Maintenance Technician Apprentice - 2nd Shift - Altavista, VA Plant - Full-time

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Nourish the world and your career as part of the Nutrition team at Abbott.

Abbott’s Nutrition Division develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages, from helping babies and children grow, to keeping adult bodies strong and active. Millions of people around the world count on our leading brands – including Similac®, PediaSure®, Pedialyte®, Ensure®, Glucerna® and ZonePerfect® – to help get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest life.

Altavista, Va., is one of Abbott’s largest nutrition manufacturing plants equipped with advanced technology to ensure efficient production. Working here will make you feel like you’re part of a family that works together to make a difference and help nourish millions of families around the world.

WORKING AT ABBOTT

At Abbott, you can have a good job that can grow into a great career. We offer:

• Fast paced work environment where your safety is our priority
• Production areas that are clean, well-lit and temperature-controlled
• Training and career development, with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance
• Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives and retirement plans
• Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness and occupational health programs, Medical Benefits start day 1
• Vacation – 3 weeks accrued vacation (1st yr is prorated) + vacation buy program + 3 personal days + 10 paid holidays
• Retiree Healthcare Program
• Robust 401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match
• Tuition reimbursement, the student debt program and education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.
• The stability of a company with a record of strong financial performance and history of being actively involved in local communities

Learn more about our benefits that add real value to your life to help you live fully: 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Responsible for operating all equipment in a safe and efficient manner, reporting accidents/incidents and adhering to all corporate/division/plant policies, procedures and guidelines. Responsible for following all LOTO procedures and other safety and quality procedures within the maintenance department.
• Maintain equipment against the prescribed procedures assuring proper production according to specifications, including troubleshooting and repairing the system as appropriate to maintain optimal performance. The maintenance trainee will understand the components of production equipment: run and set up equipment to meet production schedule; knowledge and understanding of the production equipment systems includes set up, report generation, self-diagnostics; confirm proper specifications and complete work order documentation; capable of changeover for each product;
• Monitor pressure gauges, line speeds and conveyors via in process data monitoring. Monitor electronic data systems and feedback mechanisms to assure the production system maintains operational compliance.
• The Maintenance Trainee will have strong technical skills for maintenance of all equipment.
• The Maintenance Trainee will ensure daily maintenance of equipment; changeover of equipment and routine PM’s for equipment;. The Maintenance Trainee will work with senior Maintenance Technicians to execute PM’s and DM’s while developing an understanding for the equipment operation and functionality.
• The maintenance trainee will work on a variety of systems including but no limited to; hydraulics, pneumatics, packaging equipment, pumps, valves, motors, fillers, capper, etc. The maintenance trainee will also rebuild valves, pumps, and other components offline as required with the support of a senior technician or technical trainer.
• The trainee will also work within our Maximo CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) to write and execute WOs, check out spare parts, review WOs, document work completed with accurate labor hours associated.
• Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the plant operations by producing high quality products in a timely manner. Troubleshooting in process equipment and identifying solutions to ensure production is maintained. The department will accomplish this objective in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and safety requirements with minimum product/ingredient loss through efficient use and maximum utilization of manpower assigned.
• Accountable for maintaining various hand tools and equipment; drills, winches, micrometers, calipers, torches, welders, lathe, mill, multimeter, etc. Failure to maintain will result in replacement of tools and equipment.
• Accountable for ensuring replacement parts for production equipment in area are fully stocked and ready for use when necessary. Failure to ensure may result in equipment downtime.
• Accountable for maintaining all plant systems and machines. Failure to maintain will result in repair, replacement and downtime..

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE, YOU’LL BRING

Required:

• High School Diploma/GED and two year technical degree or Equivalent experience
• Including but not limited to troubleshooting electrical and/or mechanical high-speed filling, packaging equipment and utilities; making machine adjustments; timing mechanical systems for proper operation; electrical / mechanical skills with utility systems; machining or welding parts, experience with reading blueprints and schematics, experience with pumps, motors and drives; knowledge of the use of precision tools / instruments.
• Reading, writing and mathematical skills are a prerequisite for this job.
• Experience in working with Allen Bradley PLC’s, VFD’s, Device Net.
• Experience in Mig, Tig, and Stick welding.  Experience in using a cutting torch or plasma welder.
• Prior job experience within a manufacturing plant environment is required.
• Trainee should demonstrate desire to learn and grow, seeking out training opportunities and actively working to improve his/her skills.
• This position requires excellent written/verbal communication skills, self-motivation, interpersonal skills, analytical troubleshooting skills and the ability to multitask.

Preferred:

• Troubleshooting of electrical machinery requiring RS Logic or Ladder Logic.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory standards and requirements for infant formula and nutritionals is beneficial.
• Previous experiences with FDA, cGMP or working in a highly regulated industry.
• Experience with self-directing teams, lean manufacturing concepts and statistical process management, is highly desired.

* Participants who complete a short wellness assessment qualify for FREE coverage in our HIP PPO medical plan. Free coverage applies in the next calendar year.

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: 

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity and a Military/Veteran Friendly employer.

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The base pay for this position is $18.25 – $36.45 per hour. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.