Industrial Reliability Mechanic – Athens, GA

Novolex in Athens, GA is looking for an Industrial Reliability Mechanic to keep our high-volume plastics operations running at peak performance. All candidates must successfully complete the Ramsay Mechanical Aptitude Test before hire.

A day in your workboots

Your shift starts by suiting up for safety—hairnet, earplugs, gloves, apron, safety glasses, and steel-toed shoes—then walking the lines to spot anything out of spec. A conveyor stalls on a thermoforming line: you isolate the issue, consult prints and manuals, and break out hand and power tools—hammers, drills, saws, wrenches—plus precision instruments to measure clearances. You disassemble, replace worn bearings and gears, recondition parts, and reassemble. Once running, you verify dimensions and alignment with levels, plumb bobs, and straightedges.

Between calls, you execute preventive maintenance: change oils and lubricants, check batteries, compressors and power supplies, swap filters, inspect belts and drives, and document results against PM checklists. You might weld (MIG/Arc) a bracket, machine a component on a mill or lathe, or complete light facility upkeep such as basic carpentry or threading and soldering a plumbing run. You install and commission equipment on production lines and presses, including wiring, piping, and control hookups. Throughout, you communicate clearly, keep the maintenance area in top shape, and follow every safety rule, every time.

What you’ll maintain and improve

• Injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming systems
• Flexographic printing presses
• Conveyor systems, servo motors, and VFD-driven equipment

Core responsibilities

• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and basic electronic/PLC issues across multiple lines
• Diagnose faults with test instruments and technical documentation; disassemble, repair/replace, and reassemble to spec
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance to prevent deterioration and maximize uptime
• Install, align, pipe, and commission new or modified machinery and building systems
• Adjust devices and control components; verify dimensions, tolerances, and clearances
• Weld (MIG/Arc) and fabricate as needed; perform light carpentry and plumbing
• Maintain housekeeping and care of tools and equipment
• Consistently wear required PPE and comply with all safety procedures

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of industrial maintenance experience
• Must pass the Ramsay Mechanical Aptitude Test (mechanical concepts knowledge)
• Machining experience (mill, lathe, grinder, saw, drill) is a plus
• Welding experience: TIG and Stick
• Fluent reading/interpretation of blueprints and electrical/mechanical/hydraulic/pneumatic schematics
• Plumbing skills (threading, soldering)
• Proven troubleshooting of: Mechanical (gears, pulleys, chains, belts, shafts, gearboxes, pumps, air compressors, HVAC a plus), Electrical (AC/DC motors/drives, 480V 3-phase, transformers, control power, relays), Pneumatic (valves, controls, pressure/flow, cylinders), Hydraulic (valves, controls, pressure/flow, cylinders), Electronic (controls, ladder logic, PLC programming; C programming a plus)
• Reliable attendance, strong work ethic, and ability to prioritize independently
• Able to stand for 8 hours, lift up to 50 lbs frequently, and wear required PPE

Proficiencies we value

• Mechanical and pneumatics troubleshooting
• Hydraulic systems and components
• Equipment diagnostics, repair, and preventive maintenance

Ready to keep critical packaging equipment humming? Join Novolex in Athens and make an immediate impact.