Food Manufacturing Maintenance Mechanic

Job Description

Maintenance Technician

Position Title: Maintenance Technician Department: Maintenance Reports To: Maintenance Manager / Operations Manager FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and installation of industrial production equipment and facility systems within a USDA/FDA-regulated food manufacturing environment. This position supports continuous plant operations by minimizing downtime, maintaining equipment reliability, and ensuring compliance with food safety, GMP, HACCP, SQF, and CAL/OSHA requirements.

The Maintenance Technician will work closely with production, sanitation, quality assurance, and operations teams to maintain safe and efficient manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Maintenance & Repair

• Perform preventive maintenance and emergency repairs on production and facility equipment.

• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and conveyor systems.

• Maintain and repair industrial equipment including motors, pumps, compressors, conveyors, gearboxes, valves, packaging machines, and processing equipment.

• Install, troubleshoot, and repair PLCs, VFDs, electrical controls, sensors, relays, and AC/DC motors.

• Diagnose equipment failures and perform corrective actions to reduce production downtime.

• Read and interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, equipment manuals, and work orders.

• Perform equipment inspections and identify potential maintenance or safety issues before breakdowns occur.

• Fabricate or modify parts and components as needed to support repairs and operational improvements.

Preventive Maintenance & Documentation

• Complete preventive maintenance tasks according to established schedules and maintenance programs.

• Maintain accurate maintenance records, PM logs, work orders, repair documentation, and parts usage records.

• Assist with maintaining spare parts inventory and identifying replacement part needs.

• Ensure maintenance activities are completed in accordance with company procedures and operational priorities.

Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Support compliance with USDA, FDA, HACCP, SQF, GMP, and food safety requirements.

• Follow lockout/tagout procedures and all plant safety policies.

• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary maintenance work areas.

• Ensure maintenance work does not compromise product safety, quality, or sanitation standards.

• Assist during audits, inspections, and corrective action activities related to maintenance operations.

Teamwork & Communication

• Communicate effectively with production supervisors, machine operators, sanitation, quality assurance, and management teams regarding equipment status and repair needs.

• Respond promptly to production downtime events and maintenance calls.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, operational efficiency, and workplace safety.

• Promote a positive and professional working environment.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.

• 3–5 years of maintenance experience in manufacturing or food processing environment preferred.

• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting experience required.

• Experience troubleshooting and repairing:

o PLC systems

o Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

o AC/DC motors

o Pneumatic systems

o Hydraulic systems

o Conveyor systems

o Packaging and processing equipment

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, and technical manuals.

• Working knowledge of industrial maintenance practices, tools, and preventive maintenance systems.

• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.

• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in USDA/FDA-regulated food manufacturing environments.

• Knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, SQF, and food safety programs.

• Experience with ammonia refrigeration support systems and compressed air systems preferred.

• Forklift, scissor lift, or aerial lift certification is a plus.

• Welding and fabrication experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, and work around moving machinery for extended periods.

• Ability to work in cold, wet, humid, hot, and noisy production environments.

• Ability to safely work from ladders, lifts, and elevated platforms.

• Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and regularly lift up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and emergency call-ins as operational needs require.

Work Environment

• Food manufacturing facility with exposure to raw materials, allergens, sanitation chemicals, refrigeration systems, and industrial processing equipment.

• Requires strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, PPE, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

• May require off-shift, weekend, or holiday work based on production schedules and maintenance needs.