Electrical Maintenance Engineer

Location: Chennai, India

**Purpose of the Role**

The Electrical Maintenance Engineer is responsible for ensuring the reliable, safe, and efficient operation of all electrical, instrumentation, automation, and utility-related systems in an engineering plastics compounding plant. The role focuses on preventive and breakdown maintenance, troubleshooting, equipment reliability, energy efficiency, and continuous improvement to minimize production downtime and maintain uninterrupted plant operations.

**Key Responsibilities**

• Carry out preventive, predictive, and breakdown maintenance of electrical and automation equipment across the compounding plant.
• Ensure reliable operation of twin-screw extruders, feeders, mixers, pelletizers, dryers, cooling systems, conveying systems, and material-handling equipment.
• Troubleshoot electrical faults in motors, VFDs, MCCs, PCCs, control panels, contactors, relays, sensors, heaters, thermocouples, and power distribution systems.
• Maintain and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, temperature controllers, PID systems, and industrial communication networks.
• Monitor and maintain electrical systems associated with extrusion and compounding process equipment.
• Diagnose faults related to extruder drives, feeder drives, torque systems, barrel heating/cooling, vacuum systems, pelletizer drives, and downstream equipment.
• Ensure proper functioning of RTDs, thermocouples, pressure sensors, level sensors, proximity sensors, load cells, flow meters, and other process instruments.
• Attend electrical and instrumentation breakdowns promptly and restore equipment safely with minimum production downtime.
• Execute preventive maintenance schedules and maintain accurate maintenance records.
• Conduct regular inspection of MCCs, PCCs, distribution boards, transformers, DG sets, UPS systems, compressors, and other electrical utilities.
• Monitor electrical parameters such as voltage, current, power factor, energy consumption, and motor loading.
• Identify opportunities for energy saving, electrical efficiency, and equipment reliability improvement.
• Ensure proper calibration and functioning of process instrumentation and control devices.
• Maintain electrical drawings, panel schedules, PLC backups, parameter lists, and equipment documentation.
• Coordinate with vendors and service engineers for specialized equipment troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Implement Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for repeated electrical and automation failures and develop corrective actions.
• Support TPM, OEE improvement, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with electrical safety procedures, LOTO (Lockout/Tagout), PPE requirements, and plant EHS standards.
• Ensure proper earthing, electrical protection, cable management, panel housekeeping, and safe working conditions.

**Qualification**

• Diploma in Electrical / Electrical & Electronics Engineering with “C” License
• Experienced candidates should preferably have 5-8 years of experience in electrical maintenance, preferably in:Engineering plastics compounding, Polymer compounding, Plastics processing, Extrusion industries

**Candidate Expectations**

• Good knowledge of industrial electrical systems and maintenance practices.
• Good understanding of AC/DC motors, VFDs, MCCs, PCCs, transformers, control panels, and electrical protection systems.
• Working knowledge of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial automation systems.
• Understanding of extrusion and compounding machinery is preferred.
• Knowledge of temperature control, PID controllers, sensors, load cells, and process instrumentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and automation breakdowns systematically.
• Basic knowledge of SAP, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.
• Good understanding of electrical drawings, wiring diagrams, and control circuits.
• Knowledge of electrical safety, LOTO, PPE, and statutory requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in rotating shifts and work independently during breakdown situations.

**Key Competencies**

• Electrical Maintenance & Troubleshooting
• Extrusion & Compounding Equipment Maintenance
• VFD / Motor Troubleshooting
• PLC / HMI / SCADA
• Industrial Automation, Instrumentation & Process Control
• MCC / PCC / Electrical Panels
• Preventive & Predictive Maintenance, Breakdown Analysis & RCA
• SAP / CMMS Maintenance Transactions
• Electrical Safety & LOTO
• Energy Management
• Spare Parts Management
• TPM / OEE / Kaizen
• 5S & Workplace Discipline

**At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.**

**About Us:**

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances, and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.

**Why work at Ascend?**

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values: OARS.

Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take **ownership**, stay **accountable**, operate **reliably**, and **support** one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision-making, intentional communication, and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success.

Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward – aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.