Maintenance Technician - Plastic Recycling (Electrical & Mechanical)

Return Polymers, Inc.

Indianapolis, IN, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Manufacturing

Full Time

Job Description

Job Title: Maintenance Technician – Plastic Recycling (Electrical & Mechanical)

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Shift Schedule:

3rd Shift (Sunday to Friday, 11:30 PM to 8:00 AM)
2nd Shift (Monday to Friday, 3:30 PM to 12:00 AM)

Compensation: $30.00/ per hour to $40.00/ per hour depending on skill set.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Maintenance Technician with electrical and mechanical expertise to support our plastic recycling operations. The ideal candidate will ensure the reliability, efficiency, and safety of sorting, shredding, wet separation, grinding and extrusion equipment. This role involves troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and repairs to minimize downtime in a fast-paced recycling environment.

---

Key Responsibilities:

Electrical Maintenance (Plastic Recycling Focus):

· Troubleshoot and repair 480VAC, 3-phase motors, VFDs, and control panels for shredders, extruders, and conveyor systems.

· Diagnose electrical faults in production equipment, balers, and pelletizers using multimeters, meggers, and PLC diagnostics.

· Maintain and repair sensors, relays, solenoids, and safety interlocks on production equipment

· Ensure compliance with NFPA 70E (Arc Flash Safety) and lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures.

Mechanical Maintenance (Plastic Processing Equipment):

· Perform bearing replacements, gearbox repairs, and belt/chain adjustments on conveyors and granulators.

· Weld (MIG/TIG) and fabricate repairs on hopper liners, screw augers, and shredder blades.

· Troubleshoot hydraulic/pneumatic systems for shredders, forklifts, and material handlers.

· Align and maintain extruder barrels, dies, and cooling systems to prevent production defects.

Plastic Recycling-Specific Duties:

· Address material jams, contamination issues, and wear-related failures in production lines.

· Optimize equipment to handle varied plastic feedstocks (PET, HDPE, PP, etc.).

· Work with hot melt systems, filtration screens, and pelletizing equipment.

· Document maintenance in CMMS and track recurring issues for continuous improvement.

---

Qualifications & Skills:

· Experience: 3+ years in industrial maintenance, preferably in plastic recycling, waste processing, or related manufacturing.

· Electrical: Strong knowledge of motor controls, PLCs (Allen-Bradley/Siemens), and industrial wiring.

· Mechanical: Proficiency in pump repairs, welding, and mechanical power transmission systems.

· Problem-Solving: Ability to diagnose issues caused by contaminated plastics or abrasive wear.

· Certifications (Preferred):

NFPA 70E

o Welding (AWS)

o Forklift/Manlift Certification

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

· Lift 50+ lbs, climb ladders, and work in dusty/noisy conditions near moving machinery.

· Exposure to plastic particulates, heat (extruders), and occasional odors.

· Flexibility for overtime or emergency call-ins during breakdowns.