moving by prioritizing repairs and projects to minimize downtime.
  • Train and guide a small maintenance crew (2–3 techs) so jobs get done right the first time.
  • Stay on top of inspections and compliance requirements.
  • Coordinate with Quality Assurance to schedule 3rd-party calibrations.
  • Partner with Production and HR to:
    • Help interview new maintenance hires.
    • Report and address disciplinary issues when needed.
  • Learn the ins and outs of every production line and make sure they’re running at their best.
  • Lead line changeovers and ensure everything is set up correctly.
  • Keep our preventative and predictive maintenance program strong and reliable.
  • Roll up your sleeves and handle in-house repairs — only call outside contractors when absolutely necessary.
  • Take care of facility needs like plumbing, electrical, painting, and general upkeep.
  • Troubleshoot machine problems using your knowledge of mechanics, hydraulics, and pneumatics — and fix the root cause, not just the symptom.
  • Replace motors, drives, gearboxes, conveyors, pumps, and more.
  • Work with vendors to source the right parts.
  • Be the point person for after-hours breakdowns — sometimes over the phone, sometimes on-site.
  • Lead by example in safety: lockout/tagout, fall protection, welding/grinding, spill prevention, and more.
  • Build and maintain a reliable parts inventory system.

What It Takes

  • High school diploma or GED (tech school a plus).
  • 5+ years of maintenance experience, or a mix of tech school and hands-on work — with at least 1 year of leading or training others.
  • A strong safety mindset — you don’t cut corners, and you make sure your team doesn’t either.
  • A self-starter attitude — you see what needs to be done and make it happen.
  • Solid mechanical and electrical skills.
  • Ability to read schematics and use hand/power tools with confidence.
  • Experience operating and repairing forklifts and man lifts.
  • Physical stamina — standing, crouching, bending, and staying on your feet for long stretches.
  • A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to live within 30 minutes of the plant before your start date.
  • This is a safety sensitive position, requiring focus, dexterity, and coordination at all times.

Why This Job?

This isn’t a desk job. It’s a hands-on leadership role where your skills, work ethic, and problem-solving make a real difference every day. You’ll have the authority to lead, the responsibility to keep things running, and the opportunity to grow into higher leadership roles.

If you’re ready to step up, take ownership, and lead from the front, we want you on our team.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All associates may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

About Schaeffer Oil:

Founded in 1839, Schaeffer Manufacturing North America’s oldest oil, grease, lubricant, fuel additive, crop enhancement and surfactant manufacturer. We exist to provide world-class product performance and durability for our customers while putting money back into their pockets.

Schaeffer Manufacturing provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic identity or any other status protected by law.

Company Description

Founded in 1839, Schaeffer Manufacturing is North America's oldest oil, grease, lubricant, fuel additive, crop enhancement, and surfactant manufacturer. Schaeffer's Specialized Lubricants: synthetic motor oils, hydraulic fluids, and diesel fuel additives have achieved a world-class reputation for improving engine performance and fuel economy, but our diverse product line includes all types of industrial lubricants, industrial greases, and industrial oils as well as specialty items like our chain lubes and degreasers.

Our philosophy: to provide advanced lubricants for improved performance, reliability and fuel economy.

Schaeffer Manufacturing provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

Company Description

Founded in 1839, Schaeffer Manufacturing is North America's oldest oil, grease, lubricant, fuel additive, crop enhancement, and surfactant manufacturer. Schaeffer's Specialized Lubricants: synthetic motor oils, hydraulic fluids, and diesel fuel additives have achieved a world-class reputation for improving engine performance and fuel economy, but our diverse product line includes all types of industrial lubricants, industrial greases, and industrial oils as well as specialty items like our chain lubes and degreasers.\r\n\r\nOur philosophy: to provide advanced lubricants for improved performance, reliability and fuel economy.\r\n\r\nSchaeffer Manufacturing provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

Posted 2025-10-24

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