Job Title:
Electrician
Department
: Maintenance
Reports To:
Maintenance Manager
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Plant Location:
Hammond, IN
Position Summary:
The Maintenance Electrician at Jupiter Aluminum is responsible for installing, troubleshooting, repairing, and performing preventive maintenance on electrical and automation systems in a high-temperature, heavy industrial environment. This includes working with high-voltage power distribution, PLC-controlled machinery, motors, drives, and instrumentation used in the aluminum production process. The Maintenance Electrician plays a key role in ensuring optimal machine performance, minimizing downtime, and enhancing system reliability in areas such as the furnace, hot mill, cold mill, annealing, and finishing operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Electrical Maintenance & Troubleshooting
•Diagnose, repair, and maintain high-voltage (480V-13.8kV) electrical systems, including switchgear, transformers, power distribution panels, and busbars.
•Troubleshoot motors, motor controls, motor starters, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
•Identify and correct voltage imbalances, phase loss issues, ground faults, short circuits, and relay failures.
•Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair electrical systems in furnaces, including burner controls, ignition circuits, and high-temperature sensors.
•Conduct diagnostics on servo motors, encoders, and positioning systems used in precision rolling and coil handling.
•Perform thermal imaging and predictive maintenance to detect potential failures before they cause production downtime.
Preventive & Predictive Maintenance
•Perform scheduled inspections of electrical panels, relays, and contactors, and conduct runs to identify wear and prevent failures.
•Maintain and service automatic lubrication systems for motors, gearboxes, and bearings.
•Monitor and calibrate industrial scales, load cells, and flow meters used in aluminum processing.
•Keep accurate maintenance logs in CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) to track work history and future service schedules.
•Assist in equipment upgrades, including retrofitting outdated systems with newer PLCs, HMIs, and control panels.
Equipment Installation & System Upgrades
•Assist in the installation and commissioning of new machinery, ensuring proper electrical connections, grounding, and power distribution.
•Configure and fine-tune VFDs, PLC logic, and automation settings to optimize production efficiency.
•Install and maintain industrial lighting systems, backup power units (UPS), and emergency shutdown systems.
•Support energy efficiency initiatives, including power factor correction, load balancing, and reduced energy consumption strategies.
Safety & Compliance
•Strictly follow LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) procedures when servicing energized systems.
•Maintain compliance with NFPA 70E electrical safety standards, including arc flash mitigation and PPE requirements.
•Perform arc flash analysis and ensure proper labeling of electrical panels for hazard assessment.
•Identify and mitigate electrical hazards related to aluminum dust accumulation, grounding issues, and high-temperature equipment.
•Participate in safety meetings, audits, and continuous improvement programs.
Other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
•High-temperature industrial setting, working in proximity to furnaces, molten aluminum, and heat-generating equipment.
•Exposure to electrical hazards, including high-voltage panels, rotating equipment, and arc flash.
•Frequent work at heights on catwalks, scaffolding, and overhead electrical enclosures.
•Rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and emergency on-call duties.
•Work in confined spaces, such as electrical cabinets, cable trenches, and motor control rooms.
Qualifications: Education/Experience:
•High school diploma or GED required.
•An Electrician Certification or an Associate’s degree in Industrial Electrical Technology is preferred.
•Minimum 3 years of industrial electrical maintenance experience, preferably in the metal industry.
•Knowledge of industrial electrical systems, 480V 3-phase motors, and control circuits.
•Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, blueprints, and P&ID drawings.
•Familiarity with industrial pneumatic/hydraulic control systems is a plus.
Behavioral Competencies:
•Strong analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly diagnose and repair complex electrical issues.
•Detail-oriented mindset, ensuring electrical installations and repairs meet industry standards.
•Commitment to safety, following all electrical and industrial safety protocols.
•Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, communicating effectively with operators, engineers, and maintenance personnel.
•Willingness to continuously learn and adapt to new electrical technologies and system upgrades.
Physical Requirements:
•Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and carry electrical tools, conduit, and components.
•Prolonged standing, kneeling, and climbing ladders to access electrical panels and wiring.
•Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination for detailed electrical wiring, soldering, and troubleshooting.
•Ability to work in extreme temperatures, particularly near furnaces and molten metal areas.
•Operate forklifts, aerial lifts, and scissor lifts for electrical maintenance tasks.
•Work in enclosed spaces such as electrical cabinets, cable trays, and motor control centers.
This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this role. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary.
By choice, Jupiter Aluminum is committed to creating a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status.