What are the responsibilities and job description for the Maintenance Technician Apprenctice position at Fuel Meals?
Maintenance Technician Apprentice — Food Manufacturing & Automated Packaging
$18.00/hour | Full-Time | Penns Grove, NJ (On-Site)
About Fuel Meals
Fuel Meals is a fast-growing, health-focused meal preparation company dedicated to delivering fresh, high-quality, and nutritionally balanced meals to customers nationwide. With a team of 30 dedicated employees, we pride ourselves on quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. As we continue to rapidly scale production, we are investing in the people and infrastructure to support our growth.
Position Summary
We are seeking a motivated, dependable individual to join our team as a Maintenance Technician Apprentice. This is an entry-level, hands-on role designed for someone eager to learn the fundamentals of industrial maintenance within a fast-paced food manufacturing and automated packaging environment. No prior maintenance experience is required — we will train the right person.
The Apprentice will work directly alongside our on-site Maintenance Technician, assisting with daily equipment upkeep, preventive maintenance tasks, and facility repairs. Over time, the Apprentice will develop the skills and knowledge to take on increasingly independent responsibilities as the company continues to grow.
This position reports to the Maintenance Technician and works in close coordination with the Operations Manager and production leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist the Maintenance Technician with preventive and corrective maintenance on automated packaging, food-processing, and industrial kitchen equipment
- Learn to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve basic mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic issues under supervision
- Support production teams during equipment startups, changeovers, and resets
- Help maintain facility infrastructure including motors, sensors, ovens, water systems, steam/humidity equipment, and washdown-compliant areas
- Perform routine facility upkeep such as equipment cleaning, lubrication, filter changes, belt inspections, and minor repairs
- Document maintenance activities, parts usage, and downtime in maintenance logs or CMMS systems
- Assist with parts inventory management, vendor coordination, and supply ordering
- Respond to maintenance requests from production supervisors and team leads
- Participate in process improvement initiatives focused on reliability, safety, and operational efficiency
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
- No prior maintenance experience required — a willingness to learn is essential
- Mechanically inclined with a hands-on, problem-solving mindset
- Comfortable working with hand tools and basic power tools
- Ability to follow instructions, ask questions, and take direction from the Maintenance Technician
- Dependable, punctual, and able to work a flexible schedule including potential weekend and night shifts
- Ability to lift 50 lbs and work in a physical, fast-paced production environment
- Basic understanding of workplace safety practices
- High school diploma or GED preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a significant plus
- Any hands-on experience (automotive, construction, HVAC, general handyman work, vocational training, etc.)
- Familiarity with food manufacturing, warehouse, or production environments
- Interest in pursuing a long-term career in industrial maintenance
Growth Opportunity
This role is designed as a development pathway. As Fuel Meals continues to scale rapidly, there is a clear opportunity for the Apprentice to grow into a full Maintenance Technician role with expanded responsibilities and compensation increases tied to demonstrated skill progression and certifications.
Compensation & Benefits
- $18.00 per hour
- Full-time hours with potential for overtime
- On-the-job training and skill development
- Benefits package available
- Fuel Meals perks and growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding organization
Fuel Meals is an equal opportunity employer.
Pay: $18.00 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 40.0 per week
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18