Votator Mechanic

Expert Votator Mechanic

The Expert Votator Mechanic is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing scraped surface heat exchanger systems (Votators) and related processing equipment in a high-speed food manufacturing environment. This role is critical to the production of cheese sauce and pudding, ensuring consistent product quality, thermal processing accuracy, and equipment reliability.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 10+ years of industrial maintenance experience with direct Votator or scraped surface heat exchanger experience
• Strong knowledge of heat transfer, thermal processing, and viscous product handling
• Advanced mechanical troubleshooting skills in rotating and process equipment
• Experience with pumps, valves, and sanitary piping systems
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, P&IDs, and technical manuals
• Working knowledge of steam systems and temperature control processes

Responsibilities:

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on Votator systems and associated components.
• Disassemble, inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and rebuild equipment including barrels, rotors, scraper blades, seals, bearings, pumps, valves, gearboxes, and steam-related components.
• Diagnose mechanical failures and restore equipment to optimal operating condition.
• Provide technical support during production runs, including line startups, shutdowns, and product changeovers.
• Monitor product flow, temperature profiles, and equipment performance to support product quality and process efficiency.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to maintain product specifications, including texture, viscosity, and consistency.
• Maintain and troubleshoot scraped surface heat exchangers (Votators), steam and hot water heating systems, pumps, flow control systems, sanitary piping, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, and basic electrical components.
• Assist with the installation, commissioning, modification, and upgrading of processing equipment and systems.
• Follow all GMP, HACCP, food safety, sanitation, and plant safety requirements. Support and verify the effectiveness of Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems and utilize approved food-grade materials, lubricants, and sanitary maintenance practices.
• Maintain clean, organized, and inspection-ready work areas.
• Complete maintenance records, work orders, CMMS documentation, and other required reports.
• Monitor wear components, recommend proactive replacements, and implement corrective actions to reduce recurring equipment issues.
• Provide input into SOPs, preventive maintenance programs, process improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills:

• Strong mechanical aptitude with expertise in Votator systems, heat transfer processes, and food processing equipment.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical and process-related issues in a timely manner.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to food safety, product quality, and equipment reliability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, working closely with maintenance, production, quality, and engineering teams.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities for equipment improvements, preventive maintenance, and operational efficiency.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance in all aspects of work.

Work Environment:

• Food manufacturing facility producing cheese sauce and pudding (wet and fast-paced environment)
• Exposure to high temperatures, steam systems, and refrigerated areas
• Must be able to:
• Lift up to 50 lbs
• Stand, walk, bend, and perform fine mechanical adjustments for extended periods
• Work overtime, weekends, or off-shifts as needed