Heat Treating Maintenance Manager

Nitrex Inc. – Chicago Operations

Is this the role you are looking for If so read on for more details, and make sure to apply today.

Job Description

Job Title : Maintenance Manager – Nitrex Heat Treating Services

Department : Maintenance

Reports To : Plant Manager & Corporate Engineering Manager

Location : In-person, 1900 Plain Ave, Aurora, IL 60502, United States

Travel : Not Required

FLSA Status : Exempt, ($80-90k annually based on experience)

Prepared Date : 11 / 05 / 2025

Application deadline : Not listed

Join the Nitrex Team!

At Nitrex, our teams of talented professionals are committed to making a world of strength an

everyday reality : propelling innovation, shaping tomorrow today, and making more products

stronger for longer than others dare to dream.

We recognize that our employees are the reason behind our business success, and as our most

valuable resource, we work hard to create a culture where all our employees feel appreciated,

can thrive professionally and personally, and can realize their full potential. When you join

Nitrex, you help shape innovative heat treatment solutions that make a real difference to our

customers’ missions and the products they create that enhance everyday life.

Company Description

Nitrex Metal Inc. has been a worldwide leader and solution provider in the heat-treating

industry for over 35 years. Nitrex currently conducts operations in nine countries and has

partnerships in all areas of the globe. Nitrex has over 450 employees distributed between

manufacturing of equipment at various worldwide locations, providing heat treatment services,

and engineering and sales locations worldwide. Nitrex has a strong commitment to research &

development and realizes that investment in advanced technologies is a key ingredient for our

continued growth. A position at Nitrex will test your commitment to growth and your drive to

advance heat treatment technology. We offer a competitive salary and benefits, as well as a

fast-paced work environment.

Job Overview

We are seeking a results-driven, highly organized, and proactive Maintenance Manager to lead

all maintenance operations at our Heat Treatment Services facility in Aurora, IL. This role is

responsible for managing all preventive, predictive, corrective, and reactive maintenance

activities across critical thermal processing and auxiliary equipment. The ideal candidate will

demonstrate strong leadership, planning, and communication skills, and will be responsible for

optimizing asset performance while minimizing downtime and unplanned costs.

This position requires a candidate with a deep understanding of industrial maintenance best

practices, including CMMS usage, contractor management, spare parts logistics, and safety

compliance. Prior experience in the heat treatment industry is essential.

Key Responsibilities

 Lead and manage a small team of maintenance technicians responsible for thermal

processing assets and auxiliary support systems.

 Provide direction, training, and performance management to ensure maintenance

activities are executed safely, on time, and to standard.

 Ensure daily maintenance tasks—both preventive and reactive—are prioritized and

completed with minimal disruption to production operations.

 Own and optimize the CMMS platform to manage all work orders, PM schedules, and

equipment history. Ensure timely completion and accurate recordkeeping.

 Assist with the development and enforce structured preventive maintenance schedules,

especially for critical systems such as cooling water circuits, to reduce unplanned

downtime and extend equipment life.

 Coordinate effectively with the production department to schedule maintenance

windows that align with operational demands.

 Maintain and monitor a comprehensive spare parts inventory, including documentation

of critical spares, vendor quotes, reorder points, and lead times.

 Assist with planning and scope definition of third-party contractor work, ensuring clear

communication of responsibilities, expectations, safety protocols, and timelines.

Maintain active oversight during execution.

 Work as a team to coordinate and successfully complete maintenance-related CapEx

projects from planning and budgeting through execution and commissioning, including

major overhauls and system upgrades.

 Ensure compliance with safety regulations and internal quality systems, including the

generation of maintenance SOPs, RCA documentation, and CAPA records.

 Participate in and lead cross-functional maintenance meetings to ensure timely task

tracking, effective communication, and interdepartmental alignment.

 Track and report on maintenance performance metrics, labor utilization, and monthly

budget adherence.

Required Education, Skills, and Experience

 Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in a technical field (Engineering, Mechanics, Electrical,

etc.) or equivalent managerial work experience in a related industry. (Thermal

processing industry experience is an asset).

 5+ years of management experience in a related field.

 3–5 years of relevant hands-on experience with mechanical, electrical, and process

equipment, preferably in a heat treatment environment.

 Demonstrated experience with CMMS systems and preventive maintenance programs.

 Strong leadership and communication skills, with a proven ability to motivate teams and

deliver results.

 Familiarity with contractor management and project oversight.

 Excellent organizational and planning skills, with strong attention to detail and followthrough.

 Strong understanding of safety practices and regulatory compliance in an industrial

environment.

 Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent software tools.

 U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency Card Holder (for ITAR compliance).

Physical and Mental Demands

 Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods.

 Ability to stand and walk for up to 50% of the time.

 Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform tasks involving bending, stooping, and

reaching.

 Must be able to hear and communicate effectively in-person and by phone.

 Occasional exposure to heat, humidity, airborne particles, and industrial noise.

Job Type

 Full-time, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week.

Benefits

 401(k) matching

 Health, dental, and vision insurance

 Life insurance

 Paid time off

 Opportunities for advancement

Job Type : Full-time

Pay : $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits :

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Work Location : In person