SENIOR INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Neopal is one of the largest and most technologically advanced manufacturers of industrial wood products in the United States. Our continued growth and investment in high-speed automation, advanced manufacturing equipment, and technology have created an opportunity for an exceptional Senior Industrial Maintenance Technician to join our team at our Houston manufacturing facility.

Our modern, purpose-built manufacturing campus provides a clean, organized, professional work environment that is very different from the traditional image of industrial wood-products manufacturing. Our highly automated operation incorporates advanced manufacturing technologies, computerized controls, robotics, and equipment much of which has been custom designed for Neopal. Our energy-efficient facility is the only known LEED® Silver certified pallet manufacturing facility in the world, reflecting our commitment to creating an environmentally responsible, safe, high-quality workplace for our team.

This is a hands-on technical role supporting all aspects of our high-performance automated manufacturing operations, including lumber remanufacturing, high-speed product assembly, material handling, and logistics. The position includes equipment troubleshooting and repair, preventive and predictive maintenance, fabrication, equipment installation and modification, and facility systems support.

We are looking for someone who enjoys working with sophisticated machinery, diagnosing problems, optimizing equipment performance, and finding better ways to improve reliability and efficiency. Our maintenance philosophy goes well beyond reactive repairs. We have an established CMMS and OEE performance-tracking infrastructure and are continuing to integrate equipment data and advanced technologies to strengthen preventive and predictive maintenance, identify emerging problems, reduce unplanned downtime, and continuously improve equipment performance.

The right person will be technically curious, resourceful, well organized, and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively with Manufacturing Operations and Engineering. If you're known as the go-to person others rely on to solve problems, find solutions, and get the job done right, we'd like to talk with you.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a hands-on technical support resource for all manufacturing and operational areas, troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automation-related equipment problems quickly and effectively.
• Develop, perform, and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance programs, schedules, and procedures to maximize equipment reliability, availability, and performance while minimizing unplanned downtime.
• Utilize our CMMS system to manage preventive maintenance activities, work orders, equipment history, service records, parts, and maintenance documentation.
• Diagnose electrical and controls issues involving motors, motor controls, VFDs, sensors, switches, relays, PLC-controlled equipment, and industrial electrical systems.
• Proactively identify recurring equipment problems, determine root causes, and implement lasting corrective solutions rather than repeatedly repairing the same failures.
• Recommend and participate in the design, fabrication, modification, installation, and commissioning of equipment improvements and automation projects to improve reliability, efficiency, safety, quality, and performance.
• Apply welding, fabrication, machining, and mechanical skills to develop practical solutions, fixtures, and equipment improvements when appropriate.
• Advance predictive and condition-based maintenance practices through equipment performance monitoring and the evaluation and implementation of new tools, technologies, and capabilities.
• Help improve equipment uptime and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) through disciplined maintenance, performance monitoring, root-cause problem solving, and continuous improvement.
• Seek better methods, approaches, technologies, and sources to reduce maintenance costs while improving equipment reliability and operational performance.
• Maintain an exceptionally clean and organized maintenance shop, tools, critical spare-parts inventory, and replenishment system.
• Work collaboratively with Manufacturing Operations and Engineering and maintain high standards for safety, quality, documentation, and workmanship while participating in ongoing technical, equipment, and safety training.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Our ideal candidate is an experienced industrial maintenance professional who combines strong hands-on mechanical ability with electrical and automation troubleshooting skills. We value demonstrated technical ability and successful hands-on experience. A particular degree or career path is less important to us than your ability to understand equipment, diagnose problems, develop effective solutions, and continuously improve the operation.

The successful candidate will ideally possess:

• Strong industrial electrical and mechanical troubleshooting, diagnostic, and repair skills.
• Experience with high-speed automated manufacturing equipment, conveyors, material-handling systems, and robotics.
• Strong working knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, bearings, power transmission, compressed-air and filtration systems, and industrial mechanical systems.
• Experience troubleshooting PLCs, VFDs, motors, motor controls, sensors, electrical circuits, and industrial control systems, including proficiency with electrical test and diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to read, understand, and troubleshoot from electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and equipment documentation.
• Experience with preventive and predictive maintenance practices, CMMS systems, equipment performance monitoring, and maintenance documentation.
• Skills in welding, metal fabrication, machining, CNC, basic equipment or fixture design, and equipment modification are highly valued.
• Forklift and other industrial mobile-equipment maintenance experience is helpful.
• A creative, inventive, and resourceful approach to technical challenges, combined with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage priorities effectively in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications and computerized maintenance systems.
• Full bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is highly desirable.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Neopal offers competitive compensation designed to attract highly capable industrial maintenance professionals, including a base wage plus the opportunity to earn additional performance-based compensation tied to defined operational goals.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) with company matching; paid vacation and personal time; performance-based bonus opportunities; and ongoing technical and professional development.

At Neopal, maintenance is an important part of how we operate and continuously improve our manufacturing business. You will have the opportunity to work with sophisticated equipment, solve meaningful technical challenges, contribute ideas, implement improvements, and have a visible impact on the performance of the operation.

If you're ready for an opportunity where your technical ability, initiative, and ideas can make a real difference, we'd like to hear from you.

Neopal is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace.

You should be proficient in:

• Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
• 120/208/240/480 Voltage Systems
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• Pneumatics Troubleshooting
• Maintenance and Repair Skills
• Industrial Electrical Experience
• Lift Truck Repair & Maintenance
• Industrial Electrical Systems
• Hydraulic Systems & Components
• Equipment Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
• Mechanical Systems & Component Repair
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
• Electrical Schematic Reading
• Equipment Repair & Maintenance
• Machine Safety Inspections