Maintenance Technician

Maintenance Technician

This role focuses on maintaining and repairing production equipment in a food manufacturing environment. You will diagnose and resolve mechanical and electrical issues on a wide range of automated machines, many of which are controlled by HMI touch screens and Allen Bradley PLCs. The position offers a balanced mix of hands-on mechanical work and detailed electrical troubleshooting, including support for new automated packaging and shrink-wrapping equipment.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical issues on production machinery in the manufacturing area.
• Troubleshoot and fix issues arising from operator errors, ranging from simple adjustments to complete machine tear-downs and rebuilds.
• Repair and maintain photo-eyes, sensors, gears, motor boxes, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo drives, pumps, valves, motors, and related components.
• Use HMI touch screens and Allen Bradley PLC-controlled systems to identify faults and support machine troubleshooting.
• Spend approximately 50% of time performing mechanical repairs and 50% performing electrical repairs on production equipment.
• Perform TIG and MIG welding on stainless steel components as needed and carry out custom fabrication work for equipment repairs and improvements.
• Support installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of new automated equipment, including packaging and shrink-wrapping machines, with a strong focus on electrical systems.
• Conduct preventive maintenance to reduce downtime and extend the life of production equipment.
• Read and interpret mechanical and electrical prints, schematics, and technical documentation to guide troubleshooting and repairs.
• Work collaboratively with production and maintenance team members across multiple shifts to ensure reliable and efficient equipment operation.
• Maintain and properly use personal tools and equipment required for maintenance tasks.
• Follow all safety procedures and food manufacturing standards while performing maintenance activities.

Essential Skills

• 3–5 years of electrical and mechanical troubleshooting experience in a production or industrial environment.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills with experience working on conveyors and other moving equipment.
• Experience working with hydraulic and pneumatic components, including cylinders, valves, and related systems.
• Proficiency in electrical troubleshooting, including work with motors, sensors, photo-eyes, VFDs, servo motors, and servo drives.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical prints and schematics.
• Hands-on experience with VFDs and their setup, adjustment, and troubleshooting.
• Practical experience working with sensors and photo-eyes for machine control and safety.
• Capability to perform both mechanical and electrical repairs, splitting time roughly evenly between the two disciplines.
• Experience performing preventive maintenance on production machinery.
• Ownership of appropriate tools required to perform maintenance tasks safely and effectively.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with steam systems in a food or packaging environment.
• Background in maintaining or troubleshooting food processing or packaging equipment.
• Experience with PLC troubleshooting, especially with Allen Bradley PLC-controlled systems.
• TIG and MIG welding skills on stainless steel and experience with custom fabrication work.
• Familiarity with automated packaging and shrink-wrapping equipment.
• Comfort working with HMI interfaces to monitor and adjust machine operations.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable food manufacturing operation that offers strong benefits and a unique, enjoyable environment where the facility literally smells like candy. The maintenance team works with modern automated equipment, providing opportunities to grow technical skills in both mechanical and electrical disciplines. You will be part of a collaborative department that spans multiple shifts, offering exposure to a wide range of equipment and challenges. The combination of hands-on work, new technology, and a distinctive production setting creates a rewarding and engaging place to build your maintenance career.

Work Environment

This position is based in a food manufacturing facility with a dedicated production maintenance department of approximately 13 team members spread across three shifts. The production floor is climate controlled, while the maintenance crib is not air-conditioned or climate controlled. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory and includes hair nets and beard nets as applicable. Clothing must not have plastic buttons to prevent contamination, and jewelry is limited to a plain wedding band without stones. The facility has a distinctive candy aroma throughout the production area. The role follows a 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. schedule on a 2-on, 2-off, 3-on, 3-off rotation, and is primarily a night shift position. Training occurs on day shift for up to six months on a Monday through Friday schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., allowing collaboration with team members across all shifts and departments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of La Porte, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.94 - $32.94/hr.

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 La Porte, IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.