Heavy equipment operators Jobs in Chattanooga, TN

Step Into a Day on Our Maintenance Team

Picture this: you arrive on the floor, review the overnight notes, and jump into a planned mold change. Minutes later, a press flags a hydraulic issue—you trace it through schematics, confirm with micrometer readings, and return that machine to full production. Before lunch, you swap a VFD, verify PLC I/O on an Allen Bradley rack, and log your work so the next shift has a clean handoff. That rhythm—prevent, troubleshoot, repair, document—is the heart of this role.

About Novolex

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging serving foodservice, restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial markets. Our materials expertise spans resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum, and more. With 120 product categories, 250 brands, and over 39,000 SKUs, we deliver both stock and custom packaging solutions.

Our Sustainability Commitment

We anchor our sustainability vision on three pillars—products, operations, and people. These pillars guide initiatives across the business and power our long-term goals and growth.

The Role

As a Maintenance Technician focused on injection molding assets and their support systems, you will own troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive maintenance for presses and auxiliary equipment to keep production safe, reliable, and efficient.

What You’ll Tackle

• Execute mold changes with precision and speed.
• Diagnose and repair electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical issues using diagrams, manuals, OEM specs, and engineering drawings.
• Disassemble components to remove defective parts using hoists, hand tools, and power tools; assess wear by inspecting form and finish.
• Verify dimensions with rules, calipers, and micrometers; adjust components to meet tolerances.
• Perform preventive maintenance and deep cleans on production machinery and equipment.
• Work to OSHA, Federal, Local, and plant safety standards at all times.
• Apply working knowledge of chillers, compressors, and other plant utilities.
• Flag mold or machine deficiencies promptly to leadership.
• Document work, irregularities, and follow-ups to ensure smooth shift-to-shift continuity.
• Complete required training as assigned by management.
• Jump in on other maintenance tasks as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent plus technical training.
• 4+ years as a maintenance mechanic/technician in a manufacturing setting.
• Comfort operating forklifts.
• Clear, effective English communication (written and verbal) and ability to use a computer for documentation.
• Provide your own mechanic’s tools.
• Lift up to 50 lbs and work overtime, including weekends, when required.

Core Proficiencies

• Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
• 120/208/240/480 Voltage Systems
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• High Voltage Systems
• Maintenance and Repair Skills

Equipment & Technologies

• Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Fanuc, Allen Bradley, Siemens, Sigmatek)
• Conveyor Systems
• Servo Motors

Compensation

For this role, the current reasonable hourly range is $26.00 to $28.00. Actual pay is based on multiple factors—including skills, experience, training, certifications/licensure, and business needs. It is not typical to be hired at the top of the range; offers depend on the facts and circumstances of each case.

Benefits & Well-Being

Safety and well-being are central to how we work. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage along with resources that support mental, physical, and financial health. Specific offerings may vary by location.

Community & GrowthCommunity Engagement

Through our Focused Giving Program, we support organizations advancing sustainability or addressing food and hunger needs. We also encourage site-level involvement in local initiatives where our teams live and work.

Training & Development

Your growth matters. Access skills development and advanced education through MyLearning, company and industry curricula, a Learning Management System, and Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union).

Compliance Notices

Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact
myHRservices@novolex.com.

• Eligible to work in the United States
• Successful completion of pre-employment background and drug screen

Formerly Pactiv Evergreen