Maintenance Lead

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and safety-focused Maintenance Lead to oversee our daily maintenance operations within a high-speed meat processing facility. This working leadership role is responsible for guiding a team of maintenance technicians, ensuring equipment reliability, and minimizing downtime to meet production goals. The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills, a deep understanding of food safety (USDA/FDA) and OSHA standards, and a proven ability to develop and mentor team members in a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Direct and coordinate the daily activities of maintenance technicians across assigned shifts.

• Assign work orders, monitor progress, and ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently.

• Train and mentor technicians on troubleshooting techniques, equipment operations, and safety protocols.

• Assist the Maintenance Manager with performance evaluations, scheduling, and identifying training needs.

• Lead hands-on troubleshooting and repair of complex processing equipment (e.g., conveyors, evisceration lines, chillers, packaging machinery, and rendering equipment)

• Diagnose and repair electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.

• Coordinate with production supervisors to schedule maintenance downtime and prioritize emergency repairs.

• Maintain accurate records of repairs, parts usage, and PMs in the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).

• Enforce strict adherence to all workplace safety programs, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Confined Space, and hazard communication.

• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with USDA, FDA, GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices), and company food safety standards.

• Maintain a clean and organized maintenance shop and work areas (5S standards).

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 3–5 years of industrial maintenance experience, with at least 1-2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.

• Industry Knowledge: Previous experience in food manufacturing, specifically meat or poultry processing, is highly preferred.

• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in mechanical and electrical troubleshooting (including PLCs, motor controls, and 3-phase power). Familiarity with ammonia refrigeration systems is a plus.

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to motivate, guide, and train a diverse technical team.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate effectively with production, QA, and management teams.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and climb stairs/ladders for extended periods.

• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs safely.

• Comfortable working in a challenging environment that includes cold/refrigerated, wet, and warm/humid areas.

• Flexibility to work varied shifts, weekends, and overtime as production demands require.