Lead Maintenance Technician

Job Title: Lead Maintenance Technician

Location: Hazelnut Growers of Oregon – Food Processing Facility - Aurora, OR

Shift: Full-Time, Primarily 1st Shift with flexibility for occasional off-shift support

Reports to: Maintenance Manager

Salary: $28.00 to $35.00

ABOUT US:

We are the largest processor and marketer of hazelnuts in the United States. Our company has a rich history of innovation and excellence in the hazelnut industry. We are proud to say that our founders aimed to secure great financial returns for farm families by working with local growers. Our company’s commitment to the community, sustainability and ethical practices have been a standard of our operation. We are a local, family owned, company and we keep that family atmosphere at our core. Global reach. Zero drama and a great team!

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Lead Maintenance Technician to serve as the technical backbone of our maintenance team in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This is a working lead role—you’ll spend time both on the floor troubleshooting and repairing equipment and guiding a team of technicians to keep production running smoothly with minimal downtime.

THE LEAD MAINENANCE TECHNICIAN RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Equipment Maintenance & Reliability (Hands-On Technical Work)

• Perform advanced troubleshooting and repair on production equipment: shellers, roasters, sorters, conveyors, packaging machines, dust collection systems, pneumatic systems, etc.
• Oversee and execute preventive and corrective maintenance to keep equipment running at peak efficiency.
• Identify recurring issues and recommend practical upgrades or modifications to improve long-term reliability and performance.

Preventive & Predictive Maintenance Program

• Lead and verify completion of preventive maintenance tasks by the team.
• Train technicians on PM procedures and ensure accurate, timely documentation in the CMMS.
• Implement and expand predictive maintenance tools (vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, lubrication programs, etc.).

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide daily hands-on coaching, mentoring, and technical support to maintenance technicians and mechanics.
• Train new and junior team members on equipment, troubleshooting techniques, safety procedures, and company standards.
• Serve as the on-shift technical lead when the Maintenance Manager is unavailable.

Safety & Food Safety Compliance

• Enforce strict adherence to OSHA, lockout/tagout (LOTO), GMPs, HACCP, SQF, and all food-safety regulations.
• Maintain sanitary conditions during all maintenance activities to prevent product contamination.

Work Order, Documentation & Parts Management

• Review, prioritize, assign, and complete work orders in the CMMS.
• Document detailed repair notes, parts used, root causes, and equipment status.
• Assist the Maintenance Manager in tracking parts inventory and identifying critical spares.

Coordination & Communication

• Act as the primary link between the maintenance team, production supervisors, and the Maintenance Manager.
• Prioritize daily tasks and repairs based on production schedules, downtime impact, and safety risks.
• Coordinate with production to schedule maintenance with minimal disruption.

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Lead small- to medium-scale projects (equipment installations, line modifications, process improvements).
• Support the Maintenance Manager on larger capital projects.
• Propose cost-effective solutions to reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs, and boost overall equipment performance.

Emergency Response & Breakdown Leadership

• Respond immediately to equipment breakdowns during your shift.
• Direct the team during critical downtime events to restore operations quickly and safely.
• Serve as the go-to expert for complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or controls-related failures.

What You Bring

• 5 years of industrial maintenance experience in a food, beverage, or CPG manufacturing environment (nut processing experience is a strong plus).
• Valid driver’s license and must be able to pass a DMV background check
• Proven expertise in mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and basic controls troubleshooting (PLCs, VFDs, instrumentation).
• Demonstrated leadership or mentorship experience with maintenance teams.
• Strong working knowledge of predictive maintenance tools (vibration, thermography, oil analysis).
• Proficiency with CMMS systems
• Solid understanding of food safety (GMP, HACCP, SQF) and OSHA regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical/electrical schematics and P&IDs.
• Excellent communication, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Reliable, safety-focused, and comfortable working in a team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical degree or certification (e.g., industrial maintenance, mechatronics, journeyman status).
• Experience leading small projects or capital installations.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.

WHY WE THINK YOU’LL LOVE WORKING WITH US:

• Join one of the fastest-growing companies and find opportunities to grow in your own career!
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans.
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays according to company policy.
• 401(k) plan with an exceptional 233% employer match on the first 6% contributed by the employee.
• We invest in your development!

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL FACTORS:

• Exposure to wet and/or humid conditions. Temperatures below 50 degrees
• Exposure to a loud working environment, hearing protection is mandatory.
• Must be able to work in environment containing allergens (hazelnuts, etc.).
• Required to use hands and fingers.
• Frequently required to talk or hear.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Pay: $28.00 - $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28 - $35