General Mechanic (Day Shift: 8am-6pm Monday-Friday)

Location: Meriden, CT
Reports to: Head of Plant Operations
Role type: Full-time, hourly
Schedule: Monday - Friday from 8am-6pm

About PopUp Bagels

PopUp Bagels is not just a bagel company—we’re a cultural movement. Our stores are small, our vibes are loud, and our energy is contagious. From signature neon and iconic bullhorns to our “Not Famous but Known” mirror, we’ve reimagined not just how a bagel is created, but how it’s enjoyed: Grip, Rip and Dip! With a cult-like following, massive social presence, and unparalleled collaborations with top companies, partners and Brand Ambassadors, PopUp Bagels is defining a new food lifestyle brand.

We keep things simple, but we do them really, really well. And our customers agree.

The Role

The General Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing bagel production and packaging equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operations. This role plays a critical part in supporting continuous manufacturing processes by ensuring equipment reliability, minimizing downtime, and maintaining machinery in excellent working conditions.

The ideal candidate brings strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting expertise, experience working with high-speed production equipment, and a proactive mindset focused on preventive maintenance and operational excellence. This individual takes pride in maintaining equipment to like-new condition and contributes to a safe, clean, and high-performing production environment.

Essential Responsibilities:

·         Diagnoses, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues on bakery production and packaging equipment.

·         Perform preventive maintenance on production machinery to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

·         Replace and repair mechanical components including bearings, sprockets, chains, motors, belts, gearboxes, and related assemblies.

·         Troubleshoot and repair high-speed packaging equipment, including conveyors, sealing equipment, labeling machines, and automated production systems.

·         Perform electrical troubleshooting on control systems, motors, sensors, PLC-controlled equipment, and high-voltage electrical systems as needed.

·         Respond quickly and effectively to equipment breakdowns to minimize production downtime.

·         Assist with equipment setup, changeovers, calibration, and adjustments to support production schedules.

·         Maintain accurate maintenance logs, repair documentation, and preventative maintenance records.

·         Perform general facility maintenance including basic plumbing, electrical, and structural repairs.

·         Assist with refrigeration system maintenance and troubleshooting, as applicable.

·         Follow all safety protocols, lockout/tagout procedures, and company safety standards.

·         Maintain a clean, safe, and organized maintenance workspace.

·         Identify and report safety risks, equipment concerns, or operational improvement opportunities.

·         Support continuous improvement initiatives related to equipment performance and reliability.

Required Education, Experience, and Competencies:

·         Minimum of 2 years of maintenance experience in a continuous manufacturing environment (food manufacturing preferred).

·         Demonstrated experience troubleshooting and repairing high-speed production and packaging equipment.

·         Strong electrical troubleshooting experience, including motors, control systems, and high-voltage equipment.

·         Experience replacing and repairing mechanical components including bearings, sprockets, chains, gearboxes, belts, and motors.

·         Technical training, trade school certification, or associate degree in Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, or related field. (preferred)

·         Experience in food manufacturing, bakery manufacturing, or similar production environments. (preferred)

·         Refrigeration system troubleshooting and maintenance experience. (preferred)

·         Strong mechanical troubleshooting and repair abilities.

·         Knowledge of industrial maintenance best practices and preventive maintenance programs.

·         Ability to work independently and prioritize maintenance tasks in a fast-paced production environment.

·         Ability to respond effectively to urgent equipment issues and production needs.

·         Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.

·         Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with production and operations teams.

·         Ability to maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

Physical Requirements

·         Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and climb for extended periods.

·         Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds regularly.

·         Ability to work at heights of up to 18 feet using ladders or elevated platforms.

·         Ability to work in refrigerated and temperature-controlled environments.

·         Ability to use hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and maintenance tools safely and effectively.

·         Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with moving mechanical equipment.

·         Exposure to moving mechanical equipment, refrigeration systems, and industrial production machinery.

·         PPE required in designated areas.

·         Company provides tools and a well-equipped, professional work environment.

Additional Role Note:

The duties of this position may change from time to time. PopUp Bagels reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of PopUp Bagels or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general work level. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

PopUp Bagels is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, age, ancestry, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related condition, unemployment status, gender identity or expression, transgender status or gender dysphoria, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, disability, covered veteran and/or military status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, familial status as that term is described under other protected statuses or any other characteristic as protected under applicable federal, state and local law.

We use eVerify to confirm U.S. Employment eligibility