Job Title: Maintenance Technician

Job Description

The Maintenance Technician maintains and repairs production equipment and facility systems in a modern, high-speed food manufacturing environment. This role focuses on preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance for processing, cooking, cooling, conveying, and packaging equipment, as well as plant utilities. The technician troubleshoots mechanical, pneumatic, and basic electrical issues to minimize downtime, supports equipment installations and line changeovers, performs light fabrication and welding, and ensures all work complies with strict safety and food quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on food processing equipment, cooking and cooling systems, conveyors, general production equipment, and packaging machinery.
• Maintain and repair plant utilities, including water systems, compressed air systems, and basic electrical systems.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical systems such as bearings, belts, chains, gearboxes, and drive systems to ensure reliable operation.
• Troubleshoot and repair basic pneumatic systems and low-voltage electrical issues to support continuous production flow.
• Carry out timely repairs to minimize equipment downtime and maintain efficient production throughput.
• Perform routine facility maintenance, including basic plumbing repairs, building upkeep, and general facility repairs.
• Assist with equipment installations, modifications, and basic production line changeovers as needed.
• Support and execute preventive maintenance programs, ensuring all tasks are completed and documented accurately.
• Perform light welding and fabrication (MIG/TIG) on stainless steel components and related structures.
• Use a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to create and close work orders, record maintenance activities, and track parts usage.
• Follow all safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to hot work permit procedures.
• Maintain compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), food safety standards, and Safe Quality Food (SQF) requirements.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Quality Assurance, and Sanitation teams to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Read and interpret blueprints and electrical/mechanical schematics to guide troubleshooting, repairs, and installations.
• Work with a variety of industrial machinery, including baggers, conveyors, mixers, blenders, tapers, labelers, scales, metal detectors, chillers, and boilers.
• Perform general mechanical maintenance in an industrial environment, including inspection, adjustment, and replacement of components.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying recurring issues and suggesting maintenance or equipment improvements.
• Complete all required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Perform other related maintenance duties as assigned.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably involving food and beverage, pharmaceutical, packaging, or automated high-speed equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience working with bearings, belts, chains, and drive systems.
• Experience maintaining and repairing conveyors and general production equipment.
• Working knowledge of basic pneumatic systems, including troubleshooting and repair.
• Working knowledge of low-voltage electrical systems and basic understanding of 480V power.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from blueprints and mechanical/electrical schematics.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills for mechanical and electrical issues in an industrial setting.
• Experience performing preventive maintenance on industrial machinery and facility systems.
• Ability to diagnose and repair basic hydraulic and pneumatic components.
• Comfort working in a role that is primarily mechanically focused, with supporting electrical work.
• Proficiency using tools and equipment common to mechanical and industrial maintenance work.
• Ability to work safely and consistently follow safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout and PPE requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to document work accurately in a CMMS or similar system.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in food processing, packaging, or similar industries such as pharmaceutical manufacturing or automated assembly.