Entry Level Mechanical Engineer
The Entry Level Maintenance Engineer is responsible for performing routine and preventive maintenance on cement plant equipment such as crushers, grinders, and kilns to ensure safe and efficient operations. This role involves diagnosing mechanical issues, supporting equipment upgrades, maintaining detailed records, and collaborating with cross-functional teams in a heavy industrial manufacturing environment. It offers recent graduates hands-on experience with opportunities for professional growth and development in maintenance engineering.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is seeking an Entry Level Mechanical Engineer for a hands-on maintenance role at a cement plant in Sugar Creek, MO. This is an excellent opportunity for recent engineering graduates or technicians who want to gain broad mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation experience working with crushers, grinders, kilns, and material handling systems.
What You’ll Do
This role focuses on performing routine and preventive maintenance to keep heavy industrial equipment running safely and efficiently. Key responsibilities include:
- Perform routine and preventive maintenance on crushers, grinders, kilns, conveyors, and other material-handling equipment.
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical issues that affect production.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records (repairs, inspections, parts usage) using CMMS tools such as Tabware.
- Support equipment upgrades, modifications, and installations; provide hands-on assistance during shutdowns.
- Contribute to development and continuous improvement of maintenance schedules, procedures, and best practices.
- Assist in planning major shutdowns: prepare instructions, estimate labor, identify materials/tools, and estimate job durations.
- Work closely with operators, supervisors, and other departments to coordinate maintenance work and reduce downtime.
- Participate in safety programs, drills, and efforts to foster a safety-focused culture.
Who We’re Looking For (Qualifications)
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; recent graduates encouraged to apply.
- Entry-level work experience or internship experience in manufacturing/maintenance is a plus.
- Basic understanding of mechanical systems (bearings, shafts, gearboxes), electrical basics, and industrial instrumentation.
- Proficiency with maintenance management software (Tabware or similar).
- Familiarity with AutoCAD for reading/reviewing technical drawings.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Project or similar scheduling tools is preferred.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Good verbal and written communication skills and ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.
- Willingness to learn advanced troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems.
Preferred / Additional Skills
- Hands-on experience or coursework involving rotating equipment, conveyors, or bulk material systems.
- Interest in cement production processes and heavy industrial equipment.
- Desire for ongoing professional development and certifications.
- Strong organizational skills for maintenance records and shutdown planning.
Work Environment
- This is a fully onsite role at a cement manufacturing facility in Sugar Creek, MO.
- Expect ~80% manufacturing floor time and ~20% office time supporting planning/documentation.
- The plant environment includes heat, dust, noise, and large rotating equipment. Proper PPE and adherence to safety procedures are required.
- Regular use of tools, measurement instruments, and computer-based systems (Tabware, AutoCAD, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office).
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range: $60,000 - $75,000 per year.
- Benefits (typical) include: medical (telemedicine), dental, vision, FSA, dependent care FSA, life & AD&D, short- and long-term disability, 401(k), paid vacation & holidays, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, wellness incentives, and bonus programs.
- Benefits begin as described by the hiring organization and may vary — final details provided during the offer stage.
Location & Employment Type
- Workplace: Fully onsite — Sugar Creek, MO (64050).
- Employment type: Full-time, permanent.
Recruiting & Screening
Careertakes is managing candidate sourcing and initial screening on behalf of Confidential Client. As part of a fair and efficient process, applications may be screened using automated tools (including AI-supported resume screening). These tools assist reviewers but do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you need a reasonable accommodation (for the application or interview process), email accommodations@careertakes.ai.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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