Process Maintenance Technician

Job Description

Job Description

 LOCUS FERMENTATION SOLUTION

Title: 

Process Maintenance Technician

Company:

Locus Fermentation Solutions 

Status:

Non-Exempt

Reports To:

Maintenance Supervisor

Who WE are…

Locus Fermentation Solutions is a USA-Based Biotech company delivering high performance, bio-based solutions across agriculture, energy, mining, and industrial markets. We specialize in advanced fermentation and formulation technologies that push performance beyond the limits of conventional chemistry.

OUR MISSION is to redefine what’s possible by using biosurfactants and microbial solutions as powerful performance amplifiers – driving superior solution performance while improving sustainability across industries.

We are looking for creative and collaborative outside-the-box thinkers who thrive in fast paced, entrepreneurial style environments. Learn more about us at Locusfs.com!

What you’ll be doing:

We are seeking a skilled Process Maintenance Technician to join our team at our fermentation plant. The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining the integrity and performance of the plant’s equipment and systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and structural components and process equipment. The Process Maintenance Technician will perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs to ensure a safe and efficient work environment, supporting the plant’s production goals. This role requires technical expertise, a strong safety mindset, and the ability to work in a highly regulated, clean manufacturing environment.

Location: Peoria, IL

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct preventive and corrective maintenance on facility systems, including HVAC, boilers, compressors, plumbing, electrical, and other mechanical systems.

• Troubleshoots, diagnosis, and repair process equipment issues to minimize downtime and ensure plant safety and compliance.
• Monitor and maintain water treatment, wastewater, and other critical facility systems to ensure proper operation and adherence to environmental standards.
• Inspect and maintain piping, valves, and pumps associated with fermentation processes, ensuring that they function efficiently and meet regulatory requirements.
• Perform maintenance activities in accordance with safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, and hazardous materials handling.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and other safety regulations, promoting a culture of safety and cleanliness within the facility.
• Maintain records of all maintenance work, including inspections, repairs, and replacements.
• Develop and adhere to a preventive maintenance schedule for facility and equipment upkeep, including regular inspections and service for critical systems.
• Coordinate with production and quality control teams to schedule maintenance activities with minimal disruption to fermentation and manufacturing processes.
• Maintain an inventory of spare parts and tools needed for repairs and preventive maintenance activities.
• Document maintenance work and equipment performance metrics, using a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) when required.
• Collaborate with the production team, engineers, and contractors on projects and upgrades.
• Provide technical support during facility improvements, expansions, or modifications. Cleans equipment, parts, and facilities as needed and perform all other duties as assigned.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required. Associate’s degree in industrial maintenance, engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting, preferably in fermentation, food production, pharmaceuticals, or biotechnology.
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Familiarity with HVAC, boilers, pumps, piping, and other facilities equipment a plus.
• Experience with acetylene torch, arc, tungsten inert gas, and metal inert gas welding a plus.
• Certifications in HVAC, electrical, or industrial maintenance (e.g. CMRP, CFMA) are advantageous.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals; strong troubleshooting skills; knowledge of safety and regulatory standards.
• Ability to interact clearly and effectively, in both written and oral communication, with management, staff, customers.
• Ability to use basic math skills to solve problems.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the individual is regularly required to have the ability to remain in a stationary position and move about the facility as needed. The individual is regularly required to operate various motorized equipment, machines and hand tools. The individual is frequently required to position them self to operate and repair machines, including underneath and above the machine as well as in confined spaces. The individual is required to position themselves to reach overhead and below to remove and replace parts. They must use adequate hand tools for maintenance tasks that include assembling, disassembling, replacing, troubleshooting, etc. The individual is required to lift, push, pull, or carry objects up to 50 pounds. The duties require the ability to identify details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) to determine mechanic specifications.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The individual frequently works in a controlled climate. Due to exposure of chemicals, machinery and electrical currents, employees are required to wear personal protective equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but the individual is occasionally exposed to loud machinery or equipment.

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive Salary
• Medical/Dental/Vison Benefits
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Volunteer Hours
• Annual allowance of Floating Holidays
• Continuing Education Reimbursement Policy