Job Description

Description

At J.L. Clark, we don’t just make packaging, we help build iconic brands. Since 1904, we've blended craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to deliver packaging solutions that stand out on shelves and stand the test of time. With more than 120 years of experience behind us, our passion for quality, service, and innovation is stronger than ever.

As we grow, so does our investment in the future. From our new 6-color printing press and injection molding presses to advanced rapid prototyping and high-speed fabrication systems, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of packaging technology.

Sustainability is more than a goal, it’s part of who we are. As the first North American metal lithographer to earn SGP Certification, and a multiple-time recipient of the Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award, we take pride in building a better tomorrow.

Come be part of a company where tradition meets transformation, and where your work truly makes an impact.

Position Summary: 

The Maintenance Mechanic in Litho is responsible for ensuring the reliable operation of all mechanical systems and equipment within the lithography printing facility. This role performs preventive and corrective maintenance on printing presses, material handling systems, and support machinery to minimize downtime and maintain production efficiency. The Maintenance Mechanic will diagnose equipment issues, make necessary repairs, and support installation and improvement projects. This position requires a strong mechanical aptitude, familiarity with industrial systems, and a commitment to safety and quality standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Education, Training & Experience: 

• High School Diploma or GED (required)
• Technical or Trade School Certification in Industrial Maintenance, Mechanical Technology, or a related field (preferred)
• 5+ years of hands-on experience as a Maintenance Mechanic in a manufacturing or printing environment
• Forklift license or the ability to obtain one

Supervises:

None

Supervised By:

Facilities Manager 

RELATIONSHIPS:

Litho, Tin Stores and Art departments

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. This position must maintain all ovens as follows:

• Lights ovens as required making sure all safety devices are in working order.
• Makes adjustments to pilot lights on ovens.
• Cleaning baffles, small air filters, relay blocks and air lines.  Clean and repair airline filters and regulators when needed.   Replace ink cartridges and pens when needed.  Replace thermocouple wires and temperature probes when required.
• Clean and lubricate oven drive gearboxes and shafts, both front and rear.
• Clean oven wickets, ductwork, wickets, burners, burner boxes, vents, louvers and vortex blades and linkages.  Repair, straighten and reseal all oven doors and openings and latches.  Design, fabricate and replace air directional louvers and spacers inside the oven.  Maintain air gas mixing devices on all ovens. 
• Maintain oven chains, wickets, rollers and lubrication devices.   Rework roller bushings, straighten and reconstruct wickets when needed.  Responsible for assuring all parts of the oven conveyor chain have adequate lubrication at various heat levels without causing damage to production from spraying lubricant.  Shorten the conveyor chain to compensate for wear and stretch.
• Maintain oven fans, clean & lubricate bearings, change belts as needed, and properly align pulleys.

1. This position maintains coating lines as follows:

• Maintain coating and solvent pumps by repacking, adjusting and replacing.  Re-pipes coating and solvent systems as needed.
• Maintains all conveyors by repairing bearings and idlers and replacing belts as need.  May install mechanical drives and sprockets.
• On spot coaters, repairs gates, idlers, gears, bushings and adjustable mechanisms. 
• Lubricate all lube points on established schedule daily.
• Oils stackers, check double sheet detectors and chains daily.  Fill oilers every other day.
• On feeders, rebuild and replace vacuum forwarders as needed and keep supply of new or rebuilt units on hand.  Change idlers on feeder belts, replace hoses, arm brackets, ratchet, pawls, cams, cam followers, repair drop rollers and urethane coverings.  Measure, cut and assemble various belts as needed and as spare parts.
• Maintain stripper gate and drive belts and drop sensors. 

1. Maintains printing presses as follows:

• Fabricate and replace guide rails, replace pushers and chains as well as pusher guides and rails.   Lubricate feed table chains, sprockets and idlers, gears and air cylinders.
• Remove, clean and check plate clamps.  Repair spring loaded cylinder gears.  Replace ink fountain blades and ink agitator mechanisms.
• Assist machine shop personnel in press rebuilding and cylinder removal and O/H as needed. 
• Clean and maintain Dahlgren systems including filter replacement, insulation, hoses and alcohol distribution systems.

1. Maintains the Load/Bundle turner:

• Repair plumbing and hydraulics and keep fluid levels full.
• Replace chains, sprockets and motor mounts and repair bent or broken rollers as needed.

1. General duties:

• Maintain filters on electrical panels and change indicator bulbs.
• Maintain, design and build shipping boxes for coater and press composition rollers to facilitate shipment.
• Maintain proper lubrication of pneumatic motor mixers; repair or rebuild as needed.
• Remove bearings and gears from the press and coater rollers and prepare for shipment for recovery or repair.
• Box wickets to be sent for repair and maintain inventory of wickets needed for repairs.
• Repair/overhaul various other spare parts to maintain the spare parts inventory in the Spare Parts Room.
• Maintain inventories of rollers and spare parts for presses, coaters, feeders, stackers, and conveyors.  Also maintain supplies of lubricants, belting and related supplies.
• Fabricate replacement chains as spare parts for coaters and press in feeds.
• Construct wooden push sticks for press and coater feeders.
• Serve on team to develop, implement and oversee preventive maintenance efforts.

1. Ability to complete job assignments & PM’;s using the C.M.M.S (e-maintenance system)
2. Responsibilities include making repairs or upgrades to a wide variety of existing equipment in any of the manufacturing or printing departments.
3. Capable of completing all maintenance functions required to building machinery, mechanical equipment and physical structure.
4. Is responsible for making or recommending repairs or parts replacement on equipment following regular mechanical inspections. 
5. Assists other maintenance mechanics and works with other personnel on projects requiring coordinated efforts.  This could include moving machinery and installing new and/or existing lines.
6. Responsible for cleaning work area, aisles and storage area safe, orderly and free of obstructions. Machines and equipment and returning unused materials and supplies to storage.
7. Performs maintenance work on a wide variety of items including: production lines, punch presses, body makers, injection molding presses, chutes and conveyors, lithograph presses, coaters, ovens and compressors.
8. Is responsible for monitoring building and equipment worked on for proper safety.  Informs supervision of any unsafe conditions which cannot be corrected.
9. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

SKILLS & Qualifications:

• Strong mechanical aptitude with knowledge of gears, bearings, drive systems, and conveyors
• Proficient in using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic instruments and be able to properly use and have a complete understanding of the following items:
  • Mechanic’s tools and equipment
  • Calipers, gauges and micrometers
  • Engineering drawings
  • Power fork lift truck
  • Machine shop equipment
• Familiarity with pneumatics, hydraulics, and basic electrical systems
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and equipment manuals
• Understanding of preventive maintenance procedures and root cause analysis
• Ability to work independently and respond to equipment breakdowns promptly
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Willingness to work in a physically demanding environment (standing, bending, lifting)
• Position requires pushing pulling or lifting heavy objects ranging up to approximately 70lbs.
• Willingness to work late evening, early morning or other unscheduled hours to perform necessary emergency repairs.
• Willingness to work at elevated heights and in confined spaces, with the proper training.