Green Era, a Chicago-based environmental and biofuels group that transforms packaged food waste into renewable energy and nutrient-rich compost, is hiring a Food Waste Anaerobic Digester Mechanical Engineer. The role is a hands-on position — installing, aligning, troubleshooting, and improving industrial equipment. Engineers who love solving complex problems with their hands (and a multimeter), will thrive in this role.
Applicants should send a resume, brief cover note, and three references to jobs@greenerachicago.com, using the subject line: “Mechanical Engineer – AD”
Location: Chicago, IL
Pay: $45–$55/hour (DOE)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM + On-call rotation for emergencies
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits: Health, dental, vision, paid holidays, paid time off, PPE provided
Language Requirement: English (required)
Responsibilities
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Install, align, and maintain pumps, tanks, conveyors, filtration, motors, and utilities
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Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems (24V–480V)
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Work with industrial controls: PLCs (Allen-Bradley), VFDs, HMIs/SCADA, sensors, and control logic
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Conduct preventive/predictive maintenance in CMMS; document work and parts usage
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Weld, fabricate, and rig (mild/stainless steel); operate hoists, cranes, and forklifts
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Lead and coach a 5–10 person maintenance team, setting standards for quality, uptime, and safety
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Drive root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives
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Enforce LOTO, Confined Space, Hot Work, NFPA 70E, and OSHA 1910 compliance
Qualifications
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5–10 years hands-on experience in industrial maintenance, millwrighting, or mechanical engineering
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Strong mechanical fundamentals; working knowledge of 24V–480V systems, VFDs, and controls
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Skilled in welding/fabrication/rigging and reading prints/schematics/P&IDs
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Experience using CMMS and managing parts inventory
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Proven leadership and team training experience
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Valid driver’s license; able to lift 50+ lbs, work at heights, and enter confined spaces
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Education: Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering preferred; technical/vocational training valued
Nice to Have
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Experience with anaerobic digestion, pumps, centrifuges, or process plants
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Allen-Bradley programming or basic ladder logic edits
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Instrumentation calibration experience
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Forklift/crane certifications; welding credentials (CWI or pressure vessel)
Working Conditions
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Industrial environment: noise, odors, heat, dust, chemicals
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Requires strict safety adherence and PPE use
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On-call rotation for urgent maintenance issues
Compensation & Benefits
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Pay: $45–$55/hour (based on experience) + shift differential and OT potential
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Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid holidays; PTO; PPE provided; professional development budget
How to Apply
Send your resume, brief cover note, and 3 references to jobs@greenerachicago.com
Use subject line: “Mechanical Engineer – AD”