Package and board-level reality
It comes in a 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm width) — a fine-pitch surface-mount package that needs a decent soldering station but is reworkable with hot air if you have a steady hand. No exposed pad, so thermal management is straightforward; just make sure the bypass cap sits close to the supply pin. The SSOP footprint is common enough that it is in most field kits, but I would not try swapping it on site without a hot-air tool and a magnifier.
Maxim lists the MAX3218CAP+ as Active and ROHS3 compliant, so there is no end-of-life pressure for new designs. It is a current-production part available through the usual distribution channels.