Keith Chaika
East Bethel,MN
Summary
Dynamic Maintenance Technician with extensive experience at International Paper, excelling in preventive maintenance and equipment troubleshooting. Proven ability to enhance safety compliance and train junior staff, significantly reducing downtime through effective mechanical and electrical repairs. Skilled in welding techniques and committed to optimizing machinery performance while fostering a culture of safety awareness.
Professional technician with solid background in maintaining and repairing complex systems. Proven ability to enhance equipment reliability while working collaboratively within teams to meet dynamic operational demands. Renowned for adaptability and consistent delivery of high-quality results under varying conditions.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Maintenance Technician
International Paper
10.2000 - 05.2025
- Conducted routine inspections and preventive maintenance on equipment to ensure optimal operation.
- Diagnosed mechanical issues, implemented repairs, and tested systems for functionality.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and execute maintenance schedules.
- Trained junior technicians on safety protocols and best practices in equipment handling.
- Implemented safety measures that reduced workplace incidents and promoted compliance with regulations.
- Operated varied hand and power tools to complete repairs.
- Used problem-solving skills to alleviate issues efficiently with minimal supervision.
- Troubleshot equipment breakdowns and performed preventive maintenance.
- Followed work orders and specifications for machine and equipment replacement, repair, or maintenance.
- Followed safety protocols to minimize workplace accidents.
- Reduced downtime by quickly diagnosing and resolving technical issues on machinery.
- Performed electrical and mechanical repairs of production equipment to minimize downtime.
- Completed partial or full dismantling of equipment to quickly repair or replace defective components and restore functionality.
- Trained new employees on proper use and care of tools, machinery, and safety protocols.
- Increased machinery lifespan with detailed attention to routine and preventive maintenance tasks.
- Optimized production line performance, troubleshooting and fixing issues promptly.
- Replaced worn or broken parts on machines and equipment.
- Performed preventive maintenance and repairs on various types of equipment.
- Followed instructions from supervisor regarding daily job tasks and duties.
- Repaired and replaced pumps, valves and motors.
- Rewired and replaced faulty electrical components in equipment.
- Diagnosed equipment failures and implemented effective repair solutions in a timely manner.
- Performed welding tasks as needed for equipment repair or fabrication projects, adhering to strict safety guidelines.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to expand skill set and maintain expertise in the field of industrial maintenance.
- Adhered to safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria to maximize preventive controls.
- Assessed risks associated with various machinery operations, informing proper safety protocols.
Shipping Clerk
International Paper
1993 - 10.2000
- Trained new staff on shipping protocols, safety procedures, and system usage.
- Processed incoming and outgoing shipments, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.
- Checked bills of lading, outgoing package paperwork, and other documentation for accuracy.
- Managed multiple priorities, consistently meeting or exceeding deadlines for shipment dispatches.
- Operated equipment such as forklifts and balers to move outgoing shipments to loading area.
- Optimized storage space usage by efficiently organizing inventory within the warehouse facility.
- Used pallet jacks and dollies to load and unloaded goods from trucks and containers.
- Processed invoices and order forms for goods received and shipped for proof of transactions.
- Verified orders by comparing names and quantity of items packaged with shipping documents.
- Compared shipping orders and invoices against contents received to verify accuracy.
General Laborer, Industrial
International Paper
05.1989 - 1993
- Operated machinery for efficient production and packaging of paper products.
- Assisted in training new employees on safety protocols and equipment usage.
- Demonstrated versatility in handling various job assignments, successfully adapting to different roles as needed within the team structure.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new skills and techniques as required for specific projects or roles within the team.
- Adhered to company guidelines regarding personal protective equipment use, minimizing risk of injury on the job site.
- Enhanced workplace safety by implementing proper equipment usage and maintaining clean work areas.
- Reduced waste materials by adhering to recycling protocols and properly disposing of non-recyclable items.
- Drove forklifts, pallet jacks and other equipment to move materials.
- Helped train new employees in safe practices and warehouse procedures.
- Operated equipment while observing standard safety procedures.
- Used machinery and equipment such as box cutters, shrink-wrap guns and electric pallet jacks.
Education
High School Diploma -
Irondale Sr. High
New Brighton, MNSkills
- Preventive maintenance
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Mechanical repairs
- Electrical repairs
- Safety compliance
- Training and mentoring
- Welding techniques
- Machinery operation
- Problem resolution
- Tool handling
- Troubleshooting skills
- Safety awareness
- Lockout and tagout procedures
- Machine lubrication
- Mechanical aptitude
- Conveyor systems
Timeline
Maintenance Technician
International Paper
10.2000 - 05.2025
General Laborer, Industrial
International Paper
05.1989 - 1993
Shipping Clerk
International Paper
1993 - 10.2000
High School Diploma -
Irondale Sr. High