Maintenance Technician Food Processing

Maintenance Technician Food Processing

We are seeking a skilled and reliable Maintenance Technician to join our team at a leading food processing plant dedicated to producing high-quality food products. This role is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and improving production equipment and facility systems. The Maintenance Technician ensures equipment reliability, minimizes downtime, and supports safe, efficient production while complying with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct routine maintenance and repairs on production machinery, equipment, packaging machinery, conveyors, pumps, motors, compressors, utility systems, and facility infrastructure to ensure optimal performance.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and control system failures, and implement effective repairs.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance tasks, including routine inspections, lubrication, adjustments, and replacements as per maintenance schedules, to identify potential issues before they impact production.
• Troubleshoot and repair PLC-controlled equipment and automated production systems.
• Assist with the installation, commissioning, modification, and upgrading of new equipment and systems, as well as plant improvement projects.
• Perform welding, fabrication, and machine component repairs as needed.
• Monitor facility utilities, including boilers, refrigeration systems, HVAC, water systems, and compressed air systems.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, including work orders and parts/supplies inventory documentation.
• Collaborate with production, operations, quality assurance, and engineering teams to minimize downtime, improve equipment performance and reliability, and ensure a safe working environment.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP procedures, food safety and sanitation standards, and company safety policies in all maintenance activities.
• Respond promptly to emergency breakdowns, service calls, and operational concerns.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and reliability of machinery and processes.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area while adhering to sanitation requirements.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; technical degree or certification in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Electrical Technology, mechanics, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in maintenance within a food processing, food manufacturing, beverage, pharmaceutical, or similar industrial production environment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills, with working knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting technical manuals, blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Experience using hand tools, power tools, precision measuring instruments, and diagnostic equipment.
• Working knowledge of PLC troubleshooting and automated controls.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or other industrial control systems.
• Welding and fabrication skills.
• Knowledge of CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
• Refrigeration, boiler, or HVAC certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces for extended periods.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, and noisy production environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Strong understanding of industrial maintenance best practices.
• Commitment to workplace safety and food safety standards.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Typical Work Environment

Food processing and manufacturing facilities including production floors, packaging areas, warehouses, and utility/mechanical rooms.