Maintenance Mechanic

Maintenance Mechanic

This role focuses on maintaining and troubleshooting automated production and packaging equipment in an indoor dairy processing environment, with a particular emphasis on culture and packaging departments such as cottage cheese production. You will work on a variety of mechanical and low-voltage electrical systems to ensure reliable operation of fillers, packers, case packers, labelers, and palletizers during a 10-hour afternoon/evening shift.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical and low-voltage electrical maintenance on automated dairy processing and packaging equipment, including fillers, packers, case packers, labelers, and palletizers.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues quickly and accurately to minimize downtime and maintain consistent production flow.
• Conduct preventive maintenance on machinery and systems to reduce unexpected breakdowns and extend equipment life.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical components such as bearings, belts, chains, and seals used in dairy processing equipment.
• Inspect, maintain, and repair low-voltage electrical components, wiring, sensors, and control devices associated with automated processes.
• Support culture department operations, including cottage cheese production, by ensuring fillers, packers, and case packers operate safely and efficiently.
• Work with separators, clarifiers, VFDs, and other process flow equipment to maintain proper performance and product quality.
• Monitor equipment performance, identify potential issues, and recommend improvements to enhance reliability and efficiency.
• Document maintenance activities, repairs, and parts usage in accordance with facility procedures.
• Collaborate with production personnel and other technicians to coordinate maintenance tasks around production schedules.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines while working on mechanical and electrical systems in a dairy processing environment.
• Assist in set-up, changeover, and adjustment of packaging and processing equipment to meet production requirements.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience as a maintenance mechanic or maintenance technician in a dairy processing or similar food manufacturing environment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for both mechanical and low-voltage electrical systems in automated production settings.
• Proficiency in maintaining and repairing automated equipment such as case packers, labelers, palletizers, fillers, and packers.
• Experience working as a Level 2 technician or equivalent, with the ability to handle complex maintenance tasks independently.
• Knowledge of separators, clarifiers, VFDs, and process flow equipment used in dairy production.
• Ability to perform preventive maintenance and corrective repairs on a wide range of mechanical components.
• Understanding of low-voltage electrical systems and their application in automated process equipment.
• Prior dairy industry experience, particularly in culture or packaging departments.
• Ability to read and follow maintenance procedures, safety guidelines, and equipment documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining equipment reliability and product quality.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a culture department such as cottage cheese production is highly appreciated.
• Experience working with automated case packing, labeling, and palletizing systems.
• Familiarity with process flow concepts in food or beverage manufacturing.
• Capability to work effectively on an afternoon/evening schedule and 10-hour shifts.
• Strong communication skills for coordinating with production and maintenance teams.
• Ability to adapt to changing production needs and prioritize maintenance tasks accordingly.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable dairy processing operation where your technical skills directly support product quality and production reliability. The environment offers consistent shift scheduling, opportunities to work with a variety of automated equipment, and the chance to deepen your expertise in both mechanical and low-voltage electrical systems. You can build experience in a specialized industry while contributing to a collaborative, safety-focused culture.

Work Environment

The role is based in an indoor dairy processing facility with a focus on culture and packaging departments, including cottage cheese production. You will work around automated equipment such as fillers, packers, case packers, labelers, palletizers, separators, clarifiers, and VFD-driven systems. The shift is a 10-hour schedule from 2:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., with Monday and Tuesday off and one full weekend off (Saturday and Sunday) every other week. The environment emphasizes adherence to safety and sanitation standards typical of dairy operations, with appropriate industrial attire and personal protective equipment required to work safely around machinery and food production areas.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Tulare, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $27.82 - $36.65/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Tulare, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 21, 2026.