The posting
Job Description
U.S. Silica is seeking a skilled and safety-focused Industrial Electrical Technician to join our maintenance team at our Lamesa, Texas facility. This position is responsible for performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and installations on industrial electrical, electronic, instrumentation, and automation systems to support safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial electrical maintenance, including experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), three-phase power systems, motor controls, process instrumentation, and plant automation.
Working collaboratively with Maintenance, Production, and Operations teams, this individual will play a key role in minimizing equipment downtime, improving system reliability, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The position requires strong troubleshooting abilities, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and productive work environment.
Location: Lamesa, Texas Pay: $30.00 to $35.00 per hour Schedule: Rotating Shift – 7 Days On / 7 Days Off Shift Hours: 12-hour shifts | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM / 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Responsibilities
Electrical Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on industrial electrical, electronic, and instrumentation equipment.
- Troubleshoot, diagnose, repair, and maintain electrical systems, including three-phase power, motor controls, PLCs, and automated production equipment.
- Inspect, test, repair, and adjust electrical components and systems to maintain equipment reliability and minimize unplanned downtime.
- Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, blueprints, and ladder logic diagrams to diagnose equipment issues and perform repairs.
- Perform routine inspections, lubrication, and maintenance activities to support safe and efficient plant operations.
- Install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical and electronic equipment associated with plant production and processing systems.
- Complete electrical repairs safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established maintenance procedures and quality standards.
Automation, Instrumentation & Process Controls
- Support the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of plant automation and control systems, including PLCs, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and industrial control networks.
- Diagnose and resolve issues involving process instrumentation, automated equipment, and production control systems.
- Assist with maintaining Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), data collection and reporting systems, and associated safety controls.
- Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, system reliability, and overall plant efficiency.
- Document modifications, system updates, troubleshooting activities, and process improvements to maintain accurate technical records.
Plant Operations & Continuous Improvement
- Collaborate with Production Operators and Maintenance personnel to coordinate repairs while minimizing disruptions to production schedules, product quality, and operational efficiency.
- Assist with planning, installation, commissioning, and implementation of new electrical equipment, automation systems, and plant improvements.
- Support capital improvement projects, ensuring assigned activities are completed in accordance with established timelines, budgets, and safety requirements.
- Identify recurring equipment failures and recommend corrective actions to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs.
- Provide technical assistance and guidance to other maintenance personnel and support the training and development of electrical team members.
- Coordinate maintenance activities across shifts to ensure continuity of operations and effective communication during shift transitions.
Safety, Documentation & Compliance
- Promote a safety-first culture by consistently following established safety procedures, maintenance practices, and company policies.
- Comply with all applicable U.S. Silica safety programs, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Confined Space Entry, SLAM, DBS, Serious 6, and other site-specific safety requirements.
- Conduct and document required equipment inspections and report unsafe conditions, equipment deficiencies, or potential hazards.
- Properly use and maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety footwear, hearing protection, and fall protection equipment when applicable.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, equipment inspections, and documentation of completed repairs.
- Identify and communicate parts, tools, materials, and equipment needed to complete maintenance activities.
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas, ensuring tools and unused materials are properly stored following maintenance activities.
- Comply with applicable local, state, federal, MSHA, and U.S. Silica health and safety requirements.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support plant operations and maintenance objectives.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.
- Minimum of five (5) years of industrial electrical maintenance experience, including hands-on experience with PLC systems and three-phase electrical power systems.
- Demonstrated experience troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining industrial electrical equipment in a manufacturing, mining, processing, or similar industrial environment.
- Working knowledge of electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, ladder logic, motor controls, and industrial electrical systems.
- Ability to diagnose electrical and equipment malfunctions and implement effective corrective actions.
- Basic computer proficiency, including the ability to use maintenance software, electronic documentation, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Basic mathematical skills, including fractions, measurements, and elementary geometry.
- Strong mechanical aptitude, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently with moderate supervision and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Strong communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, equipment reliability, and quality workmanship.
- Ability to work a rotating 7-on/7-off schedule consisting of 12-hour day and night shifts.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in mining, aggregates, silica processing, or heavy industrial manufacturing.
- Working knowledge of Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations and safety requirements.
- Experience with industrial automation, process controls, instrumentation, and PLC troubleshooting.
- Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or other industrial maintenance software.
- Previous forklift or mobile equipment operating experience.
- Experience supporting capital improvement projects, equipment installations, and plant upgrades.
- Previous warehouse, inventory, or maintenance parts management experience.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Ability to work in an industrial plant environment, including exposure to outdoor weather conditions, varying temperatures, dust, noise, and operating machinery.
- Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and multi-level structures and perform work from elevated platforms while following applicable safety procedures.
- Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, and other equipment required for industrial maintenance activities.
- Ability to perform physically demanding maintenance activities, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and other job-related movements.
- Ability to wear required PPE and comply with all applicable site safety requirements.
- Flexibility to work rotating 12-hour shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
About Us
U.S. Silica is a leading producer of industrial minerals essential to modern life. With $1B+ in annual revenue, 26 production facilities, and industry-leading last-mile logistics for the oil & gas sector, we supply high-quality silica, diatomaceous earth, clay, and other materials to industries ranging from energy and construction to food & beverage.
As a portfolio company of Apollo Global Management, we are positioned for strategic growth in both our Oil & Gas and Industrial segments. For more than 100 years, our products and innovations have helped make the world cleaner, safer, and more energy-efficient.
U.S. Silica is an equal opportunity employer for all without regard to race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. U.S. Silica is a smoke- and drug-free workplace.
