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Maintenance Mechanic

Argonne National Laboratory · Lemont, IL · $35.79–$35.99 an hour · Full time

Posted Jun 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

How do you keep a good attendance record, and how do you handle it when something comes up?

What they are checking: Whether they are reliable, since the posting calls out attendance directly.

Tell me about a time you learned a new skill on the job from a more experienced coworker.

What they are checking: Whether they are coachable and eager to grow toward journeyman level.

Tell me about a time you made a mistake on a repair and how you handled it.

What they are checking: Whether they are honest about errors and report them, which matters for safety and quality.

What would you do

You're assisting a journeyman mechanic and think a step they're taking is unsafe. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they will speak up about safety even when they are the less experienced person.

What would you do if you were asked to do a repair you had never done before?

What they are checking: Whether they ask for help and follow procedure instead of guessing on unfamiliar work.

Working at a national lab can mean security rules and restricted areas. How do you feel about following strict procedures?

What they are checking: Whether they are comfortable working within safeguards and security rules in a research facility.

About the work

Walk me through a preventive maintenance task you've done on an HVAC system.

What they are checking: Whether they have real hands-on PM experience with building systems.

How do you follow lockout/tagout before working on electrical or mechanical equipment?

What they are checking: Whether safe energy control is a habit for them, which matters greatly under Argonne's ESHQ rules.

Tell me about a plumbing repair you've done and how you found the problem.

What they are checking: Their practical plumbing skills and their approach to finding the cause of a problem.

How would you check that an air handling unit is working properly during a routine round?

What they are checking: Whether they know what normal looks like so they can spot problems early.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Argonne National Laboratory.

Under the general supervision of a Building Maintenance Foreman, the Maintenance Mechanic II performs preventive maintenance, operational functions, and minor repairs to building and utility electrical and mechanical systems and structures (e.g., HVAC, electrical, plumbing). Assists the Maintenance Mechanic I (journeyman level mechanic) in the maintenance and repair of building systems. Employees are responsible for maintaining an acceptable attendance record. Executes all work, as they apply to work performed by self or by personnel under supervision, in compliance with environmental safety health and quality (ESHQ) and security responsibilities established by Argonne National Laboratory's ESHQ policies, Safeguards and Security policies, work rules, and safe practices. This job description documents the general nature of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned. Position Requirements Argonne is in search of a Maintenance Mechanic. Under general supervision of the Foreman, the Maintenance Mechanic performs preventative maintenance, operational functions and repairs to building systems, structures and utilities in strict accordance with established safety practices & procedures. The primary focus of this position is Industrial/Commercial HVAC/Refrigeration repair. • Under the general supervision of a Building Maintenance Foreman, the Maintenance Mechanic performs preventive maintenance, operational functions, and minor repairs to building and utility electrical and mechanical systems and structures (e.g., HVAC, electrical, plumbing). • Assists the Maintenance Mechanic (journeyman level mechanic) in the maintenance and repair of building systems. • Employees are responsible for maintaining an acceptable attendance record. • Executes all work, as they apply to work performed by self or by personnel under supervision, in compliance with environmental safety health and quality (ESHQ) and security responsibilities established by Argonne National Laboratory's ESHQ policies, Safeguards and Security policies, work rules, and safe practices. This job description documents the general nature of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned. Required knowledge and experience in the disassembly, replacement, or repair of: • Industrial/Commercial HVAC • Building/structures • Utilities • Electrical • Mechanical systems • Execute all work in compliance with environmental safety, health, quality, and security as established by Argonne National Laboratory’s ESHQ policies, safeguard and Security policies, work rules and safe practices • Maintain acceptable attendance record • Ability to model Argonne's core values of Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork. • High school diploma or equivalent, preferably have attended an HVAC training program This is a union position. The hourly wage is determined by the collective bargaining agreement between the union and Argonne. As a Maintenance Mechanic II the rate is $35.79, as a Maintenance Mechanic I the rate is $43.83 per hour. Knowledge and experience will determine if a candidate will be placed as a level I or a level II. Job Family Union Job Profile Maintenance Mechanic II Worker Type Regular Time Type Full time The expected hiring range for this position is $35.79-$35.99. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package. Click here to view Argonne employee benefits! As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law. Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department. All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

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