Lubrication Technician

Lubrication Technician

The Lubrication Technician is responsible for executing Perry's world-class lubrication and asset care program to improve equipment reliability, reduce unplanned downtime, extend asset life, and lower maintenance costs. This position performs lubrication routes, oil sampling, contamination control activities, asset inspections, and lubrication PMs across production, packaging, utilities, refrigeration, and facility systems.

The Lubrication Technician serves as the facility subject matter expert for lubricant selection, lubrication best practices, contamination prevention, oil analysis, and equipment asset care. The role partners closely with the Reliability Engineer, PdM Technician, Maintenance Supervisors, and Asset Reliability Planner to support Perry's reliability strategy and TPM journey.

The primary purpose of this role is to:

• Reduce lubrication-related equipment failures
• Improve asset reliability
• Increase equipment life expectancy
• Prevent contamination-related failures
• Improve PM effectiveness
• Support planned maintenance activities
• Increase uptime across critical processing and packaging asset

Key Responsibilities (Lubrication Program Execution)

• Execute all scheduled lubrication routes and tasks.
• Lubricate equipment according to approved lubrication standards.
• Verify proper lubricant types and quantities.
• Inspect lubrication points for proper function and condition.
• Maintain lubrication frequencies and schedules.
• Update lubrication records within the CMMS system.
• Support shutdown lubrication activities.

Oil Sampling Program

• Collect oil samples according to established schedules.
• Prepare and submit samples for laboratory analysis.
• Review oil analysis reports with the Reliability Engineer.
• Identify contamination concerns.
• Monitor lubricant condition and degradation trends.
• Initiate work orders based on oil analysis findings.

Asset Condition Monitoring

Perform routine inspections of:

• Bearings
• Gearboxes
• Motors
• Chains
• Couplings
• Pumps
• Hydraulic systems
• Pneumatic systems

Document and communicate abnormal conditions including:

• Leaks
• Contamination
• High temperatures
• Excessive vibration
• Lubricant degradation

Lubrication Storage & Inventory Management

Own and manage lubrication systems including:

• Lubricant storage room
• Bulk lubrication systems
• Grease inventory
• Oil inventory
• Contamination control standards

Responsibilities include:

• Proper storage practices
• Labeling systems
• Lubricant identification
• Inventory rotation
• Vendor coordination

Precision Lubrication

Support implementation of precision lubrication practices including:

• Correct lubricant selection
• Proper filtration techniques
• Contamination prevention
• Moisture control
• Breather management
• Lubricant handling procedures

Reliability Improvement Support

Partner with the Reliability Engineer to:

• Analyze lubrication-related failures
• Support Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA)
• Develop lubrication PM standards
• Improve Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)
• Reduce equipment downtime

TPM Support

Support TPM initiatives including:

• Autonomous Maintenance development
• Operator asset care training
• Equipment basic conditions
• Centerlining activities
• Focused improvement projects

Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

Maintain compliance with:

• GMP requirements
• HACCP requirements
• USDA expectations
• Plant sanitation policies
• Food safety standards
• Environmental regulations
• Lockout/Tagout procedures

Ensure lubrication activities do not create product contamination risks.

Primary Assets Supported

Packaging Systems

• Multivac thermoformers
• Conveyors
• Vacuum pumps
• Case packers
• Labeling equipment
• Robotics

Processing Systems

• Mixers
• Grinders
• Stuffers
• Pumps
• Conveyors

Utilities

• Air compressors
• Refrigeration compressors
• Cooling tower equipment
• Boilers
• Water systems

Facility Assets

• Motors
• Gearboxes
• Bearings
• Fans
• HVAC equipment
• Material handling systems

Qualifications

Education

One of the following:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Technical School Certification
• Industrial Maintenance Training

Experience

• Minimum 3 years industrial maintenance experience
• Experience performing lubrication routes preferred
• Manufacturing experience required
• Food manufacturing experience preferred

Preferred Certifications

• Machinery Lubrication Technician (MLT I or II)
• ICML Certification
• Oil Analysis Certification
• Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CMRT)
• Precision Lubrication Certification

Required Technical Skills

• Industrial maintenance fundamentals
• Lubrication practices
• Mechanical systems knowledge
• CMMS experience
• Basic computer skills
• Microsoft Excel

Preferred

• Oil analysis interpretation
• SAP PM
• Fiix
• Maintenance Connection
• Reliability software
• Precision lubrication practices

Success Measures - First 12 Months

First 90 Days

• Complete lubrication route assessments.
• Establish lubricant inventory controls.
• Develop critical equipment lubrication maps.
• Complete lubrication asset registry review.

First 6 Months

• Achieve >95% route completion compliance.
• Eliminate lubrication-related PM backlog.
• Implement contamination control standards.
• Expand oil sampling coverage of critical assets.

First 12 Months

• Reduce lubrication-related equipment failures by 25%.
• Improve bearing life on critical packaging assets.
• Improve equipment uptime across packaging and utilities.
• Support reduction of maintenance overtime from 12.9% toward <8