Maintenance Technician

Plant Maintenance Technician — 3rd Shift

Position Summary

At Hudsonville Ice Cream, our Maintenance Technicians keep highly automated production and packaging operations running smoothly. This 3rd-shift position is for an experienced, self-directed technician who performs preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshoots mechanical and electrical systems, and supports essential plant utilities — including ammonia refrigeration, steam, and compressed air. Working overnight, the role carries real ownership and independent problem-solving as part of a tight-knit crew, with limited management overhead.

Success in this role goes beyond technical know-how. It requires a commitment to The Hudsonville Way by demonstrating teamwork, a positive approach, and a strong work ethic in all aspects of the job. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-focused, and motivated to keep our lines running so we can continue producing high-quality ice cream.

Work Schedule & Availability

• This is a 3rd-shift (overnight) position, typically scheduled 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Flexibility to support operational and business needs is required and may include shift variation, overtime, weekends, holidays, or other hours as needed.
• The Plant Maintenance Technician is expected to maintain regular and predictable attendance, demonstrate dependability, and be available to support operational needs in a timely and consistent manner.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: $32.00 – $41.00/hr all-in (base $30.00–$39.00/hr plus a $2.00/hr 3rd-shift premium). Placement within the range is based on demonstrated experience and skill depth.
• Overtime: Available and as frequent as desired.
• Tools: Candidate must supply their own basic hand tool set; Hudsonville Ice Cream provides a roller toolbox.
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k); and paid time off (PTO).

Duties & Responsibilities:

Equipment Maintenance & Repair

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on production and packaging equipment to ensure reliable and efficient operations.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems to minimize unplanned downtime.
• Maintain, adjust, and optimize automated machinery to enhance production efficiency.
• Refrigeration & Utilities Support
• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot plant utilities, including ammonia refrigeration and steam systems, compressed air, and water treatment systems.
• Ensure HVAC systems function properly to maintain temperature control within the facility.
• Comply with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements related to refrigeration and utility systems.

Electrical & Control Systems

• Perform routine electrical maintenance, including motor wiring, sensor calibration, and minor industrial electrical repairs.
• Assist in troubleshooting PLCs and provide basic programming support.
• Reset breakers, replace fuses, and diagnose control-system issues.
• Facility Maintenance & Safety Compliance
• Follow all safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), proper PPE use, and OSHA regulations.
• Support equipment and facility compliance with food safety and sanitation standards through active participation in inspections and audits.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, work orders, and equipment performance using the CMMS (MaintainX).

Team Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with production, sanitation, and quality assurance teams to maintain equipment efficiency and hygiene.
• Assist with facility improvement projects, equipment upgrades, and process-optimization efforts.
• Help establish and maintain effective maintenance programs within the CMMS.
• Qualifications

Required — Day One

• 5+ years of hands-on industrial or manufacturing maintenance experience. This is a firm minimum for this role.
• Basic electrical capability. Able to safely use a multimeter, read a basic wiring diagram, trace a circuit, and understand motor overloads and VFDs at a functional level. A licensed electrician is not required, but the candidate must be comfortable and safe working in a panel environment with proper PPE.
• Hands-on pump experience. Demonstrated experience with centrifugal, diaphragm, and positive-displacement pumps.
• Own hand tools. Must own and bring a basic hand tool set — required on day one.
• Education. High school diploma or General Education Development (GED).

Preferred

• Experience in food, dairy, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing with GMP, SQF, or comparable sanitation, allergen-control, and documentation requirements.
• Ammonia refrigeration familiarity and awareness of Process Safety Management (PSM) environments and LOTO on refrigeration systems (certification not required).
• Major planned overhaul and equipment rebuild experience.
• CMMS experience (MaintainX or a comparable modern platform).
• Proficiency in operating forklifts and scissor lifts; certified or able to obtain necessary licenses.
• Prior sustained 3rd-shift experience.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong mechanical aptitude with capability in using hand tools and shop equipment (e.g., welders, drills, metal-cutting tools).
• Basic working knowledge of automation systems and strong computer skills, including experience with a CMMS.
• Strong math skills and ability to read and interpret technical information.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision; capable of guiding or directing others when needed.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a collaborative approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to navigate conflict constructively and foster positive working relationships.
• Committed to maintaining a safe work environment and adhering to all safety standards and procedures.

Physical Requirements:

• Mobility: Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and crouching in a manufacturing setting. Must be able to climb ladders and work at heights as needed.
• Temperature Conditions: Ability to work in varying temperature environments depending on the plant's conditions.
• Physical Strength: Capable of lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds, with the ability to handle heavier items occasionally with assistance.
• Manual Dexterity: Requires precise hand-eye coordination for handling tools, parts, and equipment and for performing detailed mechanical work. Must be able to use both hands for repetitive grasping, lifting, and operating machinery.
• Visual & Hearing Acuity: Sufficient vision and hearing, with or without correction, to safely navigate the work environment, read gauges, identify hazards, and detect equipment alarms or other auditory signals.
• Communication & Responsiveness: Must be able to respond quickly to alarms and sounds and communicate effectively with team members in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• PPE Compliance: Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and bump or hard hats.
• Work Environment: This role primarily works in a manufacturing facility where the environment is subject to varying temperature and noise levels and active industrial equipment.

Why Hudsonville Ice Cream

• World-class OEM equipment. Work hands-on with high-speed Schubert robotic packaging and Tetra Pak novelty lines — rare, resume-building experience.
• Ammonia refrigeration training. A structured 3-week Frick ammonia refrigeration boot camp offered to the maintenance team as a formal training investment.
• Modern CMMS. We run MaintainX, a mobile-first work-order and asset-management platform — not paper or legacy systems.
• Active TPM program. A formal Total Productive Maintenance playbook is being built across our novelty lines, with real room to contribute.
• Predictive maintenance investment. Capital investment in ultrasonic leak detection and acoustic imaging supports a work-smarter, not purely reactive, maintenance culture.
• Structured onboarding. Defined team roles and a dedicated trainer run a 3-week new-hire program — you won't be thrown to the wolves on day one.
• Earned autonomy. Experienced 3rd-shift technicians run their own problems with genuine operational ownership.
• West Michigan quality of life. Holland offers reasonable cost of living, outdoor recreation, and an easy commute from the Grand Rapids area.
• Stability. A family-owned, growing Michigan brand operating since 1926, with steady, recession-resistant year-round demand.

Disclaimer

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Team members may be required to perform duties outside of their usual responsibilities as needed, and management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.