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Maintenance Technician - 2nd Shift

Donaldson · Dixon, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 2, 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

Tell me about a pneumatic or hydraulic problem you diagnosed and fixed. What was wrong and how did you find it?

What they are checking: Whether their experience with fluid power systems is hands-on and whether they can explain their reasoning clearly.

The posting mentions building work too, like painting, carpentry, welding and plumbing. Which of those can you do on your own, and which would you need help with?

What they are checking: Whether they are honest about the range of their trade skills rather than overselling to land the job.

Tell me about a time you recommended a fix that went beyond what your supervisor first approved. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they work within the limits set by the supervisor while still pushing for the right long-term solution.

How do you hand off an open repair to first shift so they can pick it up without wasting time?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate clearly across shifts, which keeps downtime short on a plant that runs around the clock.

What would you do

A machine goes down on second shift and the operator says it just stopped. Walk me through how you find the root cause.

What they are checking: Whether they troubleshoot in a logical order instead of swapping parts until something works.

How do you decide what goes into a preventive maintenance plan for a machine, and what do you do when PMs keep getting pushed for production?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that skipped PMs cause bigger downtime later and can make that case to production leaders.

You fixed a problem with a temporary repair to get the line running. What happens next?

What they are checking: Whether they follow through on permanent fixes and documentation instead of leaving fragile patches for the next shift.

You are the only maintenance person on second shift and two machines go down at once. How do you decide which to work on first?

What they are checking: Whether they prioritize by safety and production impact and communicate clearly with supervisors while working alone.

About the work

How do you safely troubleshoot an electrical fault on a live control circuit, and when do you decide it has to be locked out?

What they are checking: Whether they know electrical safety and lockout tagout well enough to protect themselves on equipment they did not build.

A hydraulic cylinder is drifting under load. What are the likely causes and what would you check first?

What they are checking: Whether they understand hydraulic basics like internal seal leakage and valve problems, not just general mechanical skills.

What industrial vehicles are you licensed or trained to run, like forklifts or lifts?

What they are checking: Whether they can operate the vehicles the role requires safely and are already trained or certified.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Donaldson from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Donaldson.

Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities. ​ The Maintenance Technician position is located in Dixon, IL and will be responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical systems across plant equipment and facilities. The Maintenance Technician will also perform preventive maintenance, support equipment installations, operate industrial vehicles, and ensure building and grounds upkeep to minimize production downtime and maximize reliability. This is a 2nd shift position, Monday-Thursday 2:00PM–12:00AM. Role Responsibilities: • Performs troubleshooting and repair of pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical and electrical systems of plant equipment; determines root cause of a problem, recommends effective solution to solve the problem and implements the solution within in the limits set by the supervisor • Perform equipment preventive maintenance tasks (PM’s). • Perform building maintenance tasks - these could include painting, carpentry work, welding, plumbing, lighting, and electrical repairs. • Operate and maintain general machine shop tools and equipment which includes band saws, belt sander, welder, lathes, drill press, etc. • Fabricate simple tooling and fixtures from designs or sketches. • Operate Powered Industrial Vehicles (PIV) i.e. fork truck, lifts, floor sweeper etc. and attachments • Assist in new equipment installations or relocation of current equipment; this could involve moving, assembling, rigging, installing air piping, running conduit, leveling and aligning equipment from blueprints, schematics and specs. • Repair machines and equipment according to maintenance schedule with minimal interruption to production • Maintain buildings and grounds as needed; Light janitorial duties required • Locate and help maintain maintenance inventory • Determine root cause and provide positive feedback for corrective action plans to improve equipment reliability • Comply with all DOT, HAZMAT and environmental policies and procedures • Other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications: • Electrical and/or mechanical maintenance experience in a manufacturing facility • Experience with control wiring, pneumatics, hydraulics, welding, machining and HVAC • Use a computer to enter data and obtain data • Ability to read and follow specifications and procedures • Ability to comprehend mechanical & electrical blueprints Preferred Qualifications: • PLC/CNC experience • Understand pumps and valves and their application; refrigeration, air conditioning, heating and ventilation equipment; P.L.C. concepts • Exhibit mechanical aptitude and knowledge of industrial electric symbols and line diagrams, control logic-line diagrams, AC/DC motors, motor starters and motor controllers • Work with and around chemicals and other materials, having exposures within acceptable limits, without adverse reaction • Multi-craft certification • Work in a physically demanding and potentially dirty environment • Communicate & interact effectively with all plant employees • Perform a variety of tasks throughout the day in a fast-paced work environment Hourly Pay Rate: $28.90 per hour plus a shift differential. This position is overtime eligible as per state and federal regulations. Actual salaries may vary based on several factors, including but not limited to applicable work experience, training, education, and performance. This position is eligible for an annual incentive plan based on performance and company growth. Employee benefits are part of the competitive total rewards package that Donaldson Company, Inc. provides to you. Our comprehensive benefits program includes health benefits, retirement plan (401k), paid time away, paid leaves (including paid paternal leave) and more. Immigration Sponsorship Not Available: • Applicants for this position must be currently and legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, J-1, F-1, CPT, OPT, etc.) • Donaldson will not offer immigration sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this position. • International relocation or remote work arrangements outside of the United States will not be considered. Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability and Veterans. Employment opportunities for positions in the United States may require use of information which is subject to the export control regulations of the United States. Hiring decisions for such positions are required by law to be made in compliance with these regulations. Applicants for employment opportunities in other countries must be able to meet the comparable export control requirements of that country and of the United States. Donaldson Company has been made aware that there are several recruiting scams that are targeting job seekers. These scams have attempted to solicit money for job applications and/or collect confidential information, Donaldson will never solicit money during the application or recruiting process. Donaldson only accepts online applications through our Careers | Donaldson Company, Inc. website and any communication from a Donaldson recruiter would be sent using a donaldson.com email address. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of an employment opportunity, please reach out to talentacquisition@donaldson.com to verify that the communication is from Donaldson. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.

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