Area Maintenance Technician

Job Description

Job Description

  This position will require access to ITAR and/or EAR controlled technical data, technology or source code, and requires that all individuals in this role be authorized to access such information

General Description
The Area Maintenance Technician is an hourly role reporting to the Maintenance Supervisor. This position is responsible for all aspects of facility and production maintenance and requires in‑depth knowledge of general maintenance as well as one or more technical specialties. Based on production needs, the Technician may be assigned to a specific production area and expected to operate autonomously on behalf of the Maintenance Team.

Candidates must demonstrate strong dependability, attention to detail, and the ability to work safely in an environment involving hazardous chemicals. Use of a personal respirator is required. Physical demands include standing for extended periods and frequently lifting items up to 50 lbs unassisted.

Primary Responsibilities
• Achieve daily and job-specific goals
• Provide maintenance support to other departments
• Troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on production and facility equipment
• Install or relocate equipment, including all required utilities (water, compressed air, three‑phase electrical, steam, hydraulic, vacuum)
• Practice safe and efficient work habits
• Direct senior mechanics, mechanics, and maintenance operators as needed
• Use REDAR’s CMMS platform, including tablets and other electronic devices

Education & Experience Requirements
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to read, write, and understand company procedures
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office)
• Minimum 15 years of industrial maintenance experience, including troubleshooting mechanical systems, plumbing, steam, hydraulics, pneumatics, pumps, welding, and basic electrical systems
• Prior experience as a Lead or Supervisor preferred
• Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, blueprints, and hydraulic/pneumatic schematics
• Coursework, certifications, or the ability to certify in one or more of the following:

• HVAC (Universal)
• Welding
• Commercial or Industrial Electrical
• Instrumentation & Industrial Controls
• Combination Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E)

Special Tasks & Focus Areas

Achieve Daily and Job-Specific Goals
• Complete work assignments as scheduled by the Maintenance Planner, Supervisor, Facilities Engineer, or Chief Facilities Engineer

Provide Maintenance Support Across Departments
• Work independently as an area-based technician, creating tactical work plans to use downtimes for PMs and other tasks
• Communicate maintenance work order status to area management and stakeholders
• Lead weekly focus meetings, including negotiating downtime to complete required work
• Respond to production needs and adjust priorities to minimize operational downtime
• Independently identify, correct, or report facility and equipment issues
• Develop, propose, and execute equipment or process improvements; create and deliver related training and written instructions
• Establish and maintain satellite workstations; recommend and track critical spares specific to assigned production areas

Troubleshoot, Repair & Perform Preventive Maintenance
• Conduct preventive maintenance activities
• Apply knowledge of mechanical, steam, hydraulic, pneumatic, basic electrical, compressors, vacuum systems, and welding
• Clean work areas following all tasks

Equipment Installation & Relocation
• Lay out equipment installation areas
• Identify utility connections and requirements
• Install utilities safely and effectively
• Safely rig, move, and set equipment
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area

Practice Safe & Efficient Work Habits
• Follow all company policies and safety rules
• Always wear required PPE and ensure others are properly protected
• Safeguard adjacent equipment and work areas from debris or overspray
• Clean and organize work areas after completion of tasks

Direct Maintenance Personnel
• Assign tasks to mechanics and operators as required
• Ensure proper PPE usage
• Oversee final cleanup of work areas

“ AA/EOE/W/M/Vet/Disable ”

R.E. Darling Co., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as protected veteran, among other things, or status as qualified individual with disability.