Maintenance Technician

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing production equipment systems, and utilities in a food manufacturing environment. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude as well as experience with welding, electrical systems, and HVAC maintenance. The Maintenance Technician ensures all work is performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with food safety, regulatory, and company standards.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Perform preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance on production and packaging equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Perform welding and fabrication work as needed for equipment repair and structural support.
• Maintain and troubleshoot HVAC systems, including temperature control systems in production/storage areas.
• Install, modify, and maintain industrial electrical systems, including motors, drives, control panels, and sensors.
• Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns to minimize production downtime.
• Assist with equipment installation, upgrades, and commissioning projects.
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, repair records, and work orders.
• Follow and enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety, and sanitation guidelines.
• Support FSMA, HACCP, OSHA, and company safety programs.
• Work collaboratively with production personnel to identify maintenance needs.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Develop a working knowledge of roaster operations, controls, settings, and process flow in order to effectively troubleshoot and repair equipment.
• Train alongside Roaster Operators to understand normal operating conditions, start-up/shutdown procedures, and key quality and safety checkpoints.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control issues specific to roasting equipment and related systems.
• Assist with and perform changeovers, adjustments, calibration, and alignment on roaster equipment as needed.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs for the roaster, including lubrication, inspections, parts replacement, and documentation.
• Respond promptly to equipment alarms, breakdowns, or quality-related issues involving the roaster to minimize downtime and product loss.
• Ensure roaster-related repairs and adjustments are completed in compliance with food-safety, allergen control, and sanitation standards.
• Work collaboratively with Production, QA, and the Roaster Operator to identify recurring issues and recommend permanent corrective actions.
• Assist with general plant cleaning duties as needed, including areas outside your assigned work zone, to support overall facility sanitation and readiness.
• Other responsibilities as directed by leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of maintenance experience in a food manufacturing or food processing facility (required – not optional).
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and repair skills.
• Experience with welding and basic fabrication.
• Hands-on experience with industrial electrical systems.
• HVAC maintenance or service experience required.
• Knowledge of lockout/tagout and industrial safety practices.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Familiarity with GMPs, sanitation, allergen controls, and food safety standards.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, welders, meters, and diagnostic equipment.
• Basic computer skills for maintenance documentation.

Preferred Skills

• HVAC Certification
• Prior experience in nut/peanut, bakery, snack, dairy, meat, or other food environments
• Experience supporting or implementing Preventative or Predictive Maintenance programs
• Knowledge of calibration process for scales, sensors, temperature controls, etc.
• Familiarity with HACCP documentation and inspections.
• Strong communication skills to work cross-functionally with production & QA teams.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and/or walk for prolonged periods (up to 10-12 hours per shift).
• Frequent bending, stooping, crouching, and reaching.
• Use of hands and fingers to handle, feel, and operate tools, machinery, or packaging.
• Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry objects (commonly up to 50 lbs; occasionally up to 75 lbs) with or without assistance.
• Ability to climb stairs or ladders as needed.
• Repetitive hand or arm movements.
• Work performed in a manufacturing/production environment with exposure to:

o Varying temperatures (hot, cold, humid, or non-climate-controlled areas).

o Food-grade dust and allergens (peanuts and peanut dust).

o Moving mechanical parts and moderate noise levels.

• May require use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, hairnets, smocks, hearing protection, and beard nets when applicable.
• Ability to visually inspect products for quality (color, size, packaging integrity).
• Ability to distinguish product defects through sight and touch.
• Sufficient hearing to detect alarms, signals, or verbal instructions over plant noise.
• Ability to remain alert and focused in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to quickly respond to safety hazards or production needs.

Expected hours: No less than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

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

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Maintenance: 3 years (Required)
• Food Manufacturing Maintenance: 3 years (Preferred)
• Electrical: 1 year (Preferred)
• HVAC: 1 year (Preferred)
• Welding: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Overnight Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Suffolk, VA 23434 (Required)

Work Location: In person