LANCASTER LEAF TOBACCO - Maintenance Mechanic II

Job Description

Job Description

Our Company

Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Co. Inc., a subsidiary of Universal Corporation, manages dark air-cured tobacco operations in the traditional growing areas of the United States. The company contracts directly with local farmers and exports globally.

The Global Leader in Premium Leaf Tobacco Supply

Universal Leaf Tobacco Company is the world’s leading supplier of premium leaf tobacco, with over 100 years of experience sourcing, processing, and delivering tobacco crops tailored to customer specifications. With operations spanning major tobacco-regions across five continents, we connect hundreds of thousands of farmers to global manufacturers through a reliable, transparent, and traceable supply chain.

Our portfolio includes flue-cured, burley, oriental, and dark tobaccos, supported by deep agronomic expertise and advanced processing capabilities. Beyond the leaf, we offer value-added services such as customized blending, next-generation nicotine solutions, recycled by-products, and digital traceability tools that enhance efficiency and sustainability across the supply chain.

Universal Leaf Tobacco is more than a supplier – we are a long-term partner committed to responsible sourcing, farmer support, and continuous innovation. By investing in

agricultural communities and upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance, we help ensure a resilient tobacco supply for generations to come.

Summary 

The Maintenance Mechanic II builds, maintains, and repairs the mechanical and electrical systems supporting factory operations. Performs preventive, corrective, and planned maintenance on conveyors, powered industrial trucks, production equipment, and building systems. Uses intermediate electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical knowledge to troubleshoot issues early, complete repairs, and optimize controls and electronics (PLC, VFD, and related systems) to maintain required throughput. May provide day-to-day guidance to other maintenance mechanics.

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

• Building maintenance: Perform and/or facilitate general facility repairs (plumbing, electrical, lighting, painting, HVAC, and wall repair). Repair dock doors, dock locks, and dock plates to ensure successful operation. Escort and assist outside vendors to ensure contract work is completed safely, on time, and with high quality.
• Equipment maintenance: Perform planned and unplanned repairs and preventive maintenance on production-related equipment, Powered Industrial Trucks, and building equipment. Identify and correct safety hazards and potential maintenance issues before they become critical. Document unscheduled breakdowns and implement solutions to prevent recurrence.
• Conveyor and automation systems: Support and perform planned and unplanned repairs and preventive maintenance to maintain operation of conveyors and sorter equipment. Troubleshoot conveyor/automation systems; adjust, calibrate, and repair as needed. Partner with vendors to complete root cause analysis of abnormal issues and implement corrective actions. Address production-related issues and make corrections to maximize equipment throughput.
• Electrical: Perform troubleshooting and tasks involving low- and high-voltage electrical and control systems up to 480V (AC and DC), including repair or replacement of system components.
• System installation, design, construction, and repair: Recommend and perform installations of new or replacement equipment. Work with and/or oversee in-house team members and outside contractors.
• Problem solving: Detect, diagnose, and resolve electrical, mechanical, plumbing, heating/cooling, and equipment problems before they impact facility operations. Use Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Continuous improvement: Participate in and may lead Kaizen events and other continuous improvement initiatives. Support design and implementation of continuous improvement processes, including Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) activities.
• Safety and facility cleanliness: Practice and lead 5S and safety procedures to keep areas safe, organized, and clean. Maintain inventory and clean equipment/work areas daily. Understand and comply with safety and environmental regulations, company policies, and procedures, including hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout), safe lifting, fall protection, proper power equipment operation, and PPE. Identify and immediately correct safety hazards/spills; escalate issues as needed.
• Record keeping: Input and maintain accurate records in CMMS (time, parts, and repair data). Read and interpret blueprints, manuals, schematics, and technical documents; document changes as needed.
• Mentoring: Orient, train, and provide performance feedback to facilities team members in support of team leaders.
• Fabrication: Use materials and tools (wood, metal, etc.) to design, create, and repair custom equipment to support operations.
• Additional responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned. Prioritize tasks to complete requests safely and on time. Help familiarize new associates with operational procedures, safety equipment, and hazard identification. Communicate effectively with peers, customers, and management to complete assigned and critical tasks. Oversee assigned facility projects; support third-party vendors; provide status updates to team leaders.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Industrial mechanic trade school coursework or certification (electrical, controls, etc.) or equivalent military technical training.
• 3–5 years of experience with mechanical and electrical systems, including conveyor/sortation systems or similar equipment, in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to be on call and work days or nights, weekends, and overtime as needed.
• Valid driver’s license.

• Ability to lift items (boxes, manuals, merchandise, inventory, motors, rollers etc.) weighing approximately up to 50 lbs. 
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to climb stairs/ladders.
• Ability to access and enter information using an automated system both quickly and accurately.
• Ability to work on elevated surfaces/platforms, and aerial lift equipment.
• Ability to perform basic math calculations. 
• Ability to work under pressure in order to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to differentiate between colors.
• Ability to take on call and work shifts as required.
• Ability to work overtime.
• Ability to comprehend and apply complex information.
• Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time. 

Preferred Requirements

• Knowledge of logistics and warehouse operations
• Knowledge of tobacco industry

Benefits
We offer a wide range of market-competitive total rewards that include 401(k) match, pension, merit increases, paid holidays, medical, dental, life, vision, short and long-term disability benefits, and tuition assistance to name a few.

EOE M/F/Disabled/Vet Employer

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.