1st Shift Maintenance Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Aerotek is hiring for an industrial maintenance mechanical for a manufacturing company in Memphis. This position is a direct hire opportunity on 1st shift paying $28-$35/hr depending on experience. Please apply for immediate consideration. Shift 6am-6pm, 4 on 4 off.

The Industrial Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing production equipment in a food manufacturing environment. This includes working with vessels, utilities such as steam, air, and water, rotating equipment, and downstream separation and packaging assets. The role supports safe, efficient, and compliant operations under GMP and food-safety standards, aiming to minimize downtime and ensure product quality.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on food processing and downstream equipment including fermenters, bioreactors, transfer pumps, positive displacement pumps, valves, homogenizers, decanters, centrifuges, heat exchangers, air compressors, vacuum systems, and packaging lines.
• Service utilities relevant to food production such as steam boilers, condensate, clean and plant water, CIP supply and return, process air, CO2 venting and abatement, and chilled and glycol loops.
• Inspect, align, and rebuild rotating equipment including bearings, seals, couplings, and gearboxes; perform precision shaft alignment and balancing.
• Support CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Steam-in-Place) readiness by verifying spray ball coverage, valve actuation, and temperature, time, and flow targets, as well as ensuring gasket integrity and leak tightness.
• Diagnose mechanical failures using root cause techniques, replace worn parts, and correct piping and mechanical fit-ups according to 3A/ASME sanitary standards where applicable.
• Read and interpret P&IDs, OEM manuals, schematics, exploded views, and equipment specifications.
• Collaborate with Controls and EE teams on issues involving PLCs, VFDs, sensors, and instrumentation.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience as an industrial or mechanical maintenance technician in food, beverage, fermentation, chemicals, or process manufacturing.
• Proficiency with pumps, valves, pneumatics, hydraulics, conveyors, gearboxes, steam systems, and heat exchangers.
• Experience with sanitary and aseptic piping, tri-clamp fittings, gaskets, and sanitary welding or fitting.
• Hands-on skills in precision measuring, rigging, hoisting, alignment tools, and torque procedures.
• Strong safety track record including LOTO, confined space, PPE, and chemical handling for CIP.
• Ability to read P&IDs, mechanical drawings, and maintenance procedures; comfortable using a CMMS.
• Physical ability to lift 50 lbs, work in wet or outdoor environments, climb ladders, and stand for extended periods.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Food experience is a plus, especially with FDA regulations.
• Welding and fabrication skills are a plus.
• Experience with boilers and cooling towers is a plus.
• Basic electrical troubleshooting skills are preferred.
• Experience or license as a Boiler Operator and knowledge of steam traps and condensate return.
• Ammonia refrigeration exposure or knowledge of chilled-water systems.
• Certifications such as OSHA-10/30, Confined Space, Aerial Lift, Forklift, LOTO, First Aid/CPR.

Why Work Here?

Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including a 401k with a 6% match, accrued vacation starting from day one, and employee assistance programs. Additional perks include a shoe voucher, tool allowance, and employee appreciation initiatives. Join a company that values your contributions and offers opportunities for professional growth.

Work Environment

Work on a 1st Shift schedule from 6 AM to 6 PM, with a cycle of 4 days on and 4 days off, and the possibility of 5-10 hours of overtime weekly. The majority of the area is temperature-controlled and comfortable, though it is a food environment with a distinct odor. Some areas are cold or very hot but are not frequently occupied. The setting is ambient and loud, with wet floors, caustic and acid cleaners, and steam. Proper PPE such as safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and slip-resistant boots are required.