Mechanic, Maintenance Manufacturing

Maintenance Mechanic

Location: 1300 Airport Road, North Brunswick NJ

Reports to: Manager, Maintenance

Role Overview

The Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for maintenance, repair and troubleshooting, processing equipment such as conveyors, blowers, sifters, burners, grinders, conventional & high-speed encapsulation equipment, vacuum & hydraulic pumps, air compressors, fluid bed dryers, coating machines, granulators, tablet compression machines, etc.

Areas of Responsibility

Level 1 – Mechanic, Maintenance (MFG)

Mechanic supports routine maintenance, equipment cleaning, basic troubleshooting, and minor repairs under supervision. Ideal for those newer to manufacturing maintenance, this role focuses on learning and executing tasks safely and accurately. Employees at this level operate under close supervision. They apply foundational mechanical and electrical knowledge to assist in setup, repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance of manufacturing equipment. Independent judgment is limited; more complex tasks are escalated to higher levels.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform disassembly, cleaning, and setup of basic production equipment.
• Assist senior technicians in scheduled maintenance tasks.
• Replace small parts (belts, hoses, filters) with direction.
• Learn and follow cGMP and safety procedures.
• Complete daily logs, maintenance checklists, and safety forms.
• Participate in basic troubleshooting with guidance.
• Respond to facility and equipment issues under supervision.
• Operate forklifts and lifts (certification preferred).

Level 2 – Mechanic, Maintenance (MFG)

Mechanic requires the ability to independently perform equipment maintenance, moderate troubleshooting, and lead to smaller repairs. Employees at this level work with moderate supervision, frequently exercising independent judgment. They apply solid mechanical and electrical skills to set up, repair, troubleshoot, and maintain equipment. They are expected to analyze problems, propose solutions, and take ownership of more complex tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct intermediate-level repairs on packaging and processing equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Use diagnostic tools (calipers, micrometers, multimeters, etc.).
• Coordinate with vendors to address equipment issues.
• Maintain spare parts inventory and request supplies.
• Operate and maintain boilers, HVAC, pumps, and compressors.
• Record maintenance activities accurately in logbooks and systems.
• Train and mentor Level 1 Technicians.
• Support emergency calls and on-call rotations.

Level 3 – Mechanic, Maintenance (MFG)

Mechanic are highly skilled professionals who lead complex repairs, system diagnostics, and project-based maintenance work. They serve as subject matter experts and may act as a shift lead. Employees operate with minimal to no supervision. They are trusted to independently plan, diagnose, repair, and maintain complex manufacturing equipment. They make high‑level judgments, lead projects, and serve as technical experts and advisors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead troubleshooting and repairs of high-speed and complex machinery (e.g., encapsulators, fluid bed dryers, tablet presses).
• Diagnose and resolve advanced mechanical/electrical problems.
• Manage and execute preventative maintenance programs.
• Read and interpret advanced schematics, blueprints, and manuals.
• Serve as a technical liaison between departments and vendors.
• Lead regulatory inspections (OSHA, EPA, etc.) support and documentation.
• Mentor and train Levels 1 and 2 staff.
• Plan and coordinate plant shutdowns and major repairs.
• Champion safety and compliance across the facility.

Requirements

Education & Qualification:

• Level 1 – Mechanic, Maintenance (MFG): High School diploma or GED required. 0–2 years in maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment. Basic mechanical aptitude and tool familiarity. Ability to follow written SOPs and safety protocols. Willingness to work flexible shifts and overtime. Forklift experience is a plus.
• Level 2 – Mechanic, Maintenance (MFG): High school graduate or GED equivalent, Technical or vocational training is a plus. 3+ years of hands-on maintenance experience in manufacturing. Strong understanding of safety, compliance, and regulatory standards. Knowledge of cGMP, OSHA, and equipment schematics. 1+ Years work experience in a regulated industry such as Nutritional's, vitamins, food manufacturing or pharmaceutical equipment maintenance is preferred.
• Level 3 – Mechanic, Maintenance (MFG): Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Associate degree, technical certification, or vocational training is a plus. 5+ Years work experience in a regulated industry such as Nutritional's, vitamins, food manufacturing or pharmaceutical equipment maintenance is preferred. Advanced understanding of mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems. PLC troubleshooting experience preferred. Strong leadership and communication skills. Ability to work independently with little to no supervision. Trade certifications in HVAC, electrical, pneumatics, or hydraulics are highly preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, Credentials:

• License or certifications in electronics, pneumatics and/or hydraulics preferred. Forklift /scissor lift driver's certification is a plus but not a requirement.

Skills & Ability:

• HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Painting, pneumatic, boilers, compressed air systems, pumps, hydraulic and Mechanical systems as required. PLC is a plus.
• General PC proficiency and work order systems etc.
• Skill in handling several projects or tasks at the same time, or within a given time frame.
• The ability to recognize a safety issue or potential safety issue.
• Skill in quality and compliance vigilance.
• Ability to maintain a professional, positive attitude at all times.
• Ability to communicate with coworkers, management team members, and other individuals in a courteous and professional manner.
• Demonstrates ability to work in a team and assist others.
• Able to follow written instructions precisely and perform basic math calculations as required.
• Understands and is knowledgeable of cGMP, OSHA standards, etc.
• Demonstrates the ability to read and write basic English to be able to understand the industry-regulated instruction sheets.
• Demonstrates forklift experience with both sit-down and stand-up trucks.
• Mechanically inclined to understand inner workings of equipment.
• Able to read from schematics and blueprints.

Physical Requirements (lifting, etc.):

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; occasionally lift and move up to 75 pounds.
• Must stand and walk on the production floor for a minimum of 6 hours per shift.
• Uses hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects or controls, lifting to waist height and/or above shoulder height, frequent bending from the waist, or squatting, walking short distances.
• Occasionally works from a rolling ladder or step stool, must be able to lean over equipment as well as kneel on the floor to clean under the equipment.
• Must be able to wear all PPE including a lab coat, face mask, booties, gloves, safety glasses/goggles, and respirators.

Work Environment (Office, Warehouse, temperature extremes, etc.):

• Work is regularly performed inside a manufacturing environment where temperatures can be moderate, exposure to dust, odors, noise, and fumes. The noise level is usually moderate. Employee can be exposed daily to chemicals and cleaning agents. May occasionally work on the outside of the building, on the grounds, in parking areas, or on the roof during all seasons.

USPL is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Benefits And Compensation: Our benefits are designed to help you move forward in your career, and in areas of your life outside of USPL. From health and wellness benefit options including: medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance. We also offer a matched 401(k) savings plan. Employees have the opportunity to receive compensation